Arts therapies; including music, drama and art; can be beneficial for all ages and abilities but particularly for adolescents, young children and those with communication difficulties, people on the autistic spectrum, people with dementia and in whole-family therapy.
Arts therapies are therapeutic interventions similar to counselling or psychotherapy that aim to improve mental health and well-being. They use music, drama, art or dance as the means of communication. No prior experience of the arts is required as it is within the process of creativity and the therapeutic relationship that healing and growth can be fostered.
Arts therapies are effective in helping clients express themselves when verbal communication is difficult or when the subject matter and healing process is complex. When a client has limited verbal abilities they often retain musical abilities and understanding enabling them to communicate with the therapist through music and song. Additionally if a client is finding a subject matter too difficult to speak about and process, using the arts can allow the subject to be held and explored in a safe way.
Arts therapies are part of our well-being model at Cambridgeshire music. They form the basis of our well-being triangle as they focus on using the arts as therapeutic mediums for positive change. Other stages within our well-being triangle are Music Mentoring which has a more directive approach to music learning but still with an emphasis on relational issues and may be appropriate for people with milder emotional or intellectual difficulties or those transitioning from music therapy.
Not sure where to start? We can help asses which level would be best for each individual and which art form may be best suited.
Self-expression and communication
Increased resilience
Processing trauma and loss
Improved emotional wellbeing
Building confidence and self esteem
Decreased tension, anxiety and challenging behaviour
Enhanced awareness of self and others
Improved social skills such as listening, turntaking and sharing
Better co-ordination and movement
Improved focus and concentration
Reduced behavioural issues
Increase ability to participate and engage with education curriculum and school life
Improved education progression
Fully qualified employed therapists who are state registered and members of the British Association of Music Therapists or Drama Therapists, the Health and Care Professions Council and who have relevant Disclosure and Barring checks (DBS).
Therapists may also have additional training including Attachment, Systemic, Mental Health, VIG, Counselling, Consultancy, Risk Assessment and Fundraising.
Ongoing clinical supervision to support therapists' work.
Set up, session time, note writing, liaison and report writing.
Online support for client accounts.
Orla Casey (Head of Arts Therapies Service)
orla.casey@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
01480 373527
Please phone or email Orla Casey for more information, funding options and setting up an assessment for any of the Arts Therapy Services.
Funding may be available to support music or drama therapy from the following sources: Pupil Premium/Premium Plus school funding Funding for children looked after by the authority Social Care support Early Learning Support for Learning Adoption Support Funds Mental Health funding CORAM Fostering and adoption services Together for families Alternative Education provision Schools Personal budgets Families Charities
