Compiled by Elaine Dowell, Encephalitis Society
The ability to appreciate and respond to music is an inborn quality in human beings.
It is well known that this ability frequently remains unimpaired by handicap, injury
or illness. People who have difficulty in understanding their environment or whose
verbal communication is an inadequate form of self expression, may nevertheless
be stimulated by music and respond to it. A skilled Music Therapist is able to use
music to arouse and engage clients, and to help them towards realising their potential.
The therapist must be a highly skilled musician; Music Therapy is a State
Registered profession and a graduate becomes a State Registered Arts Therapist.
Who is Music therapy for?
Music therapists work with children and adults who have a wide range of needs, including
learning disabilities, physical, emotional and psychological disorders and sensory
impairments language delay and disorder plus many more. The Music Therapists work
in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, special schools, day centres, the community,
the prison service, local education authorities or the Department of Social Services.
Some may be funded by charitable organisations, trusts or be self-employed. In all
work settings, music therapists function as part of a multi-disciplinary team, their
observations adding greatly to the understanding of each client’s needs abilities
or problems.
How can Music Therapy help?
The benefits gained from music therapy may be as varied as the needs of the clients
using the service. For example, music can convey feeling without the use of words.
For a person whose difficulties are mainly emotional, music therapy can provide
a safe setting where ‘difficult’ or repressed feelings may be expressed
or contained. By offering support and acceptance, the therapist can help the client
to work towards emotional release and self-acceptance. Music is essentially
a social activity involving communication, listening and sharing. These skills may
be developed within the musical relationship with the therapist and in group therapy,
with other members. As a result clients may develop a greater awareness of themselves
in relation to others. This can include developing greater confidence in their own
ability to make relationships and to find positive ways of making their needs known.
It can greatly enhance their self-esteem.
For more information contact:
BRITISH SOCIETY FOR MUSIC THERAPY, 25 Rosslyn Avenue, East Barnet, Herts EN4 8DH
Tel 020 8368 8879
Email
Denzil@BSMT.demon.co.uk
WebSite:www.bsmt.org/
Last modified: October 2009