Fife Music Therapy was established to provide music therapy for those most in need and to promote mental and physical wellbeing in Scotland while bridging gaps in relationships created by poverty, illness, abuse and other injustices.
Our Therapist
I studied Music Therapy at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, graduating with a MSc in Music Therapy. Prior to training in music therapy I worked as an Autism Practitioner and I have a First Class Honours degree in Community Music (BMus) from the University of Aberdeen.
My training and approach is rooted in psychodynamic theory. In practice this means creating a safe and non judgemental space for clients to be supported to express themselves authentically and be heard. I have experience facilitating music therapy sessions in a range of settings across the lifespan, including schools, care homes, other social care settings and foster homes.
Experience
I have worked both in primary and secondary schools, as well as with children and young people excluded from mainstream education. This has included supporting children struggling to engage with school and family support networks.
I have supported younger children with communication difficulties as they transition from nursery to primary school.
I have worked with fostered and adopted children and in children’s residential services.
I have facilitated a range of music therapy services in care/nursing homes, including group sessions for older adults with dementia and individual sessions for older adults with depression, grief, trauma, cerebral palsy.
I have supported individuals to have a positive transition into their new care/nursing home or upon return after a time in hospital.
I have supported adults in their homes struggling to live life to the full and engage with work and family due to trauma, depression, anxiety, stress and grief.
I have worked with a range of organisations including Scottish Autism, Abbotsford Care Group, and North East Sensory Service.
Way of Working
Each session is centred around the client’s goals and needs – fully supporting them to express through music what can be difficult through words, and for their expression to be heard. To achieve this I aim to:
Create a safe and non judgemental space for clients to explore different issues in their lives using music and without any pressure to talk.
Build a strong therapeutic relationship with clients where they feel safe and supported for their true self to emerge.
I utilise my training in different styles of music and music technology to offer clients as much flexibility and freedom to explore as they wish. No musical experience is required.
I specialise in playing flute and violin alongside maintaining a high proficiency in the other instruments available in the therapy space (including ukulele, guitar, percussion, keyboard, and many more).
Professional Registrations
I am a member of the British Association for Music Therapy, as well as being registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (Registration Number: AS018334) and The Association of Christians in Counselling (Register Number: R01920).