THERAPY THROUGH
MUSIC AND CREATIVITY
Hannah Behanu, Lead Arts Therapist at BANG
It’s that time of the year again when the weather feels cold and the evenings are longer. 2022 may feel particularly challenging after almost two years of changing rules and regulations; grief, loss and changing landscapes.
However, what has amazed me through this pandemic is how resilient we are and how we still smile at a stranger or offer a kind gesture that keeps us hanging on through these challenging times. These acts of kindness bring joy to my work as a music therapist. I get to meet young people, see the world through their lens and learn how their beliefs and values have impacted their lives.
Most importantly, it is all done through music.
Typically, in a music therapy session, an individual or a group comes together at a specific time and place for a set length of time. Therapy sessions are bound by rules of confidentiality and safeguarding to keep the therapist and the individual(s) participating in the session safe.
Sessions usually commence with a musical greeting and a musical ending.
Anything can happen in a session!
Music therapy is fundamentally about meeting and connecting with someone where they are without any form of judgement through music and words.
Whether that is song writing, singing, playing instruments, listening to music, talking or even being silent.
Music therapy is fundamentally about meeting and connecting with someone where they are without any form of judgement through music and words.
The principle of non-judgement, incorporated in our approach, is not restricted to only arts therapy. It is vital for all types of therapy, including dance and movement therapy.
Music therapy is an evidence-based, psychological intervention that caters to a wide range of people who have or are experienced challenges in their lives. Some of these people include individuals who have acquired a brain injury, refugees and asylum seekers, as well as young people who are at risk.
All arts therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and adhere to the ethical policies and standards.
As an arts therapy service, Create Change is growing and building more links with members in our community – advocating for our children and young people as well as the adults supporting them.
Young people are at the heart of what we do. We want every young person to share their experience of the Create Change therapy service.
Their opinions will shape how our service develops to support them to thrive.
Through our arts therapy service, we hope every young person gains a better understanding of themselves. We want each young person to build their self-esteem and ability to communicate. We want young people to be confident and resilient in the challenges they encounter in their lives, knowing it is okay to ask for help along the way.
If you want more information on Create Change, message us through our website or send us a message on social media.
