Archive for Sam
Hospice Testimonials
“My brother, my sister, and I all agree that your music time with our dear mother was the highlight of her [final] week. It brought her such great blessing as well as to us when we got to be with you!”–Daughter of patient–L.B.
“Dad is on hospice now so I may not see you again, but the more I’ve come around here and seen what you do, the more I realize how important what you do is: their bodies may be broken, but their spirits are still in there. You treat their spirits with your gentleness and kindness-and that’s important.”–Son of patient–B.S.
“You can stay and sing all day… That’s the most at ease I’ve seen her all afternoon… Earlier she was trying to climb out of her bed. Now she’s so relaxed.”–Nurse T.J., patient–S.B.
“I wanted to tell you–Mom passed [away] 5 minutes after you walked out the door… It was just beautiful. I think she may have been waiting for you. She just loved music… You led her home!”–Daughter of patient–L.R.
I’m featured in the Fall 2012 issue of Westways Magazine!
My work with people with Alzheimer’s Disease is featured in Westways, the Quarterly Magazine of The James L. West Alzheimer Center: “Sam knows each individual by name and tailors his sessions to each level of participation… There is no doubt as to the benefit of Sam and his music when you see a resident’s eyes light up.”
Testimonials
“You have no idea what you just did for us! You should have seen this place before you got here! You just lifted us up way high!”–Client F.
“Ever since we began meeting, my depression has gone away. This [Music therapy] is what has helped me the most out of anything.”—Client C.A.
“That was better than my chemical of choice. I am completely relaxed. My mind is clear. All my worries are gone.”–Client G.F.
“As I told you at the beginning of the session, my pain never gets below a ‘3’ or ‘4’—even with drugs. Now I’m at a ‘1.’ I can’t believe it!”—Client M.K.
“This helped me a lot with what I’m dealing with right now. It made me happy… I’ll be happy for the rest of the day.”—Client J.H.
“Yesterday was my first day [in treatment] and I was anxious—until music therapy. Afterwards I was calm and it really helped me to say ‘Okay, I can do this.”—Client M.S.
Father of patient–C.T.: “It was hard to convince C. to come to treatment, but when we told him there was going to be music therapy here, it was easier. He knew it was the place for him.”
“I didn’t know how to relax until I met with Sam. I’ve used the breathing techniques he taught me and it really helped. I take medications to help me sleep but for those to work you still have to be able to relax.”—Client K.H.
“When I heard we were having music therapy I thought I had checked into the wrong place, but then I went to one of the groups. It was so amazing.”—Client D.W.
“I’m using that stuff you taught me… I had a panic attack the other day. It was late and my counselor wasn’t there, so I [pt described using a relaxation technique learned in music therapy]. It worked…I’ve been using the techniques you taught me and my anxiety has been way down.”—Client L.B.
“I feel enlightened. I was worried about leaving… I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”—Client A.V.
“Before I came to [music therapy] group, I was so anxious I tried to go to the doctor and get some medication for it. [Pt was unable to get any meds.] Now my anxiety is gone. I feel light…”—Client R.W.
“I learned that I need to sit with my feelings and not run from them.”—Client M.
“Music therapy has really helped me… to calm down. I meditate every morning now.” Anxiety: Pre-session: 6; Post-session: 0 –Client S.
“During the imagery was the first time ever—I mean ever—that my mind was completely calm and I was able to relax. I’ve been having a hard time lately because of really bad pain from my fibromyalgia… I felt no pain during the meditation.”—Client A.C.
“These guided imageries help my self-esteem… and I always learn something about myself.”—Clieint C.H.