Sessions
Therapeutic Approach
As a therapist, Maureen uses an eclectic person-centred approach within her sessions. Her clinical and evidence based methods are tailored to address each individual’s psychosocial and physical needs. She aims to provide a high quality service for her clients and is at all times dedicated to offer positive opportunities to create a supportive and enriching experience for all. Her love and passion for music along with her life experience allows for her to draw upon her ever expanding expertise and skillset.
Setting/Duration
A music therapy session can be one to one or take place within a group setting. Usually groups are no more than 5 children and 10 adults. Family-centred music therapy sessions usually involve family members together. Sessions can take place in many settings – clinical, educational, care/hospice facilities, community centres and in an individual’s home. A quiet safe space is needed/provided where interruptions are minimal. A therapy session can take many different forms depending upon the needs of each client. The duration of each session can be either 30 minutes or 1 hour.
Educational Setting
A school may decide to run a music therapy programme for the duration of the school year to act as a weekly therapeutic support to the children who are in need of such support. Various goals will be drawn up and addressed during this period of time while working closely with class teachers, SET teachers, parents and members of the multi-disciplinary team. School sessions are 30 mins duration each.
Instruments
The music therapist supplies the musical instruments for the clients such as shakers, ocean drum, djembe drum, percussion instruments, singing bowls, chimes, xylophone and tongue drum. The music therapist may use a guitar, piano or melodic instrument to support the client as they explore the instruments. Voice is heavily relied upon also. Clients who are not comfortable using their voices can use the instruments or listen instead.
Features of a music therapy session
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Discussion of various musical genres or shared experiences of musical preferences
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Non-vocal sessions can be receptive and sensory based - the music therapist offers musical experiences using sensory instruments while reflective vocal skills are used to foster connection and communication between the therapist and client(s)
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Music making through improvisational exploration and shared musical experiences using percussion instruments
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Receptive listening and responding or relaxation techniques​
Structure
Within the first three sessions of a music therapy programme, assessment takes place by the therapist to create goals for the treatment programme. Usually, it is within this timeframe that the client-therapist relationship is nurtured and fostered, however, for some clients, this may take longer to develop – there is no rule. Song singing, improvisation, relaxation techniques, song writing and lyrical analysis are significant tools by the music therapist to target the needs and goals devised during the assessment period. Hello/goodbye songs, ice-breakers are also used to provide structure for sessions.
Termination
In the final three weeks of a treatment programme, the client will be reminded that termination of the programme is underway. Clients can find this period difficult knowing that the support structure is terminating soon. During these three weeks, a client/group may set an intention/goal to record a composed song or arrangement. This can be very significant for them as acts as a personal reflection as a part of their journey. The termination process can also consist of a review of the current programme with other multi-disciplinary clinicians and a continuation of the music therapy programme with new goals.
