A person may come to music therapy because when he or she feels unhappy, depressed or is finding it difficult to form relationships. Music therapy can be a supportive form of therapy for adults who are going through an emotional crisis or are experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or psychosis. It can be useful for people who are experiencing distress and isolation arising from illness, disability, addiction or life-circumstances.

Sessions are either one-to-one or in groups.  During music therapy sessions clients are invited to experiment with sounds, using a variety of instruments.  No previous musical experience is needed and the focus is to support the clients in expressing themselves creatively through sounds, silences, songs, rhythms and words. The music played covers a wide range of styles depending on the needs, taste and musical experience of the client.

Spontaneously making music can be an enjoyable and enlivening experience which sometimes allows unexpected feelings to arise that the client may wish to discuss with the therapist. The therapist is there to support the client and help make sense of the feelings experienced. The process of therapy is not to smooth over or to distract from painful areas of experience, but rather to facilitate the client’s awareness of their experience and to reflect upon this.

Music therapy provides an opportunity to reflect on relationships and explore new ways of relating to others.  Engagement in music therapy can create positive changes in emotional wellbeing and helps increase confidence, self-awareness, self-esteem and the ability to form and sustain relationships.

Adults are welcome to refer themselves.  Referrals can also be made by parents, carers or any professional working with the client within an educational, health or social care setting.  Once we receive your completed form we will contact you to arrange an initial Music Therapy Assessment.

Click here to refer yourself
Click here to refer an adult

Music Therapy for older adults with Dementia

Music Therapy for people with dementia can be individual or group based.  Sessions take place both at our premises and on an outreach basis.

Music Therapy is particularly valuable in supporting people with dementia.  Research shows that the part of the brain that responds to music is the longest lasting.  A person may be able to play, sing, appreciate and respond to music even after most other faculties have gone. Music and the singing of songs is often an enjoyable experience, which aids memory recall and helps people to reconnect with parts of their life history and identity. Music therapy sessions include songs and musical activities tailor-made to the needs and background of the client.

The aims of music therapy for adults with dementia include:

• Facilitating communication and meaningful interpersonal contact
• Reminiscence and improving memory recall
• Enabling positive social experiences
• Creating a sense of belonging
• Improving confidence, self-esteem and autonomy
• Working with emotional themes such as grief and loss
• Supporting emotional well-being

Comments from participants

• ‘It helps your moods. Definitely somewhere to express my feelings’
• ‘Very nice, … music is everything, … I have a guitar at home, .. Singing is nice when two are together, … I used to sing with my brothers,….’
• ‘First you can’t think but then you suddenly,..… it comes out.

Testimonial from the Manager of a Centre for Older Adults with Dementia:

‘Following two meetings with Andreas Rosenboom from Richmond Music Trust, I was delighted that funding was approved for music therapy sessions to commence at Twickenham Intensive Day Care Centre. We identified a number of service users, ranging from early seventies to mid nineties, who we thought would benefit.  This group has now been running for approximately 2 months and has been exceptionally well received.  The lead therapist has a structured but very informal style and ensures maximum participation from all group members.  I have observed a 93 year old lady who lives on her own and is prone to depression and she was lively and animated throughout the session.  Clearly this service is benefiting all those who take part. A member of my staff team also joins the group and has learned a number of new techniques for supporting older people through the medium of music.’

Testimonial from a lady who referred her father to music therapy.  Music and singing has always been of great importance in his life and he uses the sessions to sing songs with the therapist that hold meaning and memories for him.

Music therapy at Richmond Music Trust has been the one constant in Dad’s life since he was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia early last year. His therapist is the only person I know who has taken Dad at face value from the outset and related to him as the person he is and the person he is becoming. She has helped him to maintain elements in his life which he would otherwise have lost and celebrate the skills which he still has. Although music is Dad’s passion and he adores singing with Olivia, the service that is offered runs far deeper than that and Dad is more able to verbalise his feelings. No one else really talks to him about what is going on and to bridge that professional gap has been a lifesaver. It has helped Dad to confront these changes. She is supportive, friendly, kind and caring and clearly has Dad’s best interests at heart. When the session has finished, Dad’s voice is actually higher than when we went in. It is incredibly therapeutic for him and you can see the sense of release as he relaxes. Afterwards, he is often reflective and sometimes sleepy but that is because he’s accessing parts of his brain that are harder to use - so I believe! I have nothing but praise for this wonderful service and hope that more people, whatever their need/condition, have ready access to music therapy.

Adults are welcome to refer themselves.  Referrals can also be made by parents, carers or any professional working with the client within an educational, health or social care setting.  Once we receive your completed form we will contact you to arrange an initial assessment.

Click here to refer yourself
Click here to refer an adult