Music Therapy at VITAS: Meet Valerie Uschock

By Nancy Kennedy

Valerie Uschock

“You made my day!”

Those four words are music to the ears of Valerie Uschock, MT-BC, music therapist for VITAS Healthcare. Valerie has been part of the VITAS team of caregivers for 14 years and has been there full time since 2017. She loves her job, providing music therapy services to patients who are receiving palliative and hospice care in their homes, in facilities or the hospital.

“I see patients in a variety of places, wherever they are ‘home.’ I have a caseload of about 35 patients; I see most of them individually but I also see groups.”

Valerie has been a musician throughout her life and plays a variety of instruments, including flute, guitar, piano, sax and drums. A native of Norwich, New York, Valerie initially came to Pittsburgh to attend Duquesne University’s School of Music. She received a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and maintains her board certification through continuing education. At VITAS, music therapy is an integral part of the multidisciplinary approach to care. “My role is essential and valued. I attend the team meetings and I am part of the referral process.Some patients are referred to me because of their own personal interest in music therapy, while others are referred because they are experiencing pain or anxiety. Music therapy can enhance pain relief and promote relaxation. Music therapy can be helpful for many diagnoses and conditions.”

Valerie is excited by the growing interest in exploring the connection between music and the brain. New research efforts are finding that music has profound effects on brain health, with certain areas of the brain becoming activated and even shaped by music therapy.

“Music is a whole brain process,” Valerie explains. “It activates nearly every brain area. It can be helpful in so many ways because we respond to music emotionally, physically and cognitively. Music can improve your vital signs, ease pain, relax muscles, reduce insomnia and help with memory. It promotes visualization, bringing forth images.”

Valerie uses both live and recorded music with patients. She makes an assessment of the patient’s musical taste and preferences. “Classic country is popular here, but it’s a generational thing and some like Big Band music, or Elvis. Others want to hear hymns. Sometimes, I get a better response than I expected. When I sing or play, I can tell when a patient is right there with me, even if just for a few seconds. I might sense relaxation, a moment of focused attention, or a patient may open her eyes for the first time in months. It’s a small but very profound acknowledgement of the value of music.”

Feedback from patients and families is positive and gratifying for Valerie. “I love my job. Being a music therapist for 30 years, I have had great experiences and I remember my patients. The best reward is when the patient or family says, “You made my day.” Fortunately, I get that a lot.”

“VITAS is a wonderful place to work and I have to give a shout out to my colleagues who are very supportive of music therapy.”

For further information, visit www.vitas.com