Acorns

Working with Children

As a child-centred music therapist, I believe that every child carries their own unique way of being in the world. My role is not to direct or instruct, but to provide a safe and responsive space where they can explore, express, and grow through music.

In sessions, I follow the child’s lead, whether that means tapping a drum, singing a familiar tune, experimenting with sound, or sitting quietly with the instruments until they are ready to play. By meeting children exactly where they are, we create opportunities for self-expression, communication, and connection at their own pace.

Music becomes a language that doesn’t rely on words. This can be especially powerful for children who:

find it hard to put their feelings into speech,
struggle with anxiety, trauma, or big emotions,
need support with social skills or turn-taking,
or simply benefit from a space that is entirely their own.

Through improvisation, songs, and musical play, children can safely express feelings, develop trust, and begin to experience positive relationships. The therapeutic relationship becomes a secure base from which they can explore the world, try new things, and build confidence.

My approach is always individualised: each child’s story, strengths, and needs guide the direction of our work. Above all, I aim to create a nurturing musical space where children feel heard, accepted, and free to be themselves.

Our Work May Include

Improvisation

Improvisation lies at the heart of music therapy. As Tony Wigram describes, it is a way for therapist and client to communicate in the moment, without words, through sound. By freely exploring instruments or voice, clients can express feelings that might otherwise remain hidden.

The therapist listens and responds musically, sometimes mirroring, sometimes gently extending what is offered, so that a musical dialogue unfolds. This exchange can help build trust, support emotional release, and create a sense of being truly heard.

Importantly, improvisation in music therapy is not about playing the “right” notes or being musical in the traditional sense. It is about using sound to connect, to discover, and to begin a process of growth and change.

Songwriting

Songwriting is another powerful way of working in music therapy. As Diane Austin describes, writing songs allows clients to put words to experiences that may be too difficult to speak outright. When those words are set to music, the feelings become embodied, heard, and validated in a unique way.

The process of creating a song can help clients tell their story, make sense of emotions, and connect more deeply with their identity. Listening back to the song can also become a source of strength and comfort, holding the client’s journey in musical form.

Songwriting in therapy is not about producing a polished piece of music. It is about expression, meaning-making, and connection: a creative process that can support healing on many levels.

Singing

Research shows that singing in music therapy can be deeply therapeutic, both physically and emotionally. Singing activates the breath, voice, and body, helping to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress. Studies have also found that singing together can increase connection, release endorphins, and even improve mood and immune function.

In therapy, singing can provide a safe way to explore emotions and develop a stronger sense of self. For some clients, finding their singing voice can be a powerful metaphor for finding their personal voice in the world. Group singing can also create a sense of belonging and shared experience, while individual singing may help with confidence, emotional release, and self-expression.

Feedback

"It is lovely to see R so happy and engaged! He is clearly getting so much from your sessions, you are doing an amazing job!"

Lydia, R's teacher

I worked with R for a year at a special school in Bristol. I really love this video as it shows how much he loves his granddad, and how songwriting can be used in music therapy to support a sense of identity and confidence. R was such a joy to work with, and we had lots of fun making music together.

Get in Touch

I look forward to hearing from you!