My Therapeutic Approach
How can music therapy help?
Some of the benefits of music therapy are:
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Improved confidence and self-esteem
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More positive ways of relating to others and improved communication skills
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Increased self-awareness - including the client's awareness of their own feelings and needs
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Improved concentration
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Improved emotional well-being
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Increased capacity for self-expression
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Increased capacity for enjoyment
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A more developed sense of self and identity
Music Therapy with me offers:
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A medium for self-expression which may be more accessible than words
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A safe, confidential space to share and gain support for emotions in a different way
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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.
