What (on earth) is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an evidence-based, allied-health practice. We aim to work relationally towards the non-musical goals of participants through music based interventions. Registered Music Therapists (RMT’s) are Master’s level trained practitioners that are recognized by the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
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"What does this actually mean?!", you might ask. It's a very fair question!
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In Music Therapy, we create tangible goals with participants, and work towards them through musical ‘interventions’. This sounds vague, because it is – ‘goals’ and ‘interventions’ are tailored specifically to the needs of participants. Participants are whole, complex and creative organisms and these ‘goals’ are created together, then worked towards by meeting needs in the here and now. Goals could be things such as:
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Increasing awareness
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Building self-regulation skills
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Building social and communication skills
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Working on confidence, identity and self-concept
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Increasing attention span and focus
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Developing and building on coping strategies
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Facilitating a space for self-expression
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And many more – this is a non-exhaustive list!
These ‘interventions’, which are probably better described as ‘activities’, are directed by the participant. They could be things like:
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Exploring new instruments (including the voice and software-based instruments)
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Exploring writing songs
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Improvising with familiar or new instruments
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Building music technology skills
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Listening to music
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Discussing music
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Again – many more things – let’s stay curious!
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Music Therapy can be participated in an individual basis or group basis. We also offer telehealth therapy sessions where applicable. Spin over to the 'services' section of the website to find out more, or drop me a line at info@oymt.com.au
What is Oliver Young Music Therapy (OYMT)?
Oliver Young Music Therapy (OYMT) is a Music Therapy business consisting of 1 RMT (Oli) and my cat (Maisy Mouse). I graduated from Western Sydney University with a Masters of Creative Music Therapy in 2023 and have been an RMT since December 2023 (AMTA #2156). I have a passion for working in the community mental health space and work with groups and individuals on Tuesdays to Fridays. The rest of the time I’m cooking, playing music, trying to get Maisy to sit on my chest (some success lately), and trying to get through a Grad Dip of Counselling.
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The lands that I practice on are implicitly owned by First Nation Peoples. So-Called 'Australia' was, is, and always will be the Land of First Nations Peoples, Aboriginal Peoples, and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and my practice will continue to pay ownership to this. Sovereignty was never ceded, and the trauma of such continues. I will try to hold myself and others accountable for their actions on-going to the best of my regard.
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