Bringing The Healing Power of Music Therapy to Hilltop

Dec 18, 2024 | Blog, family services, mental health services

HIlltop
At Hilltop Child and Family Development Center, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity for a bright and successful future. This year, we are proud to partner with Midwest Music Therapy to offer music therapy services to the children of Hilltop. Research underscores how profoundly music therapy can impact children’s mental health, social skills, and overall development, and we’re thrilled to see these benefits unfolding in our young learners. The Children and families of Hilltop will have access to both group and individual music therapy sessions thanks to the generous support of the St. Louis County Children’s Services Fund.

How Music Therapy Supports Healing And Growth

Music therapy provides a therapeutic outlet that’s both enjoyable and deeply effective. By using structured yet creative music interventions, this therapy helps children build essential coping skills, manage stress, and improve their mental health and quality of life.

Many children in North St. Louis face challenges that include complex trauma, and for these young individuals, music therapy is an invaluable tool. By reducing hyper-arousal and avoidance behaviors, music therapy creates a safe environment where kids can engage socially, develop new skills, and build supportive relationships. Providing this service allows our students to relax and open up, making it possible for them to express themselves and form positive connections with peers and mentors.

Benefits of Music Therapy

Music therapy is adaptable and an effect way to support healthy mental development. A child’s early years are vital for emotional and cognitive development. Music therapy helps preschoolers at Hilltop develop communication skills, especially children with developmental delays or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through rhythm, melody, and movement, children find a safe space to express themselves, fostering resilience and growth in ways that go beyond words.

Music Therapy Adds To Our Wrap-Around Approach To Care

At Hilltop, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive, joyful environment where children can learn, grow, and develop the foundations for success. We are proud to not only provide a high-quality education for the children we serve, but also provide on-site behavioral health services, parenting education, in-home support services and health screenings to the whole family unit. By incorporating music therapy into these services, we are providing a holistic, wrap-around approach to care that supports success for our kids, their family and the community at large.

Every note played, every rhythm felt, and every song sung is a step towards healing and self-discovery. This holiday season, we are immensely grateful to offer the gift of music therapy, knowing that its positive impact will resonate in our children’s lives long after each session.

Thanks to Midwest Music Therapy and St. Louis County Children’s Services Fund for their support in making this transformative program possible. Together, we’re building brighter, stronger futures for the children of Hilltop Child and Family Development Center!