Rhythm Changes Creative Arts Therapy, PLLC, formerly known as Berko Music Therapy, LLC, is a New York City-based practice that helps individuals and families cope with existential and health-related challenges. We are experienced Board Certified Music Therapists and Licensed Creative Arts Therapists dedicated to improving the lives of people of all ages and abilities through music and creative art.
We use a humanistic and creative approach to therapy to help our clients find the inner strengths and resources necessary to overcome the challenges they are facing. The therapeutic process may involve playing instruments, singing songs, writing, improvising music, listening to music, and verbally processing thoughts and feelings. The music is based on the client’s preferences, abilities, and needs. Prior experience in music is not necessary to fully benefit.
We specialize in helping individuals of all ages facing psycho-social and emotional challenges related to neurological, medical, or mental diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s dementia, stroke, depression, grief, autism, cancer, trauma, and mental health conditions. We see private clients in their homes or virtually, and work with facilities and organizations in the community.
Music therapy is an established and allied health profession. We are Board Certified Music Therapists and active members of the American Music Therapy Association. We are leaders in our community and consistent contributors to the development of our field.
Advanced Studies:
Ariel is a Board Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist with over 16 years of clinical experience. In 2015, he founded Berko Music Therapy in his grandparents’ honor, with the mission of helping individuals of all ages and abilities enhance their wellbeing through therapeutic music experiences. Ariel has designed and developed music therapy programs for renowned hospitals and institutions in the area, and has worked extensively with individuals living with dementia, mental illness, stroke, epilepsy, chronic/terminal illness, autism, learning disabilities, among other conditions. Ariel is a professional percussionist, and performs and records regularly with a variety of artists in the local New York music scene.
Ariel has been invited to give talks and workshops at numerous institutions and conference across the country including:
Selected Publications:
My name is Ariel Weissberger and I am the founder and primary therapist of Rhythm Changes Creative Arts Therapy, PLLC. I believe that active involvement in music can play a major role in our quality of life. Music is a big part of who we are and it helps us connect with our deepest feelings, thoughts and memories. Our ability to respond to music cognitively, physically and emotionally gives it immense therapeutic potential, and helps us get through the most challenging times. I have had the opportunity to help countless individuals and families in all stages of life. I have designed and implemented programs for various institutions in the NY area such as NYU Langone Medical Center, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Titus School and Northern Westchester Hospital. I love working with older adults because I cherish the stories that make them who they are and tell us where we come from. I enjoy working with children because I get inspired by their unlimited creativity and untapped potential. I will be honored to help you and your family improve your lives with music and I am looking forward to hearing your story. Please contact me here .
Rhythm Changes Creative Arts Therapy is inspired by the lives of my beloved grandparents. Berko was an holocaust survivor who overcame the most daring challenges and whose favorite song was Gracias A La Vida (Thanks to Life). Magdalena was his wife, a Mexican-born, wise and humble person, and the best cook I have ever met. She loved to say proverbs that would teach us about self-care. Emanuel was a jeweler who emigrated from Poland to Cuba to Mexico. He had a fantastic ability to make a meaningful experience out of the most mundane activities. In Mexico, he fell madly in love with the beautiful Rebeca, an incredibly wise woman who is till this day the pillar of my mother’s side of the family. My grandparent’s family values, along with their love of life and music, have inspired me to follow my dream of using the power of music to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Rhythm Changes Creative Arts Therapy is dedicated to the four of them.
– Ariel
