Music Therapists

Music as a tool to achieve life goals

old man playing guitar, high-fiving younger man

Music Therapy is an evidence-based Allied-Health profession that uses music-based interventions to achieve non-musical goals. Music Therapists guide Clients in developing essential skills such as self-expression, emotional regulation and coping strategies.


At helpz, we use music as a therapeutic bridge, helping individuals connect, grow and achieve greater independence and wellbeing. Learn how our Music Therapy services can support your loved one.

Healing through music

What makes Music Therapy different?

Dive into the transformative world of Music Therapy, where clinical goals are intertwined with rhythm and melody. In the hands of our Registered Music Therapists (RMT), therapeutic strategies come alive through music, with an emphasis on enhancing speech and language function, mental wellbeing as well as balance and coordination.

Inclusive

Music Therapy caters to all backgrounds and ages, providing support to anyone experiencing challenges in communication, physical, emotional, social or cognitive functioning.

Tailored

Our Music Therapists assess and develop a customised therapeutic approach. If Music Therapy isn't the right fit, we guide you to the service that best suits your needs.

Transdisciplinary

At helpz, our approach blends Music Therapy with Speech Therapy and Positive Behaviour Support for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary intervention. This model fosters independence, inclusion and active participation.

"What I love most about Music Therapy is its universality; its power to evoke meaningful connections and insight with or without the need for words."

Tessa McDermott, music therapist at helpz

Tessa McDermott
Music Therapist at helpz

High-quality care you can rely on


As an accredited NDIS service provider, trust helpz to deliver Music Therapy services that meet the highest quality and safety standards. Our qualified Music Therapists bring a blend of technical expertise and genuine care, tailoring each treatment plan to support meaningful progress.


With a dedicated team of clinicians located across Australia, we bring exceptional therapeutic support directly to you, whether at home or in the community. Guided by each Client's goals, we're here to provide reliable, respectful and engaging support every step of the way.

Begin your Music Therapy journey with helpz


Music Therapy can open new pathways for expression, connection and personal growth. For those looking to include Music Therapy service in their plan or want to support a loved one, we're here to help. At helpz, we use evidence-based intervention to help you build confidence and take meaningful steps forward.


Support doesn't stop at Music Therapy. You can explore our full suite of NDIS services, including Behaviour Support, Occupational Therapy, Counselling, Dietetics and more. Each service is designed to meet individual needs and create lasting impact, one goal at a time.


Connect with us today and get the personalised support you or your loved one deserves.

FAQs


  • How does Music Therapy fit into my NDIS plan?

    Music Therapy is covered in your NDIS plan under 'Capacity Building' supports. It's specifically listed as a therapeutic support, meaning it's designed to enhance your skills and independence in daily life, with a fun and engaging twist.

  • Who can benefit from Music Therapy services?

    Anyone who is experiencing challenges with their communication, physical, emotional, social and/or cognitive functioning can benefit from Music Therapy. Music Therapists use their years of clinical training and musical expertise to support clients of all ages and backgrounds.

  • What is Music Therapy about?

    The main goal of Music Therapy is actually non-musical. The focus is on achieving clinical goals such as improving speech and language function or enhancing balance and coordination etc. It is implemented by a trained and Registered Music Therapist (RMT).

  • What does a typical session look like?

    A Music Therapy session can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour. It's typically held on a weekly or fortnightly basis either as individual or group sessions. Music Therapists utilise evidence-based interventions within each session to target clinical goals tailored to the needs of the Client.


    The number of sessions, their duration and the types of activities involved are shaped by the Client's individual support needs. Music Therapy may include singing, playing instruments or creating original music. Some sessions focus on listening to music and discussing the thoughts or feelings it brings up.

  • What kind of activities occur during a session?

    Music Therapy sessions at helpz are thoughtfully shaped around each Client's unique strengths and objectives. Using the power of music, our therapists draw on a rich toolkit of techniques that feel natural, engaging and empowering.


    Common interventions include:


    • Singing
    • Drumming
    • Movement to music
    • Recording music
    • Instrumental play
    • Music listening
    • Composing songs
    • Lyrical analysis
    • Improvisation
    • Creating art to music

Common goals targeted through music therapy:


  • Communication

    • Develop expressive/receptive communication 
    • Support and practise AAC 
    • Improve articulation, rate of speech and voice projection
    • Develop vocabulary and conversational skills 
  • Physical

    • Develop fine/gross motor skills 
    • Improve bilateral control, balance and coordination 
    • Improve gait, stability and range of motion 
    • Reduce and manage pain perception 
    • Regulate heart rate and blood pressure 
  • Emotional

    • Reduce anxiety and stress 
    • Improve self-esteem, confidence and motivation 
    • Develop emotional regulation including emotional understanding, emotional expression and practising coping skills to deal with difficult emotions 
  • Social

    • Develop understanding of social cues such as body language and facial expressions 
    • Practise social skills including joint-attention, turn-taking, sharing, leading and following instructions 
    • Practise social greetings and conversational skills 
  • Cognitive

    • Develop attention skills (sustained, selective and divided) 
    • Develop executive functioning skills (reasoning, initiating, inhibiting, planning, memory and flexibility) 
    • Practise academic concepts such as counting and colour identification