About Eastside Music Therapy
Eastside Music Therapy is a neurodiversity-affirming music therapy practice serving Autistic, neurodivergent, and disabled individuals across the lifespan in Bellevue, WA and surrounding areas.
Founded by Elizabeth VanSant, Eastside Music Therapy began as a solo practice and has grown into a collaborative team of music therapists committed to providing individualized, affirming care.
Our Mission
To provide neurodiversity-affirming, person-centered music therapy that celebrates each person’s unique strengths, perspectives, and voice. Through music, we create supportive spaces where individuals can explore, express, and embrace their authentic selves. Guided by compassion and collaboration, we are committed to honoring lived experience, fostering autonomy, and advocating for inclusive practices that celebrate the richness of human diversity and connection through music.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a collaborative, individualized service that uses music and music-based experiences to support goals identified by the client and their support team. Sessions can involve singing, playing instruments, songwriting, movement, improvisation, music listening, and much more.
At Eastside, music therapy is not about making someone behave, communicate, or participate in ways that fit a particular expectation. We use music as a tool for connection, expression, exploration, communication, and meaningful participation.
What Neurodiversity-Affirming Care Looks Like at Eastside Music Therapy
We don't require eye contact.
We don't suppress harmless stimming.
We respect "no" and other forms of refusal.
We recognize many forms of communication.
We don't assume spoken language is the only meaningful communication.
We follow clients' interests rather than treating them as distractions.
We incorporate AAC when appropriate.
We honor echolalia and Gestalt Language Processing.
We prioritize autonomy and authentic participation over compliance.
Who We Work With
You do not need to fit neatly into a diagnostic category to benefit from music therapy.
Autistic individuals
ADHD / AuDHD
People with developmental or intellectual disabilities
People with communication differences
AAC users
Gestalt Language Processors
People with sensory or motor differences
People with other neurodivergent experiences
Core Values
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We create spaces where individuals are welcomed, respected, and valued exactly as they are.
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We honor each person's unique identity, communication style, strengths, and ways of experiencing the world.
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We support self-determination by empowering individuals to make choices, express themselves, and participate purposefully in decisions that affect them.
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We believe the strongest support comes through partnership with clients, families, professionals, and communities to create meaningful and sustainable change.
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We recognize that every person’s experiences are shaped by their identities, communities, and lived experiences. We commit to ongoing reflection, learning, and respect for perspectives different from our own.
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We center each individual's goals, preferences, lived experiences, and voice in their care.
Looking Ahead
We envision a future where neurodiversity-affirming care is the standard, inclusive spaces are abundant, and every individual is empowered to thrive as their authentic self. We work toward this future by expanding access to affirming services, fostering welcoming communities, supporting and uplifting fellow professionals, mentoring future music therapists, and advocating for meaningful change. Together, these efforts help create a more inclusive and sustainable future for our communities and the music therapy profession.