Most people are aware that music feels good and it has a range of benefits that it is famous for. I think Music Therapists will largely agree that its most well-known power is for helping people to feel more calm and relaxed.
However, in the world of Neurologic Music Therapy
vague therapeutic goals are not a thing, and it's sometimes hard to believe that NMT interventions can target many non-musical aspects of the brain.
These include rhythmic auditory stimulation for an even gait; melodic intonation therapy for recovering speech after stroke and the training of 4 different types of attention.
The techniques are very specific and take quite a long time to master. I recently attended a course for Advanced Neurologic Music Therapists with the amazing Professor Corene Hurt-Thaut NMT Academy Faculty – The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy
Neurologic Music Therapy involves a powerful set of 20 interventions that are specifically designed to directly target parts of the brain and improve their function.
Key Elements of the NMT Evidence-Based System – The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy (nmtacademy.co)
In my practice, I like to embed these specialist techniques alongside the psychodynamic model that follows the client's interests and offers nonverbal support through the music.
When I have been working with clients with neurodiversity, it seems as though this is the best way by walking alongside someone in the music, and then gently introducing elements that will promote positive neurologic changes.
It's very exciting when you witness some of these happening.. but it's also joyous just to bring pleasure, fun and enjoyment for their own sake.
The other day I helped a young client with ABI go to sleep - what a lovely thing to be able to do for an over-tired child who has so much to deal with every single day.
Do get in touch if you would like to find out more about how music therapy can work for your loved-one. We'd also be very happy to offer a personalised sleep song, if that might be something you feel would help your loved-one to sleep, and help you to have a much-needed rest.
Some of my clients are in need of an afternoon nap and over the years I have developed songs to help them to go to sleep more easily as a natural way to end a music therapy session. In several cases, I can pretty much guarantee that a certain, highly-predictable combination of chords, combined with a repetitive arpeggio accompaniment will induce sleep. I started to record personalised 'sleep songs' for some of my clients because parents and carers have found them very useful when I'm not there.
Research proves that hearing your own name gives the brain a huge boost Alexandrov, Y., Klucharev, V., & Sams, M. (2007). "Functional MRI reveals special cortical activation to one's own name." Neuroreport. Combining this phenomenon with reducing cortisol, increasing oxytocin and promoting melatonin (the sleep hormone) using appropriate music creates the ideal conditions for sleep. Gentle, predictable music can soothe the vagas nerve and help clients shift into the parasympathetic (rest and recovery) nervous system which is what is needed. We can add gentle white noise (waves or similar in the background) to further assist with this effect, as desired.
Would you like us to compose and record a Personalised Sleep Song for your loved one? The style and instrument choices can be adapted to any age group – we are offering this service for a very reduced price until the end of September! The offer includes:
A 30-Minute Coffee chat: We'll discuss your loved-one's favourite sounds, musical styles, and personal details like beloved toys or family members to be included in the song. This ensures that the lullaby is perfectly suited to their tastes and needs.
A Personalised Lullaby: Professionally composed and performed, this song will incorporate all the special details we've discussed, creating a comforting and familiar melody that lulls your loved-one into peaceful sleep.
Long-lasting benefits: Your personalised lullaby can be used night after night, helping to establish a consistent, calming bedtime routine that benefits both you and your loved-one.
Reduce bedtime stress: A lullaby that relates directly to your loved-one’s world can soothe anxiety and make bedtime something to look forward to.
Enhance sleep quality: The calming effects of music are proven to aid deep sleep, and a personalised song makes the experience even more powerful.
Enjoy some time for you at last: With your loved-one settling down more easily, you can finally reclaim your evenings for some much-needed relaxation.
Limited-Time Offer: Until December 31st, 2024. This offer is a fantastic opportunity to bring harmony to your home at a special rate (£107.00). This offer is only available until the end of September. As soon as you have signed up, we will be in touch to discuss your requirements in detail.
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