Music therapy is based on the principle that music is an interactive, non-verbal means of expression, and that everyone has the capacity to respond to sound regardless of illness or disability. It provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to express feelings and aspects of their personality through creating shared music with a therapist. This can lead to improvements in psychological well-being, social awareness, communication, learning and cognitive functioning.
Music is a powerful medium that has the capacity to affect us deeply. Almost everyone can gain enjoyment from music and therefore it can engage clients where other social or therapeutic activities may fail to. Because it uses improvised music as a means of communication, this can make it more accessible for some people who find words difficult.
 
The client is not taught how to play instruments, rather they are encouraged to use their voice or accessible percussion instruments to create their own music. They do not need to have any musical skills, and if they are unable to play the instruments for some reason this does not stop them benefiting from music therapy. The therapist supports and responds with music or words to all aspects of the client’s behaviour, words, music, gestures or facial expressions. Everything about the client and their way of interacting with the world is seen as important and communicative.   
By establishing contact in this way, a relationship can develop that enables the client to experience and explore new ways of relating.  For clients who normally struggle to communicate or connect with others it can provide a means to do just that and to feel understood and supported. 
 

The aims of Music Therapy?

The aims of music therapy will be different for each client depending on their particular area of need.  In general the aims are predominantly psychological and social. 
Typical aims might be:
  • Enabling the client to experience and explore new ways of relating, using music and sounds as non-verbal means of interaction.
  • Providing a means for the client to communicate or connect with others and to feel understood and supported.
  • Improving social skills.
  • Developing self-awareness and confidence.
  • Developing healthy ways of interacting with others, both one to one and in a group.
  • Working through difficult feelings and experiences.
  • Helping the client to understand and cope with difficult feelings or experiences.
  • Promoting creativity and spontaneity.
  • Improving concentration and reducing impulsivity.  

Who can benefit?

Music therapy can be of benefit to a wide variety of client-groups in various settings.  It can be effective for children, young people or adults with:
  • Learning disabilities, particularly those with profound and multiple difficulties, challenging behaviour or mental health needs
  • Autistic Spectrum Disorder 
  • Difficulty communicating or forming relationships
  • Poor social skills
  • Poor self-esteem or confidence
  • Emotional and behavioural difficulties
  • Acquired brain injury or neurological condition
  • Mental health needs
  • Terminal illness
Music therapy is ideal for those who find verbal communication difficult for whatever reason. 
Individual or group sessions can be held in schools, hospitals, care- homes, hospices or within day services.  It may also be possible to hold sessions in a client’s own home.

 

If you would like to discuss how music therapy could support you, your child or your setting, please contact us for further information.


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