WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY
Music therapy is the use of music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of a group or individual. It employs a variety of activities, such as listening to melodies, playing an instrument, drumming, writing songs, and guided imagery. Music therapy is appropriate for people of all ages, and everyone can participate in music therapy sessions; clients do not need to have any previous musical training or experience.
Music therapy touches all aspects of the mind, body, brain and behaviour. Music can provide a distraction for the mind, it can slow the rhythms of the body, and it can alter our mood, which in turn can influence behaviour.
Music therapy sessions can encourage expression and communication through actively making music together, singing, listening to songs and responding to changes in sounds, using a range of accessible percussion instruments and IT equipment.
Music therapists use the power of music to encourage clients to open up and communicate on multiple levels. They can work with people suffering from emotional health issues such as grief, anxiety, and depression, developing a therapeutic relationship where thoughts and feelings can be communicated in a safe and supported environment.
Music therapy touches all aspects of the mind, body, brain and behaviour. Music can provide a distraction for the mind, it can slow the rhythms of the body, and it can alter our mood, which in turn can influence behaviour.
Music therapy sessions can encourage expression and communication through actively making music together, singing, listening to songs and responding to changes in sounds, using a range of accessible percussion instruments and IT equipment.
Music therapists use the power of music to encourage clients to open up and communicate on multiple levels. They can work with people suffering from emotional health issues such as grief, anxiety, and depression, developing a therapeutic relationship where thoughts and feelings can be communicated in a safe and supported environment.
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
