The music therapist uses instruments (djembe, keyboard and guitar), the voice, improvisation, musical game-type exercises and existing music. But however strange it might sound, music therapy isn’t about the music. Music is simply the means of achieving something more important: experiencing fun together and having contact with one another within a safe environment. Music is particularly suited to this, because it is a language that everyone understands and that nobody condemns. That makes the contact less emotive and less complicated. Not only that, but making music is simply fun and relaxing.

The therapy

• The therapist visits the child’s home every week for 45 minutes, at a set time.
• During an intake meeting, the parents/carers become acquainted with the music therapist and together they decide on the main goals of the treatment.
• The first therapy sessions are simply for the therapist and child to get to know one another: the therapist observes the child and will tailor the forthcoming therapy to that.
• As a parent/carer, you agree with the therapist whether you wish to be present during the therapyor not.