Beyond Words: Music Therapy for Comfort, Connection, and Dignity at the End of Life
PRESENTER: Grant Howath, MA, LPC, MT-BC
WHEN: Saturday, March 8, 2025 @ 10:00AM-12:00PM Central
This presentation explores the unique benefits of music therapy within the context of hospice and palliative care. We will delve into the definition and scope of music therapy in hospice care, end of life treatment, and bereavement. The presentation will explore the development of a music therapy program, how music therapy can address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families, and the addition of music therapy into bereavement programs. Ethical considerations, such as respecting patient autonomy and cultural sensitivity, will also be addressed. Through case studies, education, and experiential learning, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the practical applications of music therapy in end-of-life care.
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Author Bio:
Grant is an East Texas native, born and raised. He completed his undergraduate degree in Music Therapy through Sam Houston State University and his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Stephen F. Austin State University. He has worked as a hospice therapist from 2015-2024, and as a private practice therapist since 2021.
Grant’s passions lie in community activism, education, and supportive services. He’s held regional and national positions through AMTA from workforce development to the DEI committee. He has experience working with neurodivergent individuals, adolescents with emotional behavioral disorders and autism, and gerontology, and specializes in trauma, grief, ADHD, and working with the LGBTQIA2+ community.
Grant’s therapeutic goal is to create a brave space for people to process, empower self-awareness, and cultivate a life story that best supports and serves their needs. Through community education and by combining music therapy, gestalt therapy, and narrative therapy, Grant hopes to support people as they learn more about themselves and their needs