Who's who in Music Therapy

Amy Slater
Ysgol Y DeriIcon Logo

Amy Slater

Music Therapist

Music Psychotherapy

Music Therapy is a psychological clinical intervention that is delivered by a HCPC registered music therapist. Music therapy uses sound and music to engage and connect with individuals, encouraging development, social communication, emotional expression and cognition, alongside wider aspects of development.

For pupils that are unable to speak or where thoughts and feelings are difficult to be expressed in words alone, music is a helpful tool for self-expression. This may be in the form of songwriting, improvisation, structured songs, or receptive techniques. Pupils can explore the world around them in a safe, non-threatening space that is tailored to their therapeutic needs.

Music therapy provision depends on the needs of each individual pupil, and it may fulfil a number of aims:​

  • To increase non-verbal interaction skills through turn-taking, imitation, reciprocating roles within a musical improvisation.
  • To increase attention and awareness of others through music fostering positive relationships with peers and the wider community.
  • To increase emotional insight and understanding.
  • To encourage self-expression through music.
  • To increase self-awareness and awareness of others through the musical relationship with the therapist.
  • To identify, acknowledge and affirm the emotional life of the pupil through music.

Parents, professionals, and staff can make referrals through the music therapy referral system by completing a referral form.

Some reasons for referral may include;

  • The pupil is exhibiting challenging behaviour which makes other forms of intervention difficult but is calmed/motivated by music.
  • The pupil has limited forms of communication and has significant emotional needs.
  • The pupil has limited forms of play but will notice sounds/music.
  • A looked-after child resulting in significant emotional needs.
  • Child protection concerns.
  • Limited social communication skills and peer relationships.
  • Needing to process past trauma or bereavement.
  • To address mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or self-harm.

For more information about music therapy please, contact state registered music therapist Amy Slater at Ysgol Y Deri or visit The British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) the professional body for music therapists as a source of further information.

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