MISSION
To help people, face, navigate and overcome life’s challenges through Music Therapy
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
A Place To Be is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization housed in Northern Virginia. Along with Kim Tapper, Tom Sweitzer Co-founded the organization in 2010. There has been great growth within the organization within the last 10 years
Co-Founders Tom Sweitzer and Kim Tapper
A PLACE TO BE OFFERS
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
Individuals work on Personal Therapeutic Goals through Music Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Drama Therapy, and Coaching/Counseling
GROUP SESSIONS
Multiple groups addressing social and emotional therapeutic needs of youth ages 10-22 are offered each week
PERFORMANCE-BASED APPROACH
A Place To Be believes in the power of performance. For over 10 years the clients and volunteers of A Place to Be have toured productions in front of thousands audience members. The shows are based on acceptance of differences, kindness and the expansion of Empathy.
MEDICAL MUSIC THERAPY/INOVA
Our medical music therapists serve patients in ICU, Palliative Care, Stroke, Oncology, COPD, Pediatrics, adult Mental Health, and outpatient rehab. Even the Inova Hospital Stroke Survivor Choir meets once a week to not only work on physical, cognitive and emotional objectives, but to come together as a choir for performance opportunities
COMING FALL AND WINTER
THE LAND OF MUSIC
Our new animated series, designed to help kids deal with the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, is now available to watch! Join JJ as he travels to the magical “Land of Music” where he learns how music can help us even in the toughest of times.
WORKSHOPS
Tom is available for Music Therapy workshops. Below are some examples of the workshops Tom has given
ORIGINAL MUSIC
by Tom Sweitzer
THE SAME SKY SONG
A person in a chair, can live a life that’s full,
while trying to give back to someone else’s soul
No matter if you think,
or look different the the rest,
Or if each day that you survive feels something like a test
When there’s just too much to bear,
Remember there’s one thing we all share
No matter who you are
Or what it takes to thrive
We all live under the same sky
No matter what your challenge
Anyone can try
We all live under the same sky
Everyday we pass someone who can use a little joy
This person comes in many forms woman, man, girl or boy
You can find something good inside of yourself
When you reach out to another and offer them some help
When there’s just too much to bear,
Remember there’s one thing we all share
No matter who you are
Or what it takes to thrive
We all live under the same sky
We all live under the same sky
