FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Music Therapy?
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, delivered by HCPC registered music therapists to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.
Music Therapy is an evidence-based clinical intervention that uses music to support emotional, psychological, social, cognitive, physical and communication needs. It is delivered by a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Music Therapist who has completed specialist postgraduate training.
Unlike music lessons or recreational music-making, Music Therapy focuses on using music as a therapeutic tool to help people express themselves, build relationships, develop skills, and improve their overall wellbeing. Sessions are tailored to each person's unique strengths, needs and goals.
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™)
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) is a specialised, evidence-based approach that uses the neuroscience of music to support movement, communication and cognitive functioning.
By using rhythm, melody and structured musical techniques, NMT™ helps stimulate and strengthen the brain's natural pathways involved in speech, memory, attention and motor skills. It is widely used in rehabilitation and developmental settings and is supported by a growing body of clinical research.
How is Music Therapy different to NMT™?
Although both approaches use music therapeutically, they have different focuses.
Music Therapy is a creative and relational approach that supports emotional wellbeing, communication, self-expression and social connection through shared musical experiences.
Neurologic Music Therapy® is a structured, neuroscience-based intervention that uses specific techniques to develop, rehabilitate, or sustain functional skills such as speech and language, movement, and cognition.
Depending on your goals and needs, some Music Therapists are NMT™ trained and may integrate these techniques into sessions where appropriate.
Who can benefit from Music Therapy or NMT™?
Music Therapy and NMT™ can benefit people of all ages, from young children through to older adults.
Support may be helpful for individuals experiencing:
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autism and other neurodevelopmental differences
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ADHD
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learning disabilities
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communication difficulties
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anxiety and emotional wellbeing needs
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trauma and loss
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acquired brain injury
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stroke
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Parkinson's disease
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dementia
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sensory or motor challenges
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other neurological or progressive conditions
Every session and programme is personalised to the individual, focusing on their strengths, goals and interests.
Do I need to be musical or have any musical experience?
Not at all.
You don't need to play an instrument, read music or have any previous musical experience to benefit from Music Therapy or NMT™.
Sessions are designed to meet you where you are. Whether you enjoy listening to music, singing, moving to rhythm or simply exploring sounds, we'll work together in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful. The focus is never on musical ability—it's on using music to support your wellbeing and therapeutic goals.
What happens during a Music Therapy or NMT™ session?
Every session is tailored to the individual, so no two sessions are exactly the same.
Depending on your goals, sessions may include:
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playing instruments
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singing
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improvising music
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songwriting
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rhythmic exercises
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movement to music
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listening to music
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discussion and reflection
The activities and intervention are carefully chosen to support areas such as communication, emotional expression, movement, attention, memory, confidence or social interaction. There is no pressure to perform—sessions are collaborative, supportive and adapted to your pace.
How do I make a referral? Do I need a professional to refer me?
No. You can self-refer at any time.
We welcome referrals from individuals, parents and carers, schools, healthcare professionals, case managers, organisations and legal teams.
Simply get in touch via email or complete our online referral form. We'll arrange an initial conversation to learn more about your needs, answer any questions and discuss the most appropriate next steps.
How do I make a referral? Do I need a professional to refer me?
No. You can self-refer at any time.
We welcome referrals from individuals, parents and carers, schools, healthcare professionals, case managers, organisations and legal teams.
Simply get in touch via email or complete our online referral form. We'll arrange an initial conversation to learn more about your needs, answer any questions and discuss the most appropriate next steps.
What happens after I make a referral?
Once we receive your enquiry, we'll arrange an initial conversation to discuss your needs, goals and any questions you may have. This helps us understand how Music Therapy or Neurologic Music Therapy® may be able to support you.
If appropriate, we'll recommend an assessment or an initial block of sessions and work with you to agree on a suitable plan.
How many sessions will I need?
How do I make a referral? Do I need a professional to refer me?
No. You can self-refer at any time.
We welcome referrals from individuals, parents and carers, schools, healthcare professionals, case managers, organisations and legal teams.
Simply get in touch via email or complete our online referral form. We'll arrange an initial conversation to learn more about your needs, answer any questions and discuss the most appropriate next steps.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Some people benefit from a short block of sessions focused on specific goals, while others choose longer-term therapy.
The number and frequency of sessions will depend on your individual needs, and we'll regularly review progress together to ensure the support remains appropriate.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions can be provided in a range of settings, including schools, care homes, community settings, healthcare environments and other agreed locations. If you also offer clinic-based or online sessions, mention those here.
We'll discuss the most suitable location during the referral process.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed during therapy is treated confidentially and managed in accordance with professional standards and data protection legislation.
The only exception is where there are safeguarding concerns or a legal obligation to share information in order to protect someone's safety. Wherever possible, this would be discussed with you first.