Sarah McWaters

Sarah is a board-certified music therapist with four years of experience in pediatric critical care. Sarah’s background in healthcare contributes to her specializations in trauma, medical complexities, and grief and loss. Sarah also has a history of working with inpatient adolescents with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. In 2022, Sarah published her clinical practice project piloting music therapy for mental health in a medical facility in Music Therapy Perspectives. Sarah holds additional certifications in neurologic music therapy (NMT), neonatal intensive music therapy (NICU-MT), and evidence-based practice (EBP-C).

Sarah has experience working with children, adolescents, and families and invites clients of all ages to join her in the therapeutic process. Sarah hopes to help her clients heal from past trauma while also equipping themselves with new perspectives and skills to live their lives in a healthy, fulfilling way. Sarah is a LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.

Sarah is currently pursuing a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. Following graduation, Sarah will become a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Sarah is eager to provide unique, specialized mental health treatment as a dual certified clinician.

 

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music-centered interventions and tools to create clinical change. Music therapists are trained to use music as a medium to address mental, emotional, and physical goals.

Who are music therapists?

Music therapists must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in music therapy, including 1200 hours of clinical training, and pass the national board certification exam. National certification, continuing education, and standards of ethical practice are required for all clinicians. In Georgia, music therapists are also required to hold a state license.

Who does music therapy work for?

The therapeutic use of music can impact us all in individualized ways. Research demonstrates the effectiveness of music therapy for mental health, physical recovery, and social-behavioral functioning. Music therapists work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, rehabilitative centers, prisons, memory care & hospice, and private practice agencies.

Do I need to be a musician to benefit from music therapy?

Certainly not! Music impacts our bodies and brains whether you are a classical pianist or a shower performer. If you find music inspiring and empowering, music therapy could be an effective way to work on your goals and create positive change in your life.

Learn more about music therapy from the American Music Therapy Association at www.musictherapy.org.

Contact Sarah at (FCANG email) to schedule a consultation.