Berko Music Therapy
Creative clinical music experiences to enhance well-being
WHO WE ARE
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.
HOW WE HELP
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.
WHO WE HELP
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
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.
STAFF
Credentials
Studies
- MA in Music Psychotherapy, New York University (2010).
- BM double major in Music Performance and Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music (2005).
Advanced Studies:
- Advanced Neurologic Music Therapy Training
- Kint Certificate Program In The Arts And Trauma Treatment
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Partners in Care Certificate
- Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy Institute
Bio
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.
Talks and Publications
Ariel has been invited to give talks and workshops at numerous institutions and conference across the country including:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Alzheimer’s Foundation
- American Holistic Nurse Association
- American Music Therapy Association
- Berklee College of Music
- Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
- Expressive Arts Therapies Summit
- Institute for Music and Neurologic Function
- Live On NY Annual Conference on Aging
- Mount Sinai Beth Israel – Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine
- Montclair State University
- New Paltz State University of New York
- New York University
- Northwell Health Evidence-Based Practice Conference
- NYC Department of Aging
- NYU FACES (Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures)
- NYU Langone Health
- Society for the Arts in Healthcare
Selected Publications:
- Weissberger, A. (2014). Beyond La Bamba: Latin Rhythms. Online CMTE course. Musictherapyed.com
- Weissberger, A. (2013) ch. 15 GarageBand as a Digital Co-Facilitator: Creating and Capturing Moments with Adults and Elderly People with Chronic Health Conditions, Music Technology in Therapeutic and Health Settings. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Weissberger, A. (2010) Clinical Applications of Video in Music Therapy. MA thesis. New York University.
Ariel
My name is Ariel Weissberger and I am the founder and primary therapist of Berko Music Therapy. I created Berko Music Therapy because 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 .
INSPIRATION
Berko Music Therapy was 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. Berko Music Therapy is dedicated to the four of them.
– Ariel
