Our sessions

We might play music together or you might wish to play while I listen. There may be musical interactions or verbal conversations. Sometimes, we may be listening to a piece of music that is meaningful to you and we may talk about it. There may be play-based musical interactions. The activities might change both during the session and from one session to another.

You do not need any previous experience with music or music instruments. There will be different instruments, larger ones such as a keyboard or a guitar as well as smaller percussion instruments. There will also be some art materials and comforting objects in case you need them. How the instruments are used is up to you, for example, you might want to make very little sound and the instruments might just feel comforting. Or they might be used in creating a play-based activity.

The most important aspect of music and music instruments in music therapy is that they offer a way to find your voice and express how you feel, or offer you a comforting space and activity, or a way to engage in interactions with another person through the music.

Sometimes there may be very little movement or sound but even through the tiniest interactions we can create the feeling of connection, empowerment, and being heard.

I draw on different theoretical perspectives including psychodynamic and relational approaches suggesting that the therapeutic relationship plays an important role in healing from past traumatic experiences and helping the person to find their inner resources. I aim to create a safe, compassionate, comforting environment where emotional needs can be explored.

Sometimes, the sessions may include the person and their parent, carer, a significant other, and include collaborative creative activities that could help support the relationship, improve communication and understanding.