Ian Vereen, MA, MT-BC, NMT

Therapist - Downingtown Office

$150/hour

Ian (he/him) works from person-centered, trauma informed, and relationship-based perspective. He believes in following the lead of his clients, as they are the experts in their lived experiences while supporting them in their emotional and developmental growth. Ian draws on his experience as a board certified music therapist, neurodivergent individual, and special education advocate to inform his work with his clients and families.

Ian is an active member of Mensa and in his free time enjoys weekly puzzle and trivia nights with his family, spending time exploring NYC, and attending concerts and local art shows. 

Special Areas of Focus - Children ages 0-12 and their families • Autism spectrum disorder • ADHD and executive functioning difficulties • OCD • ODD • Giftedness/Twice exceptional (2e*) • Tourette’s • Learning disabilities • Sensory Processing Disorder • Synesthesia •Anxiety • Developmental Delay • Disruptive/Aggressive behaviors • Trauma • Foster child/parent relationships (ages 10-17) • Parent coaching

Education/Experience - BA in Music Therapy, Montclair State University • MA in Music Therapy, Montclair State University • Counseling alternate route, Temple University • The Center for Neurologic & Neurodevelopmental Health, Voorhees, NJ • Young Children’s Center for the Arts, Philadelphia, PA • Green Tree School & Services, Philadelphia, PA • Neuroscapes: Music Therapy & Integrated Services State of NJ, Essex County State Hospital, Cedar Grove, NJ • Ben Samuels Children’s Center, Little Falls, NJ • Adjunct Therapist Penn Medicine, Princeton, NJ • Adjunct Professor of Music Therapy, Rowan University • Music Therapy Clinical Supervisor Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Specialty Training/Certifications - Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) • Certified Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT) • Cognitive Behavioral Music Therapy (CBMT) • DIRFloortime • Crisis Prevention Intervention • Specialized Training in the Individual Music-Centered Assessment Profile for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (IMCAP-ND) • Specialized Training in Improvisation Assessment Profiles (IAPs) • Augmentative & Alternate Communication for children with ASD

  • The American Music Therapy Association defines Music Therapy (AMTA) as the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

    Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals:

    • Promote Wellness

    • Manage Stress

    • Alleviate Pain

    • Express Feelings

    • Enhance Memory

    • Improve Communication

    • Promote Physical Rehabilitation

    Music therapy can be effective in addressing developmental needs in the following ways:

    • Rhythm and music may be used to support development in many areas, including: communication skills, attention and interaction, and movement/motor skills.

    • Music provides concrete multi-sensory stimulation, through auditory, visual, tactile and proprioceptive senses. The rhythmic component of music is very organizing for the sensory systems and supports emotional and behavioral regulation. Auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, gross and fine motor skills can be enhanced through music therapy.

    • Musical elements and structure provide a sense of security and familiarity in the music therapy setting, encouraging clients to attempt new tasks within this predictable but malleable framework.

    • Music builds trusting relationships, forming a strong basis for learning, self- expression, and communication.

    • Enhancing parent-child interactions is an integral aspect of music therapy sessions. Music may be a comfortable and very effective medium to support the parent-child relationship and the child s capacity in social interactions.

    • Music captures and helps maintain attention. It is highly motivating and can support sustained engagement and a flow of back-and-forth interactions.

    • Music therapy can enable those without language to communicate, participate, and express themselves non-verbally, through sounds, gestures, eye gaze and signs. Very often music therapy also assists in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language skills. The interpersonal timing and reciprocity in shared play, turn taking, listening, and responding to another person can accommodate to individual styles of communication.

    • Music therapy provides opportunities to organize affect and practice appropriate expression of various emotions.

    For more information, click here.