What is Music Therapy?
‘Music therapy is the planned and creative use of music to attain and maintain health and well-being. It may address physical, psychological, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals within a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy is a registered allied health profession.’ A.M.T.A No experience or skills are necessary just come along and have fun!Funding is by NDIS and Better Start Initiative.
What is creative counselling?
Creative counselling is counselling which involves music therapy, art, drama and creative writing. The use of music in counselling is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. You may or may not choose to work creatively whilst receiving counselling. Counselling is available for issues such as grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues to name a few. No skills or experience necessary. Creative counselling is easily accessible by clients, for some it is the only way they feel able to express themselves, i.e children and those who have experienced trauma.
Children`s Counselling
Fact:
Children will engage in therapy with ease when creative activities are involved.
Creative therapy activities enable children to freely express their emotions and difficult experiences non- verbally. For some children, i.e. those who have experienced trauma it is the only way they can express themselves.
Issues:
- Trauma i.e. Domestic Violence/Emotional abuse/neglect
- Anxiety (symptoms-bed wetting, difficulty concentrating, irrational fear)
- grief, relationship conflict parents/siblings/peers, bullying, self confidence/self esteem…..
Benefits
- Increased work productivity (school)
- Less conflict at home (improved relationship family
- Better physical health (improved sleep)
- Reduced stress
- Increased confidence and ability to take on challenges
- Improved coping and resilience
Method:
Playing musical instruments, making art and craft, play therapy, writing songs and stories
NO EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS REQUIRED
Youth Counselling
Fact:
Often when youth listen to music they feel like someone is listening to them. Youth will also readily engage in a task when it involves a task that interests them
Issues:
Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal ideation, Trauma:Domestic Violence/Emotional abuse/neglect, Grief, Relationship conflict peers, teachers and parents, Bullying, Self confidence/self esteem…..
Benefits:
- Reduced likelihood of repeated self harm
- Increased work productivity (school)
- Less conflict at home (improved relationship family
- Better physical health (improved sleep)
- Reduced stress
- Increased confidence and ability to take on challenges
- Improved coping and resilience
Method:Share music important to you, listen to music, make art, write a song, journal writing, playing musical instruments, traditional counseling (e.g. narrative therapy –talking)
Group music therapy available also
NO EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS REQUIRED
Adult Counselling
Fact:
Listening to slow tempo music will slow your heart rate and mind which will promote a calm mood state
Issues:
Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal ideation, Trauma:Domestic Violence/Emotional abuse/neglect, chronic mental illness, relationship conflict….
Benefits:
- Increased work productivity
- Less conflict at home (improved relationship family)
- Better physical health
- Reduced stress/Anxiety/Depression
- Increased confidence and ability to take on challenges
- Improved coping and resilience
- Better relationships
Method:
Journal writing, art, writing songs, listening to music, singing, music relaxation activities, playing musical instruments, traditional counseling (e.g. narrative therapy –talking)
Group music therapy available also
NO EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS REQUIRED
Mental Illness
Fact:
Singing improves mood state, when you sing you experience an endorphin high (much like after a run).
Issues:
Chronic mental illness-Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bi Polar, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation,
Benefits:
- Opportunity to self express
- Enriched understanding of your illness
- Coping strategies
- Improved mood state
Method:
Singing, listening to music, sharing music, writing music, playing musical instruments, art
Group music therapy available also
NO EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS REQUIRED
Aged Care
Fact:
Singing promotes reminiscence, given the opportunity to recall significant life events in conjunction with the performance of music the memory of aged care patients is significantly improved
Issues:
Dementia, Depression, Chronic illness, Palliative Care, Stroke
Benefits:
- Improved mood state
- Social interaction
- Improved memory
- Emotional support
- Improved Cognitive function
- Improved motor function
- Improved communication skills
Method:
Singing, listening to calming music, playing musical instruments, Sing along activities, musical quiz
Group music therapy
NO EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS REQUIRED
Autism/Intellectual/Physical Disability
Fact:
Provides intellectually disabled and autistic children and adults with the opportunity to learn vital social and skills
Clients:
Early intervention, children and adults who are physically and intellectually disabled.
Benefits:
- Improved: self confidence and self esteem
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Social skills i.e. turn taking and eye contact
- Communication skills (verbal and non verbal) i.e. use of comm. cards
Method:
Improvising on musical instruments, singing, listening to music
NO EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS REQUIRED
