Learning Objectives
References to items on the CBMT Scope of Practice are based on the Practice Analysis Study of 2024. Those registered for Successful Approaches for Older Adults with Varying Abilities will develop or improve their abilities to use music therapeutically in older adult settings for both individual and group sessions. Participants will learn about implementation and structure of therapy techniques and how to implement the methods in an effective manner.
Successful Approaches for Older Adults with Varying Abilities addresses these specific competencies in the current CBMT Board Certification Domains:
II. Referral, Assessment, Interpretation of Assessment, and Treatment Planning (2B. 12, 16, 18, 19)
III. Treatment Implementation & Documentation (3A. 1-3, 7, 8, 11; 31-33, 36, 39)
Learning Objective 1
2025 Domains:
II. 2B. 12, 16, 18, 19
III. 3A 1-3 & 7, 31-33, 36, 39 | Create a themed session plan with content and interventions appropriate for older adult populations.
II. Referral, Assessment, Interpretation of Assessment, and Treatment Planning
III. Treatment Implementation & Documentation |
Learning Objective 2
2025 Domains:
II. 2B. 12, 16, 18, 19
III. 3A 3, 7, 11, 32, 36 | Explain considerations for selecting recorded music for use in older-adult movement interventions.
II. Referral, Assessment, Interpretation of Assessment, and Treatment Planning
III. Treatment Implementation & Documentation |
Learning Objective 3
2025 Domains:
III. 3A. 1-3, 7, 11, 39 | Create a repertoire of 25 songs to use with older adults.
III. Treatment Implementation & Documentation |
Learning Objective 4
2025 Domains:
III. 3A-7, 8, 10, 36, 39 | Compose a blues song to facilitate group blues songwriting.
III. Treatment Implementation & Documentation |
Melissa Wargo-Geesen, MT–BC
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Music Degree at »Kent State University in 1988 and her Music Therapy Equivalency Degree from »Baldwin Wallace College in 1993. Since completing her internship at »Philhaven short-term psychiatric hospital in central Pennsylvania, Melissa has focused on and served the geriatric population as a music therapist and activities director at numerous long-term care facilities in the Akron, Canton, and Greater Cleveland areas. Throughout the 1990s, Melissa was a frequent presenter at local and national music therapy conferences. And in 1997, WEWS TV ABC News Channel 5 documented Melissa’s work in the Alzheimer’s disease field. For the last five years, Melissa has mainly been providing services for hospice patients at Vinney Montefiore Hospice in Beachwood, Ohio.
