About
Music Therapy
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice that utilizes music intervention to reach a desired goal and utilizes a holistic approach addressing emotional, physical, spiritual, cognitive, and social needs.
Music therapy is provided by credentialed Music Therapists who have completed a minimum of bachelor level education from an accredited program, clinical experience and training. Music therapists are required to maintain certification through the national Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
My Mission
Nurturing Melodies is committed to providing services that provide support centered on individual needs through one-to-one or group music therapy services. Nurturing Melodies strives to support and empower individuals to grow and recognize their strengths.
Melissa Howard
Melissa Howard, LPC, LPMT
Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Professional Music Therapist
Certified Birth and Bereavement Doula
I have been practicing Music Therapy since 2007, am a member of the American Music Therapy Association, and have been the Continuing Education Chair for the Illinois Association for Music Therapy since 2009.
After I completed my undergraduate coursework at Western Illinois University, I was selected for the Music Therapy internship at University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center. UIC Medical Center provided me with experience as a medical music therapist in various areas of the hospital including: maternity, rehabilitation, pediatrics, pediatric intensive care, and neonatal intensive care. However, my main concentration at that time was in inpatient behavioral health. Upon completing my internship, I had the privilege of providing hospice music therapy services for many pediatric and adult clients and their families. I collaborated with bereavement staff to create and facilitate monthly music therapy groups, facilitated youth bereavement summer camps, and provided music for both public and private memorial services.
In 2012, I began my private practice which has allowed me to do both group and individual work with nursing facilities, as well as inpatient behavioral health for geriatric, adult, and adolescent populations. Since 2013, I have completed several courses in perinatal music therapy, and am a certified Stillbirthday Doula. I consistently explore and enroll in continuing education courses and have found that music therapy is uniquely suited in the utilization and practice of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Governors State University.
