Tried traditional talk therapy and it didn’t work for you?
Have you or your loved one found difficulty in expressing yourself in other treatment settings? Do you struggle with verbal communication? Are you ready to try something new? Creative arts therapies just might be the right fit for you. Learn more about our individualized music therapy services.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a treatment modality that utilizes music to address the spiritual, emotional, social, and/or physical needs of individuals and their families. Music therapy can look different for different people. Here are some examples of what music therapy can look like:
- A neurodivergent individual communicating through instruments or singing when they are unable to express themselves through words.
- Using familiar songs to assist someone with dementia in connecting with others and remembering stories from their life.
- A group of people singing together or playing instruments together to connect with one another and create meaning together.
- An individual co-writing a song or improvising on instruments in order to make meaning for themselves or a something going on in their life.
- Someone who might want to leave a legacy through musical expression for their family after they have passed away.
- A parent who connects with their child through musical outlets and creativity.
For more information, visit musictherapy.org
Who are we?
Ruby Sandham, MMT, MT-BC is the founder and music therapist of Joy in Harmony Music Therapy and Counseling. Ruby was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA near Robinson Township. She graduated with her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Baldwin Wallace University in 2016. Her primary instrument is piano and also took lessons in voice, guitar, and organ. Ruby completed her music therapy internship at Blue Ridge Hospice in Winchester, VA in 2017. Since then, Ruby has worked as a music therapist in southern Indiana, Tallahassee, FL, and then back to Pittsburgh. She has over 10 years of experience in engaging with people through music including working in hospices, community programs, private practice, hospitals, churches, rehabilitation, memory care, education, and teaching lessons. Ruby has been a board certified music therapist since 2017. She recently graduated with her Masters of Music Therapy with a clinical mental health counseling endorsement at Slippery Rock University. In her free time, she enjoys making music, walking outside, and participating in textile arts.
Specialties: grief and loss, existential/humanistic therapy, women’s issues, pregnancy and postpartum, anxiety/depression, identity, aging/memory disorders, faith and spirituality, and mindfulness.
Where are we?
Joy in Harmony currently travels throughout Butler and Allegheny Counties serving clients in their homes and at facilities. Offices coming soon in Coraopolis and Harmony, PA.
Joy in Harmony 