What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is a psychological intervention and allied health profession delivered by music therapists regulated under the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The interactive use of music within a therapeutic relationship is a central aspect of music therapy, whether in 1:2:1 or  group contexts and often involves improvised or semi structured  music making interactions using a variety of instruments and the voice. It is not necessary to have prior experience of music making to engage.

Music therapists are highly trained to musically tune-in and respond to the sounds, rhythms, tones and gestures of the participants playing as they occur from moment to moment in order to help support, enhance or develop the musical expression. This can  create an experience of being carefully  listened to and  understood at a non-verbal level. Experiences such as this  can provide a different medium for self expression and communication whilst building awareness of self and other.  Music therapists also help facilitate  verbal reflecting  and thinking about the musical interaction, which can lead to further insight and understanding.

As music is a universal language music therapists  can with people of all ages, backgrounds and needs, from premature babies, to children with ASD, to adults with mental health conditions, to the elderly suffering with dementia . Music therapy in organisations and  teams is also an area where we can make significant difference.