I work with individuals or small groups of people, of all ages, to help them write, produce and record music as a way of helping them cope with and alleviate psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social challenges. My work is guided by the needs and preferences of the client.

These creative activities offer a ‘mirror’ to help individuals recognise their resourceful (and well) selves, and gain greater insight into the challenges they face. Participants also build a sense of social and cultural connection to the wider world.

Creative works of music give participants something to be proud of, a tangible achievement, which in turn helps them develop an appreciation of their own abilities, fostering self-belief and presenting a view of how they would be as a ‘well-functioning’ person free of the challenges they face. 

Musical pieces can be recorded and CDs / DVDs produced. This tangible output helps reinforce a sense of achievement and the opportunity to listen back to the work can help clients gain better insight into the issues they are dealing with.

These benefits can help encourage a sustained long-term recovery by building personal resilience and a recognition that their contribution is important, valued and appreciated.

I believe in what Dr Gary Ansdel calls a psycho-sociocultural model of music therapy whereby I take seriously my client’s views on what best helps them and treat music not just as treatment or therapy, but also as a natural part of health prevention and promotion.