FairHope music

FairHope music therapist in tune with latest neurological research

Erin Spring

LANCASTER — FairHope Music Therapist Erin K. Spring, MM, MT-BC, recently participated in a four-day neurological music therapy training seminar.
The four-day training, dealing with the latest research in music therapy, was held near Chicago, Ill. The seminar was conducted by renowned researchers Dr. Michael Thaut, Corene Thaut, Dr. James Gardner, Dr. Gerald McIntosh, and Dr. Blythe LaGasse.
The training provides therapists with advanced clinical training and advanced scientific knowledge in the field of NMT.
Spring has been a board-certified music therapist practicing in this area since 2007. She is a member of the Association of Ohio Music Therapists and the American Music Therapy Association.
“Erin is such a blessing to our patients,” said Denise Bauer, CEO of FairHope Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. “In one instance, a patient who had not communicated in years began to sing with Erin. The patient’s spouse said it was a miracle.”
Neurological Music Therapy is defined as the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor function due to neurological disease of the human nervous system. Neurologic Music Therapy is research-based.
Its treatment techniques are based on the scientific knowledge in music perception and production, and the effects thereof on non-musical brain and behavior functions.
Populations served by neurological music therapists include, but are not limited to, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s Disease, autism and other neurological diseases effecting cognition, movement, and communication (such as MS and Muscular Dystrophy).
FairHope Hospice and Palliative Care is the fourth hospice certified in the State of Ohio serving terminally-ill patients and their families, allowing individuals the right to die with dignity in peace and comfort.
FairHope Hospice neither postpones nor hastens death; it simply exits to give support to patients and their families so they may maintain a measure of mental and spiritual support during time of need.
FairHope is a non-profit organization serving Fairfield, Hocking, and Perry Counties providing end-of-life care.
Although most patients have insurance coverage, care is provided regardless of ability to pay.