Springfield House Community Special School

PROUD of our Roots

Music Therapy

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a client-led psychological intervention, delivered by HCPC registered music therapists, which uses music as a clinical tool to support psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs. Every individual, regardless of any disability or illness, responds to music in a unique way. For many people who are at elevated risk and feeling isolated or vulnerable, the use of music in therapy can help to make connections and enable the exploration and expression of individuality, personality and social and cultural diversity.

Music therapy sessions involve live music-making. Well-known pieces and pre-recorded music may be used but often free improvisation is the main element within music therapy sessions. Pupils receiving music therapy are encouraged to use percussion and other instruments in order to explore the world of sound and the music therapist supports the child’s sounds through improvising with them. Through the shared experience of the music created together within the sessions the relationship between the pupil and therapist is established.

Our Music Therapist

Alison Douglas

 Since qualifying in 1987, Alison has had a varied career as a music therapist working with children and adults of all ages and in many different clinical settings including establishing a new music therapy service within the NHS in Nottingham. As one of a number of music therapists within Music Therapy Works, Alison joined the team at Springfield House School in October 2020 and currently works in school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

 

The Music Therapy room

Sessions take place in a dedicated music therapy room equipped with a wide range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments, guitars and a piano.