Classic piece on Nordoff-Robbins with Vintage footage of Clive Robbins

If you're going to talk about Music Therapy there are so many places to start.....or maybe there is just one. I love so much about this video, but it really speaks for itself. Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy will always be dear to my heart due to the improvisatory nature of the interaction between the therapist, client, and music. What can better follow the clients needs from moment to moment than musical improvisations designed to meet the patient on his or her current level. No one thing is perfect for all situations, but reading and reacting to a patient/group in the moment is a vital skill in any setting, me thinks.

Music Therapy Bloggin'

So...I am going to try and do some blogging again. I have twins on the way and they may have a LOT to say about this idea, but I will have more time at home and eventually think this might work out OK. We shall see. I currently work in a psych setting on a team of 6 therapists. Myself, another music therapist who I previously worked with in a Hospice setting prior to her getting a year's experience in a different psych facility; two recreation therapists, and two therapists working toward MFT and LPCC certifications. So we have a lovely mixture of Rec., Music, and Talk therapies, in my humble opinion. We are about to add another music therapist, an art therapist, and a movement/dance therapist as we open a new floor and other expansions/changes occur. I'm going to try and focus on my ideas, groups, experiences, etc., and I am going to try and keep everything on a simple level here. "Rasta speak so that a baby could understand," (Bob Marley)...the point being that I want to assume that someone reading this blog might potentially be hearing about music therapy for the very first time and with that in mind I will try to present as much information as possible and not assume that you know many or any things about the field. I will also occasionally (or frequently) post articles, videos, and other things that relate to the topic of "The Power of Song." I think we all know how powerful music is/can be and how deeply it is rooted in the human experience, but let's get specific, eh? Thanks, with love, Thomas.