Available for new work opportunities
WNC Asheville Music Therapy
Go Deep. Have Fun. Feel Better.
Jodi McLaren, Board Certified Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow.
Music therapy for addiction and mental health programs
Music therapy builds rapport quickly, often in minutes rather than weeks, and can reach clients who seem disengaged. Participants describe the groups as more helpful and engaging than talk-based or worksheet-based sessions. They feel more connected, work better as a group, and laugh more. Men often open up emotionally, and women, trans, and queer participants often value the creative outlet.
"I haven't laughed or smiled like this in a long time."
"I wish we could have this group more often."
What it means for staff
- Clients tend to be in better moods, so the workplace is more pleasant.
- Clients are more motivated to continue recovery, which can improve program outcomes.
- Clients who feel safe and relaxed create fewer incidents for staff to manage.
- Staff see clients' creative and joyful sides, which makes the work more meaningful.
Ready to find out if music therapy is a good fit for your WNC program? Let's talk.
What people say
“Jodi was reliable, flexible, and able to adapt easily to clients’ diverse personalities and the ever-changing therapeutic environment. She created a safe, welcoming space where participants felt comfortable engaging in the process. The clients not only thoroughly enjoyed the sessions but also showed increased emotional engagement and positive participation as a result of her work.”
“In our discharge surveys, music therapy is often mentioned as a key contributor to healthy progress and successful discharges from our programming. The team has witnessed firsthand the impact of Jodi’s work — clients often leave groups feeling more confident, calm, and engaged.”
“Jodi is an absolute necessity to our team at Renown Children’s Hospital. As a child life specialist one of my main roles is to ensure that I am offering the tools necessary to help our littlest patients cope with their environment in a healthy way. One of the most successful methods to help them cope is something I’m incapable of, but that Jodi is a master in—music therapy. There are no language or social barriers in the world of music and because of that, Jodi is able to speak to so many of our patients.”
“It is always a pleasure to know that Jodi is coming to work with us. Whether it is a group of patients, or one on one, her gentle and creative spirit never fails to draw out even the most shy patients. She has an easy going sense of humor that puts people at ease. We see the power of love and music in action every time she visits.”
“I truly learned so much from working with Jodi and our vets. The project truly warmed my heart and her wisdom will follow me on future projects as I begin to incorporate more music into my creative endeavors.”
About Jodi
I'm a Board Certified Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow focused on physical, mental, and emotional healing through music. I've worked in inpatient mental health facilities, schools, prisons, hospitals, methadone clinics, addiction treatment centers, and indigenous community centers.
- Led WNC recovery groups
- Supported a stroke survivor with expressive aphasia
- Led songwriting programs in two state prisons
- Co-created the Reno Lullaby Project (2017)
- First to provide music therapy in Washoe County public schools through an IEP
I'm also a certified ReBloom Coach trained in post-traumatic growth and trauma resolution, and I offer one-on-one work combining music, music therapy, and coaching. I'm committed to equity and anti-racism.
Press
- US News: Music Program at Carson City Prison Helping Inmates
- KUNR Public Radio: Healing with Music Therapy
- KNPB: ArtEffects TV Episode
- 2 News TV: Music Therapy for Stroke Victims
- BestMedicine: Music Helps Heal Hit and Run Patient
- Podcast: Music Therapy at St. Paul Island Indigenous Community
- Featured 2021 Seminar Speaker, Ring Lake Ranch
Guided meditations
Three live guided meditations with music, used in my music therapy groups, that may help with anxiety, stress, relaxation, mood, and sleep. Listen on YouTube.