Kelsey Ireland Music Therapy

17/11/2022

I recently came across this model and I think if we could try to simplify and demonstrate the grieving process this would be a way to do it, whilst acknowledging how extremely personal and variable the grieving process can be ❤️

11/05/2022

For Mental Health Awareness Week, I think it’s important that we talk about the need for connection to help us maintain positive mental health.

In music therapy, we use music to help us connect with our clients, for those who may find it difficult to express themselves verbally, or those experiencing emotionally turbulent times - music can make these feelings more bearable and digestible.

In supervision, I spend an hour each week with my supervisees carefully listening to their lived experiences, difficulties and offering them companionship and reflecting important emotions back for them to see and feel less alone in their professional lives.

In my personal life, I have struggled with periods of isolation and have found life less vibrant and meaningful without the company of my good friends and family who know who I am, see me, and love me.

Connection really is everything. It’s not just being around people it’s feeling like you belong with people. I make it a mission in my work and personal life to stay connected with those I am with. How do I do this? Being honest with my feelings, open with my experiences and listening to others without judgement or expectations.

04/05/2022

Important article highlighting the benefits, versatility and impact of music on mental health.

“Like exercise, music elicits responses from the brain activity to respond to the vibrations that are associated with the act of listening and receiving.” - Anna Boyd

New research suggests that music may be as powerful a tool as exercise when it comes to addressing mental health issues.

01/05/2022

Graphic credit: WholeHearted School Counseling

09/04/2022

In my clinical practice and in supervision with teaching staff, I aim to always have a flexible mindset in order to model and bring awareness to concrete thoughts and behaviours that may not be serving my clients’ personal growth and wellbeing.

It is common that throughout life we pick up behaviours which can be coping mechanisms that protect us from harm - either presently or historically. I believe that without the awareness and openness to change and new perspectives we get stuck in patterns that may feel comfortable but are ultimately keeping us in a place that may be rigid, rooted in defensiveness and could negatively impact on our mental heath and well-being.

I recently used this Japanese proverb to open a resilience training for staff at a pupil referral unit and it’s message is one of the key underpinnings of all my work.

01/04/2022

❤️🐈🐕‍🦺

31/03/2022

Hello 👋🏼 I’ve just realised I haven’t properly introduced myself here! My name is Kelsey Ireland and I am a HCPC registered music therapist, with a background rooted in psychodynamic thinking. I am also a reflective clinical supervisor for other therapists and educators, a early years music educator and well-being enthusiast and advocate!

I have recently started my own business after many years of hard learned lessons in the field, and the desire to collaborate with organizations and individuals who share similar values such as: person centered practices, honesty, openness, humility and curiosity. I enjoy sharing my professional experiences (both positive and negative) openly and find great strength and learning in these opportunities.

I am keen to raise awareness around strength based practices, inclusion of service users experiences to inform practice, self care and self awareness and the impact of this on mental health, and working ethically with diverse populations. I would really love to hear from organizations and individuals who would be interested in collaborating and/or sharing experiences to better inform our clinical practices.

27/03/2022

I think it’s important to acknowledge that Mothers Day can be painful for some for a variety of reasons. Thinking of those who find today a bit tricky - and sending lots of love. 🌹

credit to: A Cosy Reader Designs for this lovely image

25/03/2022

It’s finally here 🙌🏼 (in SW England anyway…) and if feels like it’s been an extremely long winter full of bad news and worries. Here’s hoping it brings with it a renewed sense of hope and ease for those who need it right now.

18/03/2022

Hello everyone 👋🏼 and thanks for taking the time to come here and like my page.

I will be using this as a platform to condense and highlight organizations, articles, thoughts, and movements that are close to my heart and clinical practice.

Content will be varied and I will try to keep things positive with the caveat that I endevour to keep this space as real, authentic and honest as possible.

Wishing you all well and inviting you to please comment/engage/tell me how you are doing & ask questions - let me know what you are curious about!

With warmth and gratitude, Kelsey 🙏🏼