Music + Therapy.

Sounds Good.

Facilitating music therapy and wellness sessions in Midcoast Maine and online.

What we’re aiming for

Empowering Music Experiences

We facilitate client-led music therapy experiences aimed to help explore and express deep emotions and self-concept through music. Music therapy experiences can be receptive (e.g. listening based), re-creational (e.g. recreating pre-existing music), improvisational (e.g. making music up spontaneously), or compositional (e.g. planning music).

Multi-Modal Experiences

We encourage sharing a range of therapeutic techniques and resources to make the therapy process more engaging and dynamic. Clients may find that integrating different methods or a preferred technique keeps sessions interesting and relevant, which can enhance motivation and commitment to the therapeutic process.

Personalized Treatment

We individualized music therapy sessions to fit the unique needs and preferences of each individual. This flexibility allows therapists to address a wider range of issues and adapt their approach as therapy progresses. We are happy to accommodate all ages and abilities.

Safe and Trusting Relationships

We recognize the importance of modeling a firm commitment to authenticity, especially considering the highly personal nature of music and art. Like the feelings that come up in any therapy process, the music we make in sessions can evoke strong feelings and memories. We are uniquely trained to hold a safe space for the full range of self-expression and meaningful connection.

What is PBMT?

PBMT is founded and operated by Dan Wenger, a post-graduate board-certified music therapist. PBMT's fiscal sponsor and home is Midcoast Music Academy (MCMA), a community music school in Rockport Maine. This welcoming hub of wellness and health is open to all ages and abilities and requires no pre-knowledge of music.

Meet Dan

"As an integrative music therapist, I focus on emotional or psychological concerns. My integrative approach is informed primarily by psychodynamic and humanistic principles. I often use improvised music techniques with my clients, as well as composition, songwriting or production, song discussion or lyric analysis, and song recreation.

In my sessions, music offers an opportunity to connect deeply with the self and others."

Our Philosophy

We believe that music is essential to human growth & development.

Music, from its earliest stages in our lives, plays a vital role in shaping our experiences and emotions. It’s not just an art form or a form of entertainment; it’s a fundamental part of our development and self-expression.

As infants, our interactions with music — whether through lullabies, rhythmic sounds, or the musical qualities of speech (also called prosody) — help form our early understanding of communication and emotional expression. This innate connection with music evolves as we grow, and it continues to influence our sense of self and our relationships with the world around us.

As we grow older, our music continues to teach us about ourselves and help us navigate the world around us. It serves us in countless ways, depending on how we’ve learned to use it. We may even lose touch with the music within us. We're here to ask the question: what can your music do for you?

  • We're fostering transformative music-centered relationships.

    Our clients' stories

  • I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to be part of the music therapy program. Through my weekly sessions, I have slowly been able to rebuild my sense of self and purpose while navigating a mental breakdown. I only wish more people could have this opportunity.

    Adult music psychotherapy client

  • The Pen Bay Music Therapy program is unique and so valuable. While I have struggled to find consistent mental health care with providers in the medical setting, my music therapy sessions have provided me great care and encouragement weekly.

    Adult music psychotherapy client

  • My son Jeremy first began seeing Dan in June of 2018.

    My son had many challenges. He struggled with low self-esteem, lacked socialization skills, lacked motivation/interest in anything but self-stimulatory movements and he was often considered non-verbal. Dan began sessions once a week and initially Jeremy would only engage in short spurts needing many breaks. After just a few sessions, Jeremy became excited to see “Dan the music man” (that was our nickname for him) and not only did he become interested and engaged for the entire session, he began playing the instruments and singing along to the fun songs. They even wrote a song together!

  • I appreciate the opportunity to try other instruments in a completely nonjudgemental setting as well. It gets me out of myself.

    Adult music psychotherapy client

  • Working with Dan was a special experience. At that time, I felt fragmented. Dan helped me relate and connect with myself. We navigated trauma and previous experiences that had created blocks within myself. He is forthcoming in his thought process, supportive, and non-judgemental.

    Adult music psychotherapy client

Accessibility

We recognize that cost can be a prohibitive factor for clients wishing to pursue music therapy. To assist with making our services more accessible, we provide a sliding scale available upon request.

Video filmed and produced by Stunt Dog Productions, Inc

Let’s hear you.

We’re here to offer a creative, thoughtful approach to music therapy to everyone, regardless of age or ability. In our sessions, you’ll be supported in a caring and friendly environment as you connect with yourself, the music, and your therapist. Each session is guided by established mental health principles, individualized assessment, and a treatment plan that focuses on helping you reach your personal goals.

Come resonate with us, and experience what music therapy can do for you.