GENTLE CARE MUSIC THERAPY, LLC
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Expression beyond words

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Providing in-person music therapy in the greater Ann Arbor, MI area and virtually across the country

What is Music Therapy?


Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice that uses music to help individuals achieve specific therapeutic goals. It is conducted by a qualified music therapist and can involve listening to music, creating music, singing, or moving to music—depending on the needs of the individual.

Key Elements of Music Therapy:
  • Therapeutic Goals: These may include improving emotional expression, reducing anxiety, enhancing memory, supporting physical rehabilitation, or improving communication and social skills.
  • Personalized Approach: Sessions are tailored to each person’s emotional, physical, cognitive, and social needs.
  • Active or Passive Participation:
    • Active: Playing instruments, singing, songwriting.
    • Passive: Listening to music, guided relaxation with music.

Who we work with: Music therapy can benefit people of all ages. Rachael specializes in working with clients with:
  • Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia
  • Chronic pain or illness
  • Cancer
  • Neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s disease
  • Caregivers
  • General geriatrics
  • Grief
  • Anxiety and depression

Settings where we practice:
  • In home
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Mental health clinics
  • Nursing homes
  • Group homes
  • Memory care units
  • Assisted and Independent living
  • ​Virtual

Music therapy is not the same as just listening to music for pleasure—it's a structured, therapeutic process designed and led by trained professionals.

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Testimonials

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Rachael is the best in the business when it comes to music therapy. Her skill and compassion shines through no matter who she is working with, from older adults to young children; individuals to groups. She is a warm, reassuring presence that puts patients and families at ease. With her level of expertise families can rest assured that Rachael will be able to identify and implement the best treatment for ultimate quality of life.
~Meredith, Grief Support Manager
 
Rachael’s enthusiasm and passion for music are contagious. Her relatability and compassion are a source of comfort and support for patients and families alike during end-of-life. I would highly recommend her services to anyone seeking to ease a loved one’s journey or wishing to experience the therapeutic benefits of music in everyday life. She’s simply the best!
~Susan, Hospice Nurse
 
Rachael was my wife's music therapist when she was in hospice and she appreciated her a lot and always looked forward to her coming. Rachael was able to sing the songs that she liked and was able to connect with her in ways others couldn't. She was a great comfort and we are very grateful for her.
~Charles, Husband of former client
 
Toward the end of her dementia journey, my wife had forgotten how to talk, how to walk, how to hold a fork, and she had nearly forgotten how to smile, but when Rachael came to play the tunes my wife most loved, that old incandescent  smile came back and I celebrated every moment of joy Rachael gave my wife.
~ Jim, 
Husband of former client
 
Rachael Lawrence-Lupton was my mother's music therapy provider during my mom's extended time on hospice care. My mom, Kathy, had severe dementia, and one thing that consistently brought her joy was to sing along with Rachael and her guitar. But beyond the beautiful music, Rachael also supported us as family members, helping us to meet Kathy where she was and making space for love, warmth, care, and grief. I'm forever grateful to Rachael for these gifts that she gave us as my mom's life drew to a close. 
~Betsy, daughter of former client


Watching Rachael with her patients is like an orchestra. Only roles are reversed. Usually the orchestra responds to the conductor to make the best music possible. In this case, Rachael is the orchestra and she responds to the patient who is the conductor. She watches the patient carefully and plans her visit from the first hello. While she may have a plan in place before ever walking through the door, if the patient is agitated, she will change her plan to fit them. As the patient changes their breathing or mood, Rachael changes with them seamlessly, with no one noticing. The goal being that the patient is less anxious, has less pain, and can sing along before she leaves. And while they often don't know it while Rachael is there, families realize they have just witnessed an entire symphony happen right before their eyes. You would be so lucky to have Rachael in your loved ones lives and I highly recommend her!
~Kim, Development officer

Rachael's visits during my husband's last few weeks were precious to our family. She brought light and emotional relief to a very difficult time, giving all of us the strength to face the challenges ahead. Her insights and compassion were inspirational and brought sparks of joy into our lives. I know that my husband could hear the songs, we chose his favorites. Her beautiful music and singing helped weave a tapestry that wrapped around him binding us together in love. Her last visit was on our 40th wedding anniversary, just a few hours before he took his last breath. It was especially poignant knowing how much he loved music to be gifted with that serenity as he approached letting go.

~Bev, wife of former client  

Expression beyond words

The mission of Gentle Care Music Therapy, LLC is to utilize music to connect with people wherever they are at in their journey of life.
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Email: [email protected]
 Phone: 312-515-6161
© 2025 by Rachael Lawrence-Lupton
Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
[email protected]
312-515-6161
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