My Therapeutic Approach

How can music therapy help?

 

Some of the benefits of music therapy are:

 

• Improved confidence and self-esteem

 

• More positive ways of relating to others and improved communication skills

 

• Increased self-awareness - including the client's awareness of their own feelings and needs

 

• Improved concentration

 

• Improved emotional well-being

​

• Increased capacity for self-expression

​

• Increased capacity for enjoyment

​​

• A more developed sense of self and identity

​

​Music Therapy with me offers:

​

• A medium for self-expression which may be more accessible than words

​

• A safe, confidential space to share and gain support for emotions in a different way

​​

• A trusting, reliable therapeutic relationship, but one which fosters resilience and clients being able to draw on their own strength and resources when they can.

​​

How I work

​​

I often use live improvised music-making as the main approach in the sessions, but we may also explore music listening, song-writing or recording music, both live and electronic, using computer software. It depends on what is helpful and comfortable for each client.

​

I see my primary task with my clients as that of a compassionate listener: I try to learn about my clients' needs by listening and using my musical skills to offer warmth and  support as we work towards therapeutic goals together.

 

 I work collaboratively with clients, carers and referrers and prioritise communication about our work together as central to its success. I actively seek clients', carers' and referrers' feedback, building in time for reviewing and evaluating how things are going as an important part of the process.​​​​​

​​

Music Therapy Assessments

​

When a client is referred for music therapy, a  referral form and a consent for is completed and  before we start working together. 

​

An assessment comprises an initial discussion meeting of up to an hour, followed by four assessment sessions

which usually take place once a week. The length of the sessions depends on the age and needs of the client.

​

After the assessment, I write a report about what we have done. We meet again to discuss whether or not more sessions would be helpful and agree some realistic aims for our work together.

​​​​

​

​

​