What does a Music Therapy session look like...
Individual therapy sessions are tailor-made to achieve specific goals set out by the client and therapist in their sessions. These goals could be fixed or adapted as the therapy process unfolds.
There is no prior musical knowledge or skill needed in order to take part in music therapy sessions.
The techniques used include music listening, relaxation, improvisation, singing, song-writing and lyric analysis to name a few.
Online sessions may have a slightly different approach to in-person sessions as we would make use of the music available to us in our daily lives. A session would most likely include vocalisations, the use of the instruments available, creative processes and verbal processing.
The process would be focused on overcoming obstacles the client is currently struggling with and adapting their behaviour to create a more healthy and balanced life.
Music can communicate where words fail. This is particularly relevant for those who have special needs or any form of disability. Music therapy provides the space to be heard, to be able to play and be strong when your physical abilities do not allow for this. It is a form of true expression and while there are set goals which may focus on cognitive development or physical abilities, it provides a safe space for quality of life to be improved.
A session will be based on the client's abilities and any goals they, or their doctors, may have.
The session moves at the pace of the client, providing them with time they need to develop skills and work towards their goals.
A group or family session looks slightly different to an individual session as the focus will be on a collective goal rather than focusing on an individual's needs. The session would include group improvisations, drumming, creative processes, as well as verbal processing.
A group setting is ideal for those who struggle with grief, bereavement, socialisation skills etc.
Family counselling sessions are ideal for families who struggle to communicate with one another. It provides a safe space where each person can be heard without the threat of punishment and constructive conversation can be facilitated.