Music Therapy
"Music Therapy can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort, between demoralisation and dignity."
- Barbara Crowe
What is Music Therapy?
The Australian Music Therapy Association describes Music Therapy as "a research-based allied health profession in which music is used to actively support people as they aim to improve their health, functioning and well-being".
Music Therapy is not the same as music education or music entertainment, as the focus is on using music to positively impact brain function, behaviour, physicality, social, and cognitive processes and emotions.
A registered music therapist (RMT) works with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. A range of evidence-based music interventions such as therapeutic singing, song writing, musical improvisation, receptive music listening, movement and music and more, are used to achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes for clients.
The great thing about music therapy is you do not have to be musical in order to benefit. As an RMT, Jess will work with you to provide an individualised session, tailored to your needs and goals.
Music Therapy has been recognised by the National Disability Insurance Association (NDIA) for inclusion in funded support plans under the support cluster of Therapeutic Supports.
If you would like more information about Music Therapy, disability and NDIS, Click here.
If you would like more information about Music Therapy and mental health, Click here.
What is a Registered Music Therapist (RMT)?
A registered music therapist (RMT) is a university-trained professional who is registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association. They must abide by a code of ethics, complete regular professional development and use methods informed by research. RMT are trained in a variety of music based interventions to address the specific needs of clients through a therapeutic relationship.
What is Neurologic Music Therapy?
Neurologic Music Therapy is described as "a research-guided clinical model that is driven by advances in neuroscience and the understanding of the perception, production, and performance of music and how music can influence and change non-musical brain and behaviour function". (The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy)
An RMT trained in this branch of music therapy, uses therapeutic music interventions grounded in neuroscience to achieve client goals. It is particularly impactful for people who have suffered a stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, mental health, and other neurological diseases affecting cognition, movement, communication, and psychosocial function.