What is Music Therapy?
Through improvised music, the therapist aims to tune in to and support the client’s unique set of communications which may be expressed through the instruments, vocal sounds, movements, words or facial expressions. The therapist also might encourage the client to explore connections between the music they create and their thoughts or the events in their life and will be aware of psychological processes at work and use appropriate strategies for any issues identified.
Music Therapy can provide emotional support and help clients to:
- Express feelings
- Build self - confidence
- Develop social and communication skills
- Understand themselves better
- Recognise and manage any unhelpful behaviours or thoughts
Music Therapists usually work in conjunction with other professionals or as part of multi-disciplinary teams. They offer input to care programme or review meetings and provide regular written reports of their clinical work and maintain a strict level of confidentiality.