What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is a clinical intervention which seeks to bring about positive change for clients through shared music making in areas of social interaction, emotional and psychological wellbeing, to improve quality of life, communication and self-expression, mental health and day to day function.

Music is a unique art form in which the musical elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo and style can be explored concurrently with words, lyrics, play and reflection, to develop a therapeutic musical relationship within sessions. Following the clients’ lead, therapists are skilled in music making through improvisation and known structures, using a range of instruments and voice with clients. Sessions are bespoke, using focussed interventions in response to client needs, balancing overarching aims of the work with their presentation in the here and now. Material may resonate through thoughts and feelings by engaging in music making, talking and reflection, to explore emotional responses or reframe experiences by exploring alternate perspectives.

Clients do not need to have any musical training or previous experience of playing an instrument to be able to benefit from Music Therapy. My role is to support clients to find ways to engage in music and play, develop social and emotional expression, nurture their musical voice and authentic self towards improved psychological well-being. My approach is always client-led and person-centred, drawing upon psychodynamic and humanistic approaches.

In the UK, Music Therapy is an Allied Health Profession regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). The term ‘Music Therapist’ is a protected title, requiring successful completion of an accredited masters degree, including assessment of theory, musicianship and clinical practice across different client groups.

To find out more, visit the professional body for Music Therapists in the UK – British Association of Music Therapy (BAMT) to view further information about the way we work and who can benefit, and Cochrane Library for comprehensive reviews of Music Therapy research.

Watching the connection develop between you and my son through the music brought me to tears

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