Mendi Music Therapy

Maximo Mendizabal, MMT, MTL, MT-BC

More About Music Therapy

Music, vulnerability, and trust are deeply interconnected in the therapeutic process. Music-making is an inherently vulnerable act—it invites us to express feelings, thoughts, and emotions that we might not otherwise have words for. When we engage in music with others, whether through playing, singing, or listening, we open ourselves up to connection, sharing not just a sound but a part of our internal world.

Vulnerability in music therapy allows for authentic expression. It encourages clients to step outside their comfort zones, to explore their emotions and experiences in a safe space. In this way, music becomes a powerful tool for healing, offering a way to navigate complex feelings, especially when words may fall short. This vulnerability, however, isn’t something to fear—rather, it is a gateway to growth and transformation.

Trust plays a crucial role in this process. To be vulnerable, we need to feel safe, seen, and understood. In music therapy, trust is built over time, as the therapist and client engage in shared musical experiences. As clients begin to trust both the process and the therapist, they feel empowered to take risks, explore new musical expressions, and build deeper emotional awareness.

Together, music, vulnerability, and trust create a dynamic environment for personal growth. Music provides the medium, vulnerability offers the space for self-discovery, and trust nurtures the relationship that makes the entire process possible. In this way, the therapeutic journey is not just about the music itself, but about the human connections and trust that are forged through it.

Music therapy services with a neurodiverse affirmative approach involves embracing the idea that all neurological experiences are valid, and focusing on how music therapy can support individuals in a way that celebrates their strengths, needs, and identities. It’s about shifting the narrative from “fixing” or “treating” neurodiverse individuals to highlighting empowerment, inclusion, and personalized support through music.