Music can provide a powerful means for conveying emotion, interacting with others, reflecting, exploring our creativity, expressing ourselves, bringing joy and comforting us.
In music therapy, music can provide an alternative form of communication through which clients can express and explore themselves and their relationships to others. Just like in other therapies, such as counselling and psychotherapy, the relationship between the client and the therapist and its development is key in enabling and supporting the musical and personal journey.
During therapy, clients have the opportunity to explore different instruments and express themselves creatively through making music with the therapist. Music therapy can help with the development of communication skills, support the exploration of important personal themes and provide insight into ways of being and interacting with others.
Music therapy usually takes place in a dedicated room, containing a range of instruments, such as a piano, guitar, and percussion.
Who Is It For?
Music therapy can be accessed by anyone, regardless of age, stage in life, illness or disability. Music therapists will accept self-referrals, as well as referrals from parents, guardians, teachers, counsellors, social workers and other professionals. Clients are not required to have any previous musical experience or training, nor show any previous particular interest in music. Music therapists work with individuals and groups as appropriate.
As music therapy provides a non-verbal and indirect mode of communication, it can be particularly helpful for children or adults who are non-verbal, or for whom social interaction may be an area of difficulty.
Music therapy is often used in the following areas:
- Child, adolescent and adult mental health
- Children and adolescents with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties
- Children and adults with learning disabilities
- People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- People with neurological conditions
- People with dementia
- People with life-limiting conditions and in end-of-life care
Who Are Music Therapists?
Music therapy is a regulated allied health profession in the UK, and ‘music therapist’ is a protected title. All music therapists have a high level of musicianship, hold a master’s degree in music therapy and are registered with, and accountable to, the Health and Care Professions Council.