SO WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY
When we think about it we all respond to music and are surrounded by it in our daily living. From birth, through adolescence and adulthood we use music to soothe, stimulate, connect with others and give 'voice' to our feelings sometimes without using any words. Everyone can participate in music making regardless of disability, ethnicity or age and this is what makes music therapy an effective intervention for people of all ages and abilities.
Everyone can participate in music therapy sessions; clients do not need to have any previous musical training or experience. In a typical music therapy session the music therapist and client create music together using voice, a range of accessible percussion instruments and IT equipment. They establish a relationship through which the individual can communicate thoughts and feelings in a way they have perhaps never previously been able to in a safe and supported environment. Through this they have a new experience of communicating and relating, and as a result may come to regard themselves in a different way. The therapist’s role is to facilitate this expression and communication.
Everyone can participate in music therapy sessions; clients do not need to have any previous musical training or experience. In a typical music therapy session the music therapist and client create music together using voice, a range of accessible percussion instruments and IT equipment. They establish a relationship through which the individual can communicate thoughts and feelings in a way they have perhaps never previously been able to in a safe and supported environment. Through this they have a new experience of communicating and relating, and as a result may come to regard themselves in a different way. The therapist’s role is to facilitate this expression and communication.
Emotional Skills
Expression of feelings non-verbally.
Social Skills
Eye contact, turn-taking, initiating and self- esteem.
Cognitive Skills
Concentration and attention, imitation and sequencing.
Communication Skills
Using vocal/verbal sounds and gesture.
Sensory Skills
Through touch, listening and levels of awareness.
Physical Skills
Fine and gross motor control and movement.
How music therapy helps
Music therapy sessions provide a space where vocal activity, instrumental play and spontaneous interaction are encouraged. For example, when working with a child with autism, the therapist can pick up on and incorporate into musical expression the sounds and even small gestures the child brings to the session – interpreting these sounds and movements as the child’s ‘music’.
The specific aims and objectives of music therapy are individual to each client group.
The specific aims and objectives of music therapy are individual to each client group.
SERVICES
Music therapy services
Music therapy is the clinical use of music to accomplish individualised goals such as reducing stress, improving mood and self-expression. Music therapy experiences may include listening, singing, playing instruments, or composing music.
Individual music therapy
- Encourage self-expression
- Space for reflection and exploration
- Ability to self-regulate emotions
- Emotional processing
Group music therapy
- Create music together
- Awareness of others
- Sense of belonging
- Self-esteem and self-efficacy
- Encourage social skills
Mental Health and Behavioural
- EUPD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Anxiety and mood
- Emotional regulation
Young people and Adults
- Improve confidence
- Social & interaction skills
- Emotional regulation
- Tools for expression
