Paul’s experience of Soundwell music therapy
Paul came to a Soundwell group for fifteen months. I have changed his name and some of his personal details. He is middle aged and has a long history of psychosis, severe difficulties forming relationships and many failed attempts at work/college.
When he first came to the group he lived at home, was unemployed and was unable to use public transport.
Music Therapy had actually been identified for Paul as an unmet need by his care team – since before Soundwell formed there was no music therapy for people with mental health needs in the area.
When he first attended the group he was extremely anxious and found talking very difficult. His sense of his own worth was also very low.
Whereas Paul found talking to people very hard, he found communicating through music much easier and over many months group work using the instruments he started to make good relationships with other group members and began to feel part of the group – he started to feel he belonged and felt he fitted in.
At the same time he started to feel better about himself which made him feel less anxious in the group, which made communication easier.
After about a year of this benign cycle Paul found work and the group supported him through the difficult transition period of getting to know new work colleagues. After his first few months in the job he felt ready to leave the MT group.
Paul has stayed in work now for 3 years including changing jobs during that time and has since moved out of his parents home into his own flat.
Please note that Soundwell Music Therapy Trust holds to a policy of strict confidentiality for our clients, and any personal details in these web pages are altered to respect the needs of confidentiality