FAQ

How does vibroacoustic harp therapy work?

During a VAHT session, live harp music is amplified through a sound table, chair, or vibrotactile device. Clients are asked to focus on areas of tension/pain in the body, while specific tones that resonate in those areas are identified. Each client experiences the musical tones in different ways at different times; therefore the therapy is a very dynamic process and is tailored to the unique individual. Appropriate music is improvised or selected, based on the client's needs. When the client is relaxed, abstract thinking slows and awareness expands. VAHT often produces responses such as deep relaxation, dream-like imagery, pain, and tension reduction, increased energy, increased body awareness, and feelings of being nurtured. Imagery often provides new awareness, positive reframing, and/or processing and integration of psychological material. The client/therapist interaction allows for immediate responses in the course of the session.

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What happens during a session?

Clients are fully clothed with no physical touch.  You will rest comfortably while gentle harp sound and vibration are offered. The experience is quiet and non-verbal, allowing the body to respond naturally. Many clients notice a slowing of breath, a sense of grounding or a softening of tension as the nervous system begins to settle.

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How does this support the nervous system?

Sound and vibration engage the body through sensory pathways that influence the stress response. Rather than working cognitively, the resonance of the harp supports regulation by encouraging the nervous system to shift toward calm, safety and balance.

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Is this music therapy?

A Touch of My Harp is a vibroacoustic, body-centered sound experience focused on nervous system regulation and relaxation. It is not psychotherapy or clinical music therapy, but it may complement therapeutic, medical or wellness care.

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Do I need to do anything during the session?

No. There is nothing to achieve or perform. You are simply invited to rest and receive. The body responds in its own way and time.

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What might I feel afterward?

Experiences vary. Some people feel deeply relaxed or grounded, while others notice subtle shifts in awareness, breath or emotional state. Occasionally, sensations may continue to unfold over the hours or days following a session as the nervous system integrates.

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Who is this for?

This work may be supportive for individuals experiencing stress, overwhelm, nervous system dysregulation, emotional fatigue or difficulty relaxing. It is also well-suited for those seeking gentle, non-verbal support as part of a broader wellness or therapeutic approach.

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Is this appropriate if I’m working with a therapist or healthcare provider?

Yes. Sessions are designed to be complementary and can fit alongside psychotherapy, bodywork or medical care. Always consult your provider if you have specific medical or mental health concerns.

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Are there any contraindications?

Vibroacoustic sound work is generally gentle, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. Please reach out before booking if you have concerns such as sound sensitivity, seizure disorders or other medical considerations.​

 

How do I book a session?

Sessions can be booked through the website. If you have questions or are unsure whether this work is a good fit, you are welcome to reach out before scheduling.​

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Are walk-ins and same-day appointments available?

In order to provide each client with their very best experience, walk-in appointments are not available.  Same day appointments may be available by call or text.​

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How long is a session?

Session lengths vary depending on the offering. Details are provided at booking, and time is always included for settling in and integration afterward.

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Do you offer couples sessions?

Couples may schedule back-to-back appointments.

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What are your Rates?

Please refer to our booking page on our website.

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What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash or Check.  Credit Card + 3%

 

​Are these services covered by health insurance?      

Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover a VAHT session at this time                                                                                                                   

What are your appointment hours?

Appointment hours vary, please refer to our booking page for availability.
If you need to schedule outside of these times, please call 810-841-0375.  I am happy to accommodate when possible.  Questions, concerns etc. may be addressed by phone

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What is the cancellation policy? 

Cancellations must be made no less than 24 hrs. prior to appointment. 

Please call or text, we would be happy to reschedule at your convenience.

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What if I am late arriving to my appointment?

Clients arriving no more than 15 minutes late will be seen, however, the session may need to be limited to ensure the practitioner ample time to prepare for the next appointment.

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What are your qualifications?

Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner, Sept. 2013 International Harp Therapy Program*
Virboacoustic Harp Therapy Practitioner, May 2021 Vibroacoustic Harp Therapy Training  Program**
Harp Therapy and Guided Imagery Online Course - Level 1, July 2021, Arpamagica

     *Accredited Program      **Affiliate Program

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How long in business?

A Touch Of My Harp was formed in 2013. 

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What is the difference between a Therapeutic Musician and a Music Therapist?

The music therapist uses musical instruments and music-making as therapeutic tools to promote measurable changes in quality of life.  The therapeutic harp practitioner uses live music to provide an environment conducive to the human healing process.

 

What is Therapeutic Music?

Therapeutic music is live acoustic music, played or sung, and specifically tailored to the patient’s immediate need. It is an art based on the science of sound.  A therapeutic musician uses the inherent healing elements of live music and sound to enhance the environment for patients in healthcare settings, making it more conducive to the human healing process.

 

Where would a Therapeutic Musician work?

Therapeutic musicians work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, but primarily at the bedside of patients in clinical environments including hospitals, highly skilled nursing, treatment centers, nursing homes and hospice (palliative care) facilities. In the hospital, they may work in areas that include pre-op, recovery, ambulatory care, extended care, emergency room, surgical intensive care, intensive care, neonatal intensive care, pediatric, psychiatric, dialysis and cancer treatment units. Therapeutic musicians may also work in massage and physical therapy, educational institutions, chiropractic and dental offices.

How is a Recipient’s Environment Enhanced?

A therapeutic musician enhances the environment by applying therapeutic music.
The purpose is not to entertain or to give a performance.
The intention is to promote healing – as opposed to curing – by bringing the body, mind, and spirit into balance. Healing is a holistic view of human health pertaining to all aspects of the human being – mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness – not just the physical aspect. Curing is done by doctors and mainstream, or allopathic medicine.
The music affects the whole person because the effects are four-fold:  Physical    •  Emotional     •  Mental    •  Spiritual
Music is often provided one-on-one in practice.

 

Who Benefits from Therapeutic Music?

Those who commonly greatly benefit are persons experiencing life’s transitions, such as birthing and dying, and those experiencing a terminal illness, injury, chronic illness, and/or disease. This may include babies in NICU, patients in Hospice care, people recovering from strokes and other TBI, and children coping with life-threatening or emotional crises. Facility staff and family members accompanying the patient also benefit from the music.

 

What are the Benefits of Therapeutic Music?

Benefits can include, but are not limited to:
o  Distraction     

o  Disassociation from the present situation     

o  Refocus of attention
o  Reprieve from the present situation     

o  Bridge for communication between loved ones
o  Relieving anxiety of the critically ill    

o  Augmenting pain management
o  Reducing stress and blood pressure of the chronically ill     

o  Altering the sense of time        

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More detailed information on Therapeutic Music and Accredited Programs 

can be found at nsbtm.org

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