What is Music Therapy?

The British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) defines Music Therapy as:

“...a psychological clinical intervention delivered by HCPC-registered Music Therapists to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.”

https://www.bamt.org

How it can help

Music Therapy can support individuals in many ways. The over-arching aims of Music Therapy are to support a person’s emotional wellbeing, creativity, and self-expression.

Reasons for referral to Music Therapy (children):

Children that are experiencing low mood, are withdrawn and isolated

Children with developmental delay

Emotional and behavioural difficulties

Music Therapy to support attachment and bonding with parents and caregivers

Children with Special Educational Needs

Reasons for referral to Music Therapy (adults):

Loss

Depression

Trauma

Low mood

Relationship difficulties

Music Therapy is accessible to all and there are no limitations. You do not need to know how to play an instrument. Though, you might like and enjoy playing or listening to music.

Who it can help

As music is pre-verbal, Music Therapy is particularly effective for those who have difficulty communicating verbally, though words are often used in the therapy. Music Therapists are Allied Health Professionals that work in a variety of different client groups and settings:

Children and Young People (including mainstream, SEN education, PRUs and looked after children/young people)

Adults with Learning Disabilities

Autistic Spectrum Conditions

Children and Adolescents in Mental Health Settings

Older Adults

Neuro-disability

Adopted children and families

Parents and their infants

Children with Physical Health Needs