Your first music therapy session will be an opportunity to get to know your music therapist, ask any questions you might have, and for the therapist to start getting to know you.
We acknowledge that meeting a new person and/or going somewhere new can be overwhelming or anxiety inducing, so we have come up with a list of things you can expect in your first session.
Client
Music therapy is relational, which means your music therapist will take the time to get to know your preferences (musical and non-musical), hobbies, and communication style. In your session you may be encouraged to participate in:
- Routine songs such as a hello and goodbye song depending on your age and to support transitions.
- Active instrumental play
- Singing
- Listening and discussing music
- Musical relaxations
- Song writing and/or improvising
Your session and the activities your music therapist suggests will be based on your preferences, during which the therapist will be able to find out more about you.
Parent/Support Person
Depending on the age and comfort level of the person you are bringing, you may be encouraged to sit in or out of the session. If you are sitting in the session, the music therapist may ask you to:
- Provide communication support
- Provide physical support
- Provide emotional support
For children, your music therapist may also ask you about their favourite music, and what your goals are for them by participating in music therapy.
For adults, you may be asked to provide further insight into their personal preferences, as well as what outcomes the person under your care might be looking for out of music therapy.
Participating in the session provides a unique opportunity for your therapist, yourself, and the client to collaborate in creating resources and ideas for outside of the music therapy space.
If you sit out of the room, the therapist may spend time after the session providing feedback and ideas from the session.
Questions
Your first music therapy session and assessment phase (three sessions in total) is the perfect time to ask any burning questions regarding music therapy and goal areas.
This will help to ensure that your therapist is aware of your expectations and can provide insight into the necessary processes.
What will the session look like?
At times, music therapy sessions can look loud, exciting, and playful, or quiet and reflective.
Each session is modified by the music therapist based on their observations of client regulation needs, communication, motor skills, social skills, and/or mental health needs.
Music is highly adaptable, which is why we believe that it is a personable and accessible resource.
We cannot wait to meet you and look forward to our musical journey together!
Contact our Music Beat Therapy Services team to learn more about how music therapy can help you, your child, your client or organisation.