Music Therapy

"Music therapy is different from music education and entertainment as it focuses on health, functioning and wellbeing".

Australian Music Therapy Association

Rhythmosis offers group music therapy programs to people dealing with mental illness, trauma and addictions, with a focus on achieving positive social and emotional outcomes through positive engagement, connection, empowerment and focusing on strengths, solutions and inner resources.

What is Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

According to the Australian Music Therapy Association, "music therapy is a research-based practice and profession in which music is used to actively support people as they strive to improve their health, functioning and wellbeing. Music therapy is the intentional use of music by a university trained professional who is registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Registered music therapists draw on an extensive body of research and are bound by a code of ethics that informs their practice. Music therapists incorporate a range of music making methods within and through a therapeutic

relationship. Music therapy is different from music education and entertainment as it focuses on health, functioning and wellbeing. Music therapists are committed to supporting people of any age and ability regardless of musical skill, culture or background." For more information on Music Therapy click here.

Music Therapy in Mental Health Settings

Music therapy is increasingly being used in mental health care around the globe for a number of reasons. As music in this context is used as a non-verbal means of communication, interaction and expression, music therapy can help people to address issues they may not be able to address using words alone. Music therapy has also been shown to be reach clients who may be resistant to other treatment approaches. (American Music Therapy Association, 2006)

Research has shown music therapy to meet a wide range of therapeutic outcomes that are relevant to mental health care. These include the fostering of self-expression, successful and safe emotional expression and release, improved group cohesiveness, positive relationship skills (such as listening, support, cooperation, harmony, awareness of others, tolerance etc.), mood enhancement, leadership skills, increased self-esteem, increased self-awareness, increased motivation, increased engagement, increased relaxation, stress relief and coping skills, and decreased anxiety / agitation.

Rhythmosis Music Therapy Programs

Bek has designed and facilitated ongoing music therapy and rhythm-based programs for a number of mental health facilities such as South Pacific Private Hospital, Sydney Childrens' Hospital, Buckingham House (PRA), Pre-Employ (PRA), Parramatta Mission, Headspace Mt Druitt, Bradfield Park Carers, Can Assist and Westview Drop-In Centre .

Bek primarily works with groups and tailors her programs to meet a range of therapeutic objectives. Whilst rhythm-based approaches are often a strong focus (read about why here), Bek adapts her programs to work with the individual needs, preferences and talents within the group.

As sessions progress and clients get more confident and comfortable with each other, activities such as singing, song-sharing, songwriting, movement, relaxation (using both receptive and expressive techniques) and multi-instrument improvisation are increasingly drawn upon, and sessions may become more client-directed as they progress.

To enquire about mental health-based music therapy programs for your organisation, click here.

Therapeutic Rhythm Facilitation Training

Bek has supervised and mentored a number of music therapy students, facilitated music therapist and staff training programs in therapeutic rhythm facilitation for organisations such as The Sydney Children’s Hospital, The Starlight Foundation and the Australian Music Therapy Association, as well as guest lecturing on Drum Circle Facilitation for the Music Therapy programs at UTS and WSU.

Training programs are tailored to meet the needs of your organisation. The types of organisations that can benefit from staff rhythm facilitation training include schools, nursing homes, hospitals or any organisation that would like to incorporate rhythm for the purpose of enhancing wellbeing.

To train your staff in a CBT based approach that combines structured drumming activities with verbal reflection on a range of life themes with a focus on social and emotional learning, see Rhythm2Recovery.

To enquire about staff training in therapeutic rhythm facilitation, click here.

* For music therapy services, CV and references are available upon request