How Neurologic Music Therapy can support neurorehabilitation and development
By Chiltern Music Therapy
Neurologic Music Therapy® is an evidence-based clinical treatment system of 20 techniques that use music to support the development of, rehabilitation of, or maintenance of speech and language, cognition, motor skills, and psychosocial function. NMT-trained therapists work with patients in neurorehabilitation across a range of settings, but may also work with people who have developmental needs or . This July, Chiltern Music Therapy had the pleasure of supporting a hybrid UK-based training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT™).
Those who signed up for the training completed a series of online modules prior to three days of face-to-face practice sessions in Birmingham. Two of our therapists, Becky and Emma, attended the training and have shared how it felt to learn NMT™ techniques for the first time and how they will use the training in their clinical practice.
Becky says “More than 50 people attended the NMT™ training in Birmingham, and one thing that really struck me was that it was not only Music Therapists who signed up. Several other disciplines were represented, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists. It was really interesting to talk to everyone and hear how they felt they would be able to apply the NMT techniques in their work”.
“It was fascinating to have the opportunity to learn more about neuroscience and how music affects the brain. In particular, I was really interested to find out more about how long-term musical memories are encoded using brain regions which are not significantly impacted by dementia. In my work as a music therapist with people living with dementia, I have often witnessed their remarkable ability to recall the melody and words for songs that they have known all their lives, even when verbal communication has become very difficult.”
Emma says “I found the whole course very interesting and particularly how it focused on the use of individual features of music and how they can trigger and influence different parts of the brain. For example, humans naturally synchronise their movements to rhythm, meaning it can be very supportive in rehabilitating gait using techniques such as Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation®. I also liked how much of the training was research based so there was lots of evidence of the techniques in practice and proof of their effectiveness. As I mainly work with children with learning disabilities and in SEND settings I found it especially interesting how the techniques can be used with clients with developmental disorders, particularly some of the cognition and speech techniques. I’m now excited about implementing and exploring these techniques in my clinical work.”
Emma and Becky are excited to join the community of more than 3000 NMT™ trained professionals working in at least 65 countries around the world.
At Chiltern Music Therapy, we are always keen to connect with qualified Music Therapists who are trained in NMT™ and interested in freelance opportunities across England.
If this sounds like you, you can click here to join our NMT™ opportunities list.
