Rebekah Peyton

I am a board-certified music therapist based in the Erie area. I completed my Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at Mercyhurst University in 2022, where I acquired substantial clinical experience. My 1,000+ hour internship was completed at Harborcreek Youth Services, where I worked with adolescents aged 10-18.

Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice that employs music interventions to achieve personalized therapeutic goals within a professional therapeutic relationship. As a credentialed professional, I am trained to utilize music to address non-musical objectives and enhance overall well-being.

Core Areas of Practice:

Musical Improvisation: Utilized to alleviate anxiety and stress, and to improve communication and behavioral attention issues in children and young adults.
Songwriting: Facilitates emotional expression, trauma processing, and self-development for individuals and groups.
Lyric Analysis: Aids in understanding and processing emotions related to death, loss, grief, and provides a sense of normalcy.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in Carl Rogers' concept of unconditional positive regard, focusing on meeting clients where they are and offering comprehensive support. Each service is customized to prioritize the client's unique needs. I am particularly passionate about working with younger populations, employing techniques such as songwriting, lyric analysis, and musical improvisation to address behavioral and emotional challenges. I have experience working with clients diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, ODD, GAD, OCD, OCPD, and related conditions. I believe in the universal benefits of music therapy across emotional, behavioral, physical, and spiritual contexts.

Additionally, I offer adapted instrument lessons in guitar, piano, bass, percussion, saxophone, and clarinet, providing tailored support to students requiring additional assistance or those who benefit from mentorship.

Outside of my professional practice, I support indie and local music, participate in a book club, engage in watercolor landscapes and digital art projects, and am an enthusiastic wrestling fan. I draw inspiration from diverse experiences to foster positive connections and build lasting relationships.