Marlo Smith
MMT, MT-BC, RYT 200
musician . music therapist . sound worker
STRENGTH
GROWTH
PEACE
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based approach to wellness with a foundation built upon the skillful and mindful use of music within a trusting therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in working with the aging process, end of life, grief & loss, and support for healthcare workers.
Visit here to learn more about my music therapy practice.
A sound bath (also called many other things: sound healing, sound meditation, sound therapy, sound journey . . .) is about experiencing vibration and frequency to affect change within your inner landscape. It can help shift energies, alter the nervous system, detoxify, restore and transport. I use quartz crystal bowls, voice and sometimes other sound makers to encourage balance, calm, recharge, and unblocking. These bowls are tuned to 440hz and range in pitch and size. The vibrations they offer are persuasive, and the experience is holistic and can stimulate physiological, psychological, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual responses. This sound immersion experience can open neural pathways and lead to creativity, insight, relaxation and bliss.
Upcoming Sound Bath Events
Check in with Instagram for any updates.
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a music-centered consciousness expanding approach to transformational therapy developed by Helen Lindquist Bonny. It employs selected sequences of classical music to support the navigation through inner experiences. In GIM, the music serves as a catalyst and container for imagery that can allow one to access and explore the human experience.
The typical GIM session begins with a preliminary conversation during which the therapist/guide assesses the mood and energy level of the client/traveler, explores current issues, and selects the music program for the session. The client is then invited to recline and the therapist offers suggestions for relaxing the body and focusing the mind in preparation for the music. Once the music begins, the guide does not make suggestions. Instead, the traveler takes the guide along on their journey by describing the experience as it unfolds. The guide's role is one of facilitator and witness, to support the traveler's engagement with whatever experience may come. After the 35-45 minute period of music, the therapist facilitates a return to waking consciousness, and the client and therapist review the session together, verbally, as well as through expressive art experiences, such as mandala or creative writing.
GIM in short terms:
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connects the conscious to the unconscious
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stimulates the intuition and the creative potential
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helps one to discover and develop a well of inner and outer resources
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activates our innate capacity for healing and transformation
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provides encouragement to get through difficult emotions and life situations and carries the client through the heights and depths of an experience
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helps to reduce fears and anxieties
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reduces stress and enhances a state of well-being
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allows unresolved issues to surface and helps to remove mental and emotional blocks
I am currently in advanced level training and am offering free sessions to fulfill my requirements. Virtually and safely in person.
Please email korusoundwaves@gmail.com for more info and to inquire about free sessions.
I do offer workshops, retreats and special events. I often do this in collaboration with various skillful facilitators, space holders, teachers and healers. Each event tends to be unique with different experiences but at the root of all the events I co-create is self-love, healing, and building community and resources.
MARLO
Welcome Friends, I'm Marlo!
For as long as memory serves me, music has been my main connection to self, others, the world, and the universe. Music is a force and holds powers beyond what we can even comprehend. It has helped me through my most challenging times and has allowed me to transform pain into beauty and purpose. I am grateful that I carved a path where I can be in music and sound everyday, with myself and others.
I believe that music is an energetic force and a direct expression of one's well-being. Each individual has her/his/their own unique relationship and connection with music made of many layers. As a compassionate, person-centered music therapist, I seek to deeply understand people's musical connections, life stories, strengths, assess holistic functioning and creatively discover how to provide comfort during challenging times.
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I have been a board certified music therapist since 2009. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Music Performance in 2001 at the University of New Hampshire and when I craved more, I earned my Masters of Music Therapy in 2010 from Temple University. I am a certified Hospice & Palliative Care Music Therapist (HPMT), and an advanced Level III Trainee in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM). I am also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) through Yoga Alliance and focus proper alignment, self-love, gentle and restorative yoga. Working full time in end of life care since 2008 has offered me a deep and comforting understanding of death, dying and, especially, living. The wisdom and perspective I have gleaned from my elders, and from being a part of this rite of passage, has had profound spiritual impact on how I live everyday, as well as enhancing my interactions with others.
For me, music, yoga and personal spirituality have made strong connections in my life, and I can only hope that my intentions to spread the light that encompasses all will be received, and also shared.
Peace.
I would like to acknowledge my use of the word koru. While no one has called this to my attention, as I dive more deeply into my own personal anti-racism work, I acknowledge that me using this symbol, and the word specifically, may be construed as cultural appropriation. With respect for the Maori community, I am currently trying to find a new word or business name that feels right and I have gratitude that this imagery and symbol have brought a lot to my own life. My apologies for any misuse of the term, which came out of resonance and respect. And I am grateful to continue learning and unlearning as I commit to my work as an anti-racist ally.
