What is Music Therapy?

In short, music therapy provides an opportunity for anybody to make a relationship with a trained music therapist through which their needs can be addressed. It is an evidence-based psychological clinical practice that uses music and its elements as an intervention in medical, educational, and everyday environments with individuals, groups, families or communities. Music therapists can help by supporting emotional, physical, psychological, cognitive, communicative and social needs, as well as spiritual health and wellbeing.

Music therapy is a profession that is recognised in law in the UK and is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and we are considered Allied Healthcare Professionals. Music therapists follow guidance set out by the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) and the HCPC.

Importantly, you don’t need to have any experience in playing an instrument or be ‘musical’ to benefit from music therapy. Sessions can include playing improvised (spontaneous) music together on instruments, playing and singing songs together, listening to music, song writing, talking with the music therapist, or talking with others in a family or group setting. Music therapists are skilled at using music to engage with you to help meet your needs.

Depending on the needs of the client, music therapy can be short or long-term. Research shows that music therapy is a cost-effective treatment modality that can for example:

• Help people identify, express and work with emotions

• Help develop healthy bonds with others

• Enhance self-awareness and the awareness of others

• Improve concentration and attention skills

• Provide help for individuals and families when things are difficult

• Facilitate positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication

• Facilitate creativity and new ways of being

This is not an exhaustive list, and sessions are tailored to individual needs.