The music therapist uses instruments (djembe, keyboard and guitar), the voice, improvisation, musical game-type exercises and existing music. But however strange it might sound, music therapy isn’t about the music. Music is simply the means of achieving something more important: experiencing fun together and having contact with one another within a safe environment. Music is particularly suited to this, because it is a language that everyone understands and that nobody condemns.

That makes the contact less emotive and complicated, and therefore the children can relax and have fun and most important it encourages them to emerge from their isolation. In additon it helps to develop their social abilities and self-confidence.

 The therapy

• During an intake interview, the parents/carers become acquainted with the music therapist and together they decide on the main goals of the treatment.
• The first therapy sessions are simply for the therapist and child to get to know one another: the therapist observes the child and will tailor the forthcoming therapy to that.
• As a parent/carer, you agree with the therapist whether you wish to be present during the therapy or not.
• The therapist visits the child’s home every week for 45 minutes, at a set time.