Request for Assistance (Children & Young People service only)
Advice and support can be sought directly from the arts therapies service by completing this Request for Assistance form and emailing it to:
Following receipt of this completed form, a member of the team will make contact with you to discuss your Request for Assistance. The outcome of this discussion may be any of the following:
Reassurance, Signposting to resources, Advice/training, Intervention
Music therapy for children and young people within NHS Borders services is currently available as part of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
Music therapy
We offer support and intervention for children and young people and their families, presenting with a range of needs including:
- young people with autism and/or leaning needs;
- young people with mental health needs;
- young people who have had adverse childhood experiences;
- young people who are in care.
The music therapy service can offer support and intervention at a universal, targeted or specialist level depending on what is required. The music therapy service offers the following supports and interventions:
- Direct music therapy sessions with individuals and families (online and in-person);
- Training in interactive musical skills for parents and school staff (online and in-person);
- Resources focussing on self-care using music (including suggestions for music listening and musical activities/reflection).
What happens in music therapy?
Music therapy sessions can provide a safe space to experience different ways of being and relating, using many forms of music within a therapeutic framework. This might involve, for example, actively playing instruments, listening to music, writing songs or creating a personalised playlist.
Music therapy can help people to feel listened to; it can help to build confidence and self-esteem and can also provide a sense of achievement. The creative focus can help people to move away from more black and white ways of thinking and become more flexible.
You do not need to have any prior experience or knowledge of music to benefit from music therapy.
How can music therapy help?
Expressing our emotions can be tricky and if words are too difficult or distressing to use, music can provide a more helpful and creative outlet. The relational nature of music within a supporting a therapeutic framework can enable trust to be built and in doing so, enable learning and growth to happen. Music in the context of therapy can have a positive impact on our psychological, social, emotional and physical well-being.
Who can benefit from music therapy?
Everyone can benefit from music therapy. Due to its non-verbal nature, music therapy allows for both non-verbal and verbal expression, communication and interaction.
What are the aims of music therapy?
The aims of music therapy are generally non-musical and tailored to the needs of each individual. Common aims include:
- developing communication (verbal and non-verbal) and expression;
- developing confidence and self-esteem;
- exploring interaction;
- promoting creativity and spontaneous play;
- exploring emotions in a safe environment;
- promoting good mental health and wellbeing;
- developing resilience;
- developing positive relationships;
- promoting a healthy and flourishing sense of self.
A child/young person will be discharged from the music therapy service when:
- the aims of the work have been achieved
- those closest to the child/young person are equipped to continue ongoing support
- the child/young person and their family no longer wish the support of music therapy
- the child/young person and their family move away from the Scottish Borders
Playing with Music
The music therapy service, in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, is also currently piloting a series of ‘Playing with Music’ groups, an 8-week programme for children aged 0-5 and their primary caregiver, co-facilitated by a music therapist and speech and language therapist. These groups focus on creating opportunities for musical activity and shared play, and promoting wellbeing, interaction and communication.