Acorn Music Therapy
Why Music Therapy?
What is Music Therapy?
Sometimes when difficult things happen it can be really hard to talk about them. Music therapy offers access to a new, symbolic way of communicating in which clients can project their hurt feelings into the music, to be held and contained by the therapist.
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From our earliest days, we learn to communicate through music-like exchanges—our caregiver’s musical mirroring of our cries, coos, and rhythms. In the same way, music therapy can unlock communication, connection, and turn-taking in a non-threatening way (Malloch & Trevarthen, 2009). For a young person who hasn’t always been able to form healthy attachments, the music therapist can offer a “secure base” (Bowlby, 1988), allowing whatever needs to be expressed to rise naturally through the music.
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In short, music therapy can be an incredibly transformative experience, helping people explore feelings, build resilience, and find new ways of relating to themselves and others.​
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be musical to take part?
Not at all. No prior musical experience is needed. Sessions are adapted to each person’s needs.
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What might a session look like?
It could involve improvising on instruments, singing, songwriting, or simply listening together. The key is how the music supports emotional expression and connection.
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Is music therapy just listening to music?
No. While listening can be therapeutic, music therapy involves an intentional, therapeutic process facilitated by a trained therapist.
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Who can benefit?
Children, young people, and adults; anyone who may find it difficult to express themselves with words, or who could benefit from a safe, creative space.
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How is music therapy different from sound therapy?
Music therapy is interactive, relational, and clinically guided. Sound therapy is more about receiving vibrations and frequencies in a meditative context.