In addition to group music therapy sessions Claire has a wide range of experience working with groups and running workshops. Her roles have included a group facilitator on a music therapy training course, a music tutor on an evening introductory course to music therapy and a workshop leader in a variety of settings including schools, children centres, music therapy clinics and universities. Claire is very interested in group dynamics and brings her knowledge and experience to all group sessions.
Music therapy workshops are offered for a half day or full day and can take place in a variety of settings for staff training events. These workshops can be a very useful tool in developing communication between staff, reflecting on service provision and the children/adults you may work with and can focus on the following areas:
- Team-building / working on communication with colleagues
- Listening skills
- Ideas for working with children/adult groups with additional needs
- Improvisation techniques
- Building on confidence and use of voice
Sessions can involve basic theory on music therapy, autism, learning difficulties, early years, group work and adult mental health. The workshops often include case studies of music therapy, experiential activities and practical advice.
Experiential activities can focus on listening, developing awareness of use of voice, social interaction and communication skills, group dynamics and emotional needs.
The workshops are flexible according to the needs or the service users and can include more practical activities or theory as required.
Lectures
Claire lectures on a variety of subjects and has experience in providing lectures and workshops in schools, children centres, child development centres, music centres and music therapy clinics. Areas of clinical interests include the following:
Autism (children and teenagers): covering basic theories of autism and music therapy; how music therapy can address their individual needs; case studies and examples; musical skills/techniques used.
Introduction to music therapy: covering aspects of music therapy theory, clinical improvisation techniques, case studies with examples of theory and techniques.
Group music therapy: examples of music therapy groups working with different client groups and discussing group music therapy with adults as well as children, practical activities/workshop ideas.
