Learning Disabilities

Herts Music Therapy have almost a decade of experience working with people with learning disabilities and deliver individual and group music therapy sessions in several residential settings and day centers.

One setting we have currently is a full day service with adults who have profound and multiple learning disabilities. The therapist has seen some regression since COVID and is slowly starting to see more communication and heightened levels of arousal in sessions.

Some examples of therapeutic goals when working with adults with learning difficulties are:

• Developing social interaction
• Enhancing communication skills (this can be verbally or non-verbally and encourages the use of other forms of interaction like Maketon)
• Increasing attention
• Promoting choice making 
• Decreasing anxiety
• Promoting sensory integration for people who experience sensory differences 
• Promoting emotional well-being

Older Adults

Herts Music Therapy run music therapy sessions with older adults in care homes and within family homes. These sessions are usually with individuals with Dementia. These sessions are with groups and individuals.

Some examples of therapeutic goals when working with older adults are: 

• Improve emotional well-being 
• Decrease anxiety 
• Reinforce a sense of identity 
• Build confidence 
• Increase neuroplasticity by stimulating the brain

How can music therapy help people with dementia? 

Many people with dementia experience extreme isolation due to a loss of language skills. Music therapy can help to break down this isolation as it provides opportunities for non-verbal communication and interaction. Music therapy research studies have been included in NICE guidelines, which suggest that music therapy is beneficial as a psychosocial intervention in dementia care. 

Sing Alongs and Choirs

The service also offers sing along sessions for larger groups as a form of reminiscence which can help to boost well-being. We have also run informal choirs and had the opportunity to perform for family and friends increasing confidence and sharing our passion for music with the community.