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Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust

Services

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

Music therapy can offer a safe, supportive space for people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, emotional dysregulation, grief, and other mental health challenges. Through music therapy, people can express what may be difficult to put into words, build coping strategies, and reconnect with themselves and others.

Supporting emotional expression, regulation, and recovery

Mental health difficulties affect people in different ways. For some, it may feel hard to talk. The nonverbal nature of music can offer a way to approach difficult emotions. For others, emotions may feel overwhelming, disconnected, or difficult to manage. Music therapy provides a unique way to engage with those who may not engage with traditional 'talking therapies' to address the needs of those presenting with anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma, stress management, and emotional regulation.

Emotional expression Stress reduction Trauma-informed support Confidence building Relationship and trust
How We Help

In music therapy sessions, the therapist will help identify areas for development to achieve outcomes such as:

Emotional regulation

Music therapy can provide a safe outlet for clients to explore, process, regulate and express their emotions through verbalisation, songwriting and improvisation.

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Processing of Traumatic Memories

Music therapy techniques can be used to influence neurological changes which can improve how our brain processes traumatic memory.

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Communication skills

Therapy can provide an outlet to encourage individuals who struggle with language to express themselves, build trust, and connect with others using both verbal and non-verbal communication. This can be through singing, vocalising, improvisation and song writing.

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Self-esteem and identity

Through shared musical experiences, people can build confidence, agency, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of personal voice in sessions.

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Who It Is For

Flexible support across different settings

We can support children, young people, adults, and older adults in schools, community services, healthcare settings, residential care, and specialist mental health environments.

Sessions can be delivered one-to-one or in small groups, depending on the person’s needs, goals, and context. We work collaboratively with families, carers, schools, and other professionals where appropriate.

  • Child and Adolescent support
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Anxiety and depression
  • School Anxiety
  • Eating disorders
  • Family support
Client using music in therapy
Music therapy in practice
In Practice

Creating space for safety, reflection, and change

In mental health work, the relationship matters. Music therapy can help people feel less alone, more understood, and more able to process difficult experiences at their own pace. It can support trust, routine, emotional regulation, and reconnection.

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Our Approach

How support is delivered

01

Initial conversation

We begin by understanding the setting, the person’s needs, and the goals of support.

02

Assessment

We consider presentation, communication style, emotional needs, and therapeutic fit.

03

Therapy delivery

Sessions are tailored to the individual or group using structured, responsive music therapy practice.

04

Review and outcomes

Progress is reviewed collaboratively so support remains meaningful, safe, and effective.