Music therapy often works well for people with a range of mental health needs, including those with high and complex mental health needs. People who might benefit include those struggling with mood, those finding it difficult to cope day to day, people who have problems in relating with others and/or those who are surviving the effects of trauma. Often Soundwell’s clients live with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychosis, mood disorders or personality disorders. Music therapy fits well with the Recovery Model approach in focusing on resources and strengths through creativity.
Music therapy can be of great benefit for the following:
- Increasing confidence
- Reducing isolation
- Improving motivation
- Enhancing a stronger sense of hope
- Reducing depression
- Managing anxiety
- Encouraging self-expression
- Stimulating creativity
- Improving communication
Music Therapy is a well-recognised and recommended therapy in mental health. It is included as one of the psychological therapies listed and recommended in the various NICE Guidelines for mental health:
“Consider offering arts therapies to all people with psychosis or schizophrenia, particularly for the alleviation of negative symptoms (p. 25, NICE guideline for Psychosis and Schizophrenia in Adults, updated 2014)”
Click here for a summary of Music Therapy and Mental Health Research.
“Arts therapies (including music therapy) should be provided by a Health and Care Professions Council registered arts therapist and be experienced in working with people with psychosis or schizophrenia” (p. 26, NICE guidelines)
Soundwell’s therapists are experienced in mental health work and are registered with the Health Care Professions Council.
