Music and Voice Therapy for those with difficulties

"... music therapy has brought a quality of joy into my child's life"

THERAPY

What is Music Therapy?
Music has always been a powerful tool for expression and the capacity to touch our emotions deeply. Music therapy is based on the understanding that the ability to respond and experience oneself through music is an innate quality in human beings. This ability usually remains unimpaired by disability, injury or illness and is not dependent on musical training.

The therapists are closely involved in the overall development of each of their clients helping them to achieve their full potential. In music therapy, the therapist and the child or adult improvise freely together and communicate with each other through the shared music. They gradually establish a musical relationship where emotions can be expressed, explored and worked through within a safe and confidential environment.

A music therapist is a skilled musician who has completed a Department of Health approved Postgraduate Diploma in Music Therapy SRAsT(M). The Therapist has been trained to use music in a focused and controlled way for treatment and assessment. Music therapy is an established profession in the Health Service allied to medicine. All music therapists working for the Otakar Kraus Trust are fully state registered and members of the Association of Professional Music Therapists (APMT).

Who can Benefit?
Children and adults with a wide range of developmental and emotional needs, including: Communication difficulties, Autism, Downs Syndrome, Mental Health problems, Neurological conditions, Victims of a Stroke, Chronic illness, Adults with stress induced problems and Depression.

How Often?
Sessions are usually arranged on a weekly basis. The core of the music therapy process is the developing relationship between the child and the therapist. For this relationship to grow and develop, it is vital that both child and parents make a commitment to attending the sessions regularly. Missed sessions can affect the child's trust and ability to respond freely and disrupt the therapeutic process.

Who Can Refer?
Individual Clients, Parents / Carers of Individual Clients, Social Services, Hospitals, Resource Centres, Community Groups, Treatment Centres, Schools / Teachers, Doctors / Psychologists / Psychiatrists / Speech Therapists and Health Visitors.

How do I Refer?
Contact the Otakar Kraus Music Trust via letter, telephone, fax or e-mail; all details are in the left-hand panel.

Aims?
The aims of music therapy are therapeutic, rather than just musical. The overall aim of the therapist is to be closely involved with the development of each of their clients to help them to achieve their full potential. This can mean:
• Encouraging communication skills
• Helping the child or adult to relate to others and build rewarding relationships
• Developing a positive and creative means of expressing feelings that, for whatever reason, cannot be put into words
• Helping a child to grow towards milestones in child development such as babbling, experimenting with voice, developing communicative skills and the ability to play spontaneously and imaginatively
• Developing individuality, self-awareness, motivation, confidence, initiative, creativity and choice

During the Session?
During the session, the clients are encouraged to use their voice and to experiment with a range of percussion and melodic instruments available. These instruments can be played by someone with no previous skill, to create satisfying and expressive sounds. This is an opportunity to freely explore the world of sound and create a personal musical language.

By responding musically, the therapist is able to support and encourage the process of growth and discovery. The therapist uses a variety of clinical methods to meet the client's individual needs. Sessions may also include the use of structured activities, such as songs or musical games and when appropriate, verbal reflection on the music created or any issue arising.

The Parent's or Carer's Role
We all need time to develop without being observed, praised or judged for what we do by the people closest to us. Music therapy provides such a time for the child. Except in the case of very young children, it is usual for the child to be alone with the therapist during the session.

The content of the music therapy sessions are confidential to the child and therapist. This is a normal and important part of the way all therapists work and is a matter of respect for the child rather than secrecy or exclusivity. However, the parent/carer is given the opportunity to observe their child during therapy from the observation room which is equipped with a two-way mirror.

The therapist will give the parents a general picture of how the child is responding to the work and tell them about anything essential. A separate appointment can be made to discuss any questions or concerns. In addition, parents will receive copies of the therapist's reports and reviews. These are generally shared with other professionals working with the child.

Recording of Sessions
The therapist takes regular notes from the sessions. Additionally, many music therapy sessions are recorded (audio or video) so that the therapist can review his/her work and monitor the way the child develops over a period of time. This is also very useful for the parent or carer who can hear and/or see the results of the child's development.
Tapes are a confidential record of the work and are not released to anyone outside of the Trust. Parental permission will always be sought for video recordings to be made or presentations to be given in professional seminars.