Sometimes our therapists are recognized for the cool and meaningful things they accomplish outside our NYC therapy practice and we are excited to share. Recently, Tribeca Therapy welcomed a new therapist–Al Hoberman–to the practice. With a Master’s degree from NYU in Music Therapy, Al joins our team with diverse experience as a psychotherapist, including traditional talk therapy and CBT, as well as creative art therapies, play therapy and mindfulness practices.
In addition to his work with us, Al has worked with the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for the past three years to develop a unique music therapy program at the Flagstone Family Shelter in Brownsville, Brooklyn. As a part of their regular after-school program, children, ranging from age 8 to 14, have the opportunity to participate in the “Beatmaker’s Workshop,” which is an open-format therapeutic music production studio. Here, participants develop essential life skills such as independence, communication and resilience, while creating and recording original music. The kids receive guidance from music therapists, feedback from their peers and recognition from their community.
Recently, Symphonized Audio made a generous donation of a number of their headphones for use in the studio and in conjunction with this donation, produced a short yet powerful video, documenting the amazing work these kids are doing. Not only showcasing these kids’ passion for music, including one participant who says, “music makes me who I am,” the video also features footage of Al playing music and collaborating with the kids, as well as an interview in which he explains the program is “a chance to be heard as an individual for the first time or the chance to produce something that’s unique.” With Al describing the work as “the most rewarding challenge I’ve ever had,” we’re honored to be able to share this video “Music Therapy Helps Children Out Of Homelessness” below: