Tom Dalton
Lake Worth Beach,FL
Summary
- Tom excels as a Music Therapist/Licensed Counselor, with groups and individual sessions, blending cognitive-behavioral techniques with innovative music therapy to support mental health and addiction recovery. His empathetic, solution-focused approach and proficiency in therapeutic songwriting and telehealth sessions have significantly aided clients' journeys towards healing, showcasing his exceptional interpersonal skills and therapeutic expertise.
- Diligent music therapist and licensed mental health counselor with comprehensive background in music therapy, fostering emotional and psychological well-being through tailored therapeutic interventions in recovery/ addiction and mental health treatment. Successfully designed and implemented individualized treatment plans to enhance patients' mental health. Demonstrated proficiency in client assessment and therapeutic rapport building.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Music Therapist/licensed Counselor in Recovery
Behavioral Health Centers
07.2022 - Current
- Provided (5) music therapy groups per week for residential and PHP programs for clients with mental health and addiction recovery needs.
- Provides weekly Telehealth sessions for multiple clients with mental health and addiction problems, including PTSD from childhood abuse, relationship distress, prolonged grief disorder in addition to substance abuse.
- Interventions included music therapy drumming circles, therapeutic songwriting, lyric analysis of songs relevant in recovery process, singing, rap, music improvisation and verbal processing/discussion. Live music on guitar and voice used to engaged group members. Use of live recording of original songs created in session.
- Topic areas covered in groups and individual sessions include use of positive affirmations and music, anger processing/release on drums, developing support systems, role play with group members working on communication skills, motivational music, changing negative thought patterns, planning one's life schedule and activities after recovery program, building self-esteem, preventing relapse, gratefulness, blues songwriting, guided imagery, music and meditation, dealing with grief and loss, forgiveness, dealing with stress and anxiety, embracing change, self care, the power of positive intention,
Education
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling
University of Sarasota
Sarasota, FLBachelor of Arts - Music Therapy
California Stat University Long Beach
Long Beach, CASkills
- Tom’s therapy style is open, caring, positive, meeting clients where they are He believes in treating people with the utmost respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and offering unconditional positive regard
- His approach combines person centered, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, eclectic, and family system philosophies
- Tom combines empathy with a solution-based approach and tailors his treatment plan as needed Combining mental health counseling with music therapy offers a unique approach in meeting his client’s unique and specific needs
Accomplishments
- Tom has been featured on TV, radio, newspapers and acknowledged nationally for his work in music and music therapy.
- He was featured on local radio stations and on WPTV for his album “Hurricane Songs for Kids and was named an unsung hero by the Sun Sentinel for his work with hospice patients and their families.
- Tom was the 2019 recipient of the Sunshine Health award from the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and also received the Carol Bern’s Service Award from the Children’s Bereavement Center for “unparalleled dedication and compassion for those in bereavement.
- Tom also received the prestigious “Breakthrough Award” from the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association for his research and development of the Music Therapy and MIDI Protocol with hospice patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). He developed the device and protocol working with his mother who battled COPD in her later years.
- Tom received the State of California Sustained Superior Accomplishment from the governor and the Employee of the Year award from Agnew’s Developmental Center.
- Tom is a published author in multiple journals and books on his work in music therapy and in developing The Grief Songwriting Process with bereaved adolescents and teens and is a regular presenter on music therapy at local, state, and national conferences.
Certification
- Board Certified Music Therapist
- ASDCS - Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
- ADHD-CCSP - Certified ADHD Professional
Timeline
Music Therapist/licensed Counselor in Recovery
Behavioral Health Centers
07.2022 - Current
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling
University of Sarasota
Bachelor of Arts - Music Therapy
California Stat University Long Beach
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