Music Therapy – Schools
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a process in which the child and therapist build a therapeutic relationship, through musical interaction and play, to bring about positive change and accomplish individual goals. It is a well-established, evidence based clinical model. The therapist uses musical interventions to enable the child to reach their full potential, building confidence and improving their physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing.
In music therapy, the child is offered the opportunity to communicate and express themselves through sound and play. This is especially valuable for young people who are non-verbal or have difficulty putting how they feel into words.
Who can benefit?
Our therapists work with children with a wide range of backgrounds. Music therapy can help with:
- Communication difficulties
- Behavioural difficulties
- Emotional regulation
- Mental health issues
- Low mood and depression
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Processing traumatic experiences
- Coping with loss and bereavement
- Increasing confidence and self-esteem
What might a day of music therapy look like in your school?
Full day of Music Therapy – 12 sessions per term / 36 per year
A full day includes c.4.5 hours per day of clinical time agreed locally with therapist.
For example 4 x individual sessions & 2 x group sessions (45min clinical time per group, including setup/ note writing)
Half day of Music Therapy – 12 sessions per term / 36 sessions per year
A half day includes c.2.5-3 hours per day of clinical time agreed locally with therapist.
For example 4 x individual sessions (45min clinical time per group, including setup/ note writing etc.)
The role of the music therapist
In addition to delivering clinical sessions, the therapist will also:
- liaise with other professionals and relatives
- undertake pupil observations
- complete clinical notes after each session
- provide clinical reports at the end of each term
- offer support for EHCP
Our music therapists are also able to offer a support session for class teachers and T.As on the use of therapeutic interventions.
What happens in a music therapy session?
In a typical music therapy session, the therapist and child will use a wide range of instruments and singing to take an active role in playing and listening. The music is largely improvised although a music therapist will often use pre-composed songs or song writing activities tailored to the individual child.
Prior musical experience is not needed, the focus is on the child exploring and using the instruments in their own unique style. The music therapist will use their own musical and clinical expertise to support and respond to the child.
As a trusting therapeutic relationship is formed, the child and therapist can reflect on and process difficult themes and emotions as they arise. They are also able to experience together the joy of communicating without the need for words.
Our music therapists
Our Music Therapists are skilled musicians and professionally trained, qualified Music Therapists (Postgraduate Diploma/MA). Our therapists are state registered under the Health and Care Professions Council and work to the code of conduct set out by the British Association for Music Therapy.
All music therapists engage in regular clinical supervision and update their skills through continuing professional development and training.
For more information or a general enquiry please email: musictherapy@wandsworthmusic.co.uk