Music Therapy Programs set to expand, OJA officials say

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) is highlighting the success of its music therapy program beyond the campus in Tecumseh.

OJA officials say, under the guidance of OJA Music Therapist Joy Yocum, the music therapy program at Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center (COJC) has witnessed encouraging transformations in the lives of its participants. Yocum, a former piano teacher and church music director, always had a desire to work with vulnerable youth.

"I'm so grateful to have landed at COJC!"

OJA Music Therapist Joy Yocum

"One of the things I love most about my work here is seeing music help the residents take off their mask and begin to experience their youth again. While the mask is off, they learn to use music to help themselves and see their own beauty and goodness," Yocum said.

The success of the music therapy program has led to the expansion of residential treatment facilities in Norman, Lawton, and Mustang serving nearly 100 additional youth, according to OJA leaders.

Tristan Ryker, a OJA Music Therapist, is set to spearhead the expansion. "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," explained Ryker.

OJA officials believe through the power of music therapy, the expansions will ensure the healing power of music reaches even more young people.