Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Embler.
Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am the founder and owner of Palmetto Music Therapy Services based in Mt. Pleasant, SC. I started my career as a music therapist 34 years ago. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy from Charleston Southern University where my passion for my life’s work began and where I fell in love with the beautiful Lowcountry.
When I first learned of music therapy in high school, I knew it was exactly what God had prepared me to do. I was immediately intrigued with this fairly new field. Music had been such an important aspect of my entire life so it was only natural for me to become a music therapist. I could combine my love for music with my desire to help others.
I’ve had the privilege throughout my career to work with individuals diagnosed with Autism, Downs Syndrome, developmental delays, genetic disorders, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, speech/language impairments, visual/hearing impairments, physical impairments, mental health issues, substance abuse issues, memory care issues, and those with rehabilitative needs.
It is truly amazing when you see what music can do and how it can help others. When you witness a child saying “Momma” for the first time through the aid of song, or you see an older gentleman with dementia weep because you just sang he and his wife’s favorite song, or when you witness the nonverbal teen pluck the exact notes on the guitar at just the right moments as he smiles with pleasure and gratitude, or you witness the child who is motivated by music to accomplish goal after goal after goal – all of these are experiences that live with you for a lifetime.
There are so many wonderful “music therapy memories” that I have and it is because of these memories and special moments that motivated me to start my private practice. I wanted to widen the reach of what my agency could do by expanding it. I started Palmetto Music Therapy Services over 25 years ago to further this desire to provide the highest standards of care as a music therapy agency.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my career, I have worked diligently to teach others, and specifically, the Charleston community, what Music Therapy is and what the power of music can do. When I first began my career, it seemed like no one knew what Music Therapy was. Today I feel that that has changed. Today we have local charities that support our work because music therapy is not a covered service under most insurances, we work in many special education classrooms throughout the Lowcountry, we provide many individuals with one-on-one services, we provide services to local memory care and skilled nursing programs, and we are continuing to expand.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Palmetto Music Therapy Service’s mission is to use therapeutic musical techniques to improve the quality of life for each individual we work with, to create opportunities for success, to make a positive difference in each life, and to help each individual gain their highest potential.
“Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improved the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illness.” (American Music Therapy Association)
Palmetto Music Therapy Services works with individuals, small groups, large groups, local schools, early intervention programs, adult life skill programs, and geriatric facilities to name a few. We provide services for individuals aged 0-100+.
We have 3 nationally board-certified music therapists on staff. We also provide university-affiliated music therapy internship experiences.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
We meet the individualized needs of each of our clients. We utilize a wide variety of techniques that include but are not limited to:
– songwriting
– movement to music
– vocal and/or instrumental improvisation
– singing
– instrument play
– music listening
– music assisted relaxation
– individual or group performances
– musical games
– drumming
– reflective/receptive interventions
– specifically composed and targeted songs
Our Music Therapists help clients practice targeted skills, such as improving life skills, improving sensory/motor skills, improving social and communication skills, improving gross and fine motor skills, improving academic and cognitive functioning, improving mood, memory recall, anxiety, and stress reduction and improving physical rehabilitation.
What matters is that we meet the individual where they are by finding their strengths and needs and finding what music or instrument or invention best works for them. We then skillfully apply the different techniques and interventions to help the individual find success.
Each of the individuals and families we work with teach us so much, enrich our lives so much, and we feel so privileged to have the opportunities to work with them. We truly believe in what we do and love what we do!
Please contact us if you have questions about music therapy or would like to inquire about our services.
Kim Embler, MT-BC
Founder, Owner, Program Director
Palmetto Music Therapy Services, LLC
365 Stringer Alley
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 906-2543
Kim.palmettomusictherapy@gmail.com
www.palmettomusictherapyservices.com
Contact Info:
- Email: kim.palmettomusictherapy@gmail.com
- Website: palmettomusictherapyservices.com
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Palmetto Music Therapy Services
