Beth Susag, MA, MT-BC, NMT, Neurologic Music Therapist
Neurologic Music Therapy Services
“The brain that engages in music is changed by engaging in music.”
~Michael H. Thaut
Welcome to Rhythm in Motion
Hello, I’m Beth Susag, and I’m delighted you have found me! If you are seeking services for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences who cannot rely on their verbal speech to communicate effectively, you’re in the right place.
My mission is to provide a place of belonging and support for individuals with sensory motor differences and unreliable speech, optimizing mind-body connections, increasing access to communication, and restoring the heart and soul.
Here you will find helpful resources and caring support through Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques, communication strategies, and trauma-informed coaching for you or your loved one.
Support for Neurodiverse Individuals and their Families
At Rhythm In Motion, we presume competence and age-level intelligence in every person. Their diagnosis or label does not define who they are as human beings or what they have to offer.
Individual Neurologic Music Therapy sessions
Rhythm in Motion offers individual Neurologic Music Therapy sessions, available in person or virtually. These are typically weekly, 55-minute, one-on-one sessions.
Group Neurologic Music Therapy and Communication sessions
Rhythm in Motion offers group Neurologic Music Therapy/Communication sessions 1-2 times per month. These 1-hour sessions (for children 12 years and under) and 1.5-hour sessions (for children 13 and older) are designed for voice spellers and their communication partners.
Each session includes: rhythmic and sensory motor exercises, a lesson related to a focused topic with spelling/communication practice, and open conversation and lesson debriefing to foster friendships with voice spellers and communication partners.
Communication is a fundamental human right. At Rhythm in Motion, we define “speaking” and true communication as the meaningful exchange of thoughts, words, and ideas – in any form – not just by verbal speech alone. Our purpose is to promote an inclusive and non-ableistic environment for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences.
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques—such as sensory and rhythmic motor input—strengthen mind-body connections and promote synchronized movement, a process known as rhythmic entrainment (Thaut, McIntosh, & Homberg, 2015). Synchronization helps regulate and stabilize intentional motor actions, which in turn supports effective communication that depends on purposeful motor output.
We are committed to providing robust communication strategies through the use of conversation cards, whiteboards, and letterboards so that every person can express their true, authentic voice. Regardless of the method used, we ensure that every voice is heard, respected, valued, and honored.
With nearly thirty years of experience dedicated to supporting individuals who cannot reliably speak and effectively communicate their intelligent thoughts, ideas, and emotions, Beth has witnessed the profound grief and trauma that years of unexpressed thoughts and feelings can cause, not only for individuals but also for their families.
Through her work at Rhythm in Motion, Beth provides gentle trauma-informed coaching and support to individuals and families, guiding them through the process of emotional regulation and healing.
Watch Beth's interview on Spectrum Perspectives with Cindy Gelormini
What clients and their families say about Rhythm in Motion
“I have rhythm issues, and learning with Beth is so freeing that I feel like I can do this and be rewarded by it. If we work with the confidence that we are worth it, we can spell with other people too. Widening our presence of mind and having more control of our personhood is preserving what makes us Original. You are protected if you can have your own voice. It’s worth it. We are worth it.“
~ Josiah, 19, voice speller
“Making my real thoughts come out is really hard for me. People think we (nonspeakers) are like special aliens. We are human like you. We just cannot talk like you. But because of that, we listen better and communicate with our hearts and souls. We are normal humans who want everything just like you do.“
~ Everest, 8-year-old nonspeaking speller
“Beth’s approach, using rhythm to coordinate and sync the mind with body movements, has been a game-changer for my young adult son! He has vastly expanded his typing capabilities through her methods of pointing to letters to achieve robust communication, which is highly personalized and esteem-bolstering. I have also been able to implement her training tips at home, making me a better daily communication partner.”
~ Tahni Cullen, mother of Josiah (19)
“It is a big blessing in our lives that we found Beth. She is a true friend of and loved by nonspeakers. She supports their true voice, made to their parents, family, friends, and the world. It has been forever life-changing since we started the spelling journey with her. She made me see who my son truly is for the first time. Our lives altogether are shining, and will shine, forevermore.“
~ Sen Kang, mother of Everest (8)
