Communication
Create opportunities for initiation, response, choice-making and shared interaction.
KKBook now← Child & family servicesMusic Therapy
Using music to support communication, regulation and connection.
Goal-based therapy using music, rhythm, movement and creative interaction—adapted to each person’s strengths, needs and preferences.
No music skills neededGoal-basedIndividualisedStrengths-focused
Music used with therapeutic purposeRhythm · Movement · Expression · Connection
Could this be helpful?
When music creates another way to engage and communicate.
Music therapy may be considered when a person responds strongly to rhythm, sound, movement or shared music-making, or when conventional conversation is not the easiest route into therapeutic work.
- 01Communication or social connection needs
- 02Difficulty with emotional expression or regulation
- 03Attention, engagement or motivation challenges
- 04Sensory or movement-related needs
- 05Low confidence or limited participation
- 06Developmental, neurological or mental health needs
What music therapy may support
Use a person’s musical strengths to work towards meaningful goals.
Sessions may include active music-making, singing, rhythm, movement, listening, improvisation or songwriting according to suitability.
Regulation
Use predictable musical structure, rhythm and pacing to support emotional or sensory regulation.
Movement
Pair rhythm and music with purposeful movement, timing and coordination goals when appropriate.
Attention
Support engagement, anticipation and sustained participation through motivating musical experiences.
Social connection
Practise turn-taking, shared attention and connection within musical interaction.
Confidence
Offer meaningful opportunities for creativity, autonomy, achievement and self-expression.
How sessions are shaped
Musical, purposeful and responsive to the person in the room.
The therapist adapts musical experiences around strengths, preferences and agreed goals.
- 1
Start with goals—not instruments
The therapist first understands the person’s needs, context and hoped-for changes.
- 2
Use music actively
Music becomes a shared clinical tool for communication, movement, expression or engagement.
- 3
Follow strengths and responses
Activities are adapted moment by moment rather than requiring musical performance.
- 4
Collaborate with families and teams
Where appropriate, goals and observations are considered alongside the person’s wider support network.
Meet the music therapist
Charisa Chen
Music & Neurologic Music Therapist
Charisa is a trained music therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist with professional experience in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Malaysia.
She uses music as a safe and motivating clinical tool to support communication, confidence, autonomy and wellbeing, adapting sessions to each person’s strengths and goals.
Read Charisa’s full profile →Music therapy or music lessons?
The activity may look musical, but the purpose is different.
Music lessons teach musical knowledge or performance. Music therapy uses musical experiences to work towards therapeutic, developmental or rehabilitation goals. No previous musical ability is required.
Family questions
Before music therapy begins
Does my child need to play an instrument?+
No. Music therapy does not require previous lessons, musical talent or performance ability. Activities are adapted so the person can participate meaningfully.
Will my child be expected to perform?+
No. The aim is therapeutic participation, not performance. Musical choices and activities are used in relation to the person’s goals and comfort.
What if my child is sensitive to sound?+
Tell us about any sound sensitivities when enquiring. The therapist can consider volume, instruments, pacing and whether music therapy is suitable for the person’s sensory needs.
Can parents be involved?+
Family involvement depends on age, goals and the therapy plan. The therapist will discuss the most useful arrangement with you.
What are the current fees and available times?+
Contact our team for current music therapy fees, Charisa’s availability and appointment arrangements.
A creative next step
Tell us what you hope music therapy may support.
Share the person’s age, strengths, main needs, music preferences and any sound sensitivities. We’ll help you understand suitability.