I am a licensed psychotherapist (LCAT), board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), improviser, composer, deep listening practitioner, and teacher dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of sound, improvisation, and meditation for healing, connection, and growth. I believe that by applying these practices through community engagement and collaborative initiatives, we can cultivate empathy, compassion and nurture our interconnectedness and shared humanity. 

In addition to my private practice, Oreka Therapy & Wellness, I’m an adjunct professor at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, and work with the Department of Veterans Affairs where I provide therapy to Veterans and develop employee wellness programs. 

Oreka Therapy & Wellness offers creative, holistic, and evidence-based solutions for healing, growth and well-being, including integrative psychotherapy, individual and group integrative sound and music therapy, continuing education, and organizational wellness.

"Oreka" (Pronounced oh-REH-kah) comes from the Basque word for "balance” or “equilibrium”. Oreka Therapy & Wellness was founded on the philosophy that everyone deserves and has the potential to live a balanced, meaningful, creative, and fulfilling life. 

After studying World Music & Improvisation at San Francisco State University, I went onto complete a masters in music psychotherapy from New York University and completed a Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapist (NRMT) certification at the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy in New York City. I have 20+ years experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities across New York City. I’ve worked extensively in inpatient and community mental health, including Bellevue Hospital (Manhattan), Jacobi Hospital (Bronx), The Ryan White Center (Bronx), Union Settlement (Harlem), Mt. Sinai-St. Luke’s Hospital (Upper West Side), Bronx Lebanon Hospital (Bronx), and most recently with the New York Harbor Department of Veterans Affairs.  

In 2007, I formed Music Shapes Creative Art Therapy, PLLC, (MSCAT) a music therapy consulting agency specializing in serving individuals with emotional, physical, developmental, and social needs through creative music experiences to promote growth, development, and improve quality of life. Under MSCAT, I served as founder, lead therapist and clinical supervisor. Some organizations served, include: The Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children (ANIBIC), Children of Promise, Community Mainstreaming Associates (CMA), Covenant House NY, Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Incarnation Children's Center, Jewish Board of Family & Children Services (JBCFS), Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA), Shield Institute, Sheltering Arms’ Close to Home program, and WellLife Network. 

Alan Thompson, LCAT, MT-BC, NRMT