Vibrations for the heart – Music Therapy
Qualifications (Hons): BA Applied Music, MA Ethnomusicology, MA Music Therapy (1 class Hons)
My name is Niall Mc Guigan and I am a fully qualified music therapist. My approach is based on humanistic principles providing clients with a safe therapeutic space to experience their full potential through the medium of music and the development of a trusting and open therapeutic relationship. Music is used to create connection between therapist and client as it provides a safe, non-judgemental, and non-confrontational platform for clients to build self-esteem, confidence, social and emotional skills,
and coping mechanisms. Through the developed therapeutic relationship the client can express
themselves creatively and emotionally using a range of music therapy based activities which are designed to meet the specific needs of each client. Music Therapy is an evidence-based profession where the planned and creative use of music-based interventions by a fully qualified and accredited music therapist supports people to improve, restore or
maintain health, functioning and well-being. Individuals with various disabilities can undergo music therapy to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. The activities in music therapy that are used vary greatly depending on the needs of the individual, but can include creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. How can music therapy benefit it's clients? When playing music, almost all areas of the brain are working; ncluding motor skills and both sides the logically right side, and the creative left brain. These benefits can help those with developmental
disabilities by increasing functions in memory, fine motor skills, as well as emotional expression
Music therapy aims to create an environment of fun and
enjoyment in which those who generally associate learning with failure are able to achieve success. Music therapy activities can facilitate increased social interaction and communication skills, cognitive processing, creativity, increase attention span, emotional expression, self-actualization
& empowerment. Music therapy in groups can be used as an experience in relating to others providing a therapeutic space where self-expression is socially acceptable, participants have the opportunity for individual
choice, acceptance of responsibility to self and others, development of self-directed behavior, experience of co-operation and competition in socially acceptable forms
