Clinical Music Therapy
Clinical Music Therapy is an evidence-based practice that uses music-making, listening, and improvisation to support emotional, social, cognitive, and physical wellbeing. Led by HCPC-registered music therapists, it’s a pathway to self-expression, communication, and confidence through the power of music.
Where We Work
At Inscape Therapies, clinical music therapy is delivered across a wide range of settings, including:
Education
Healthcare
Accessible Services
Self Referral
nursery, primary, secondary, ASN provisions
hospitals, hospices, community health services
home visits and online sessions
direct access for individuals and families
Who it Helps
Music therapy is particularly beneficial for people living with autism, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and neurological conditions, among others. Whether delivered one-to-one or in groups, sessions are tailored to each person’s unique needs, with therapeutic progress carefully monitored.
Why it Works
Working across the lifespan—from early childhood to older adulthood—clinical music therapy fosters growth, resilience, and meaningful change. It’s not just music—it’s therapy through connection, creativity, and care.
Build Self-Confidence
Supports Emotional Regulation
Fosters Meaningful Social Connections
The Process
One-to-one or Group Sessions
Tailored to Individual Needs
Continuous Assessment to Monitor Progress
Music Therapy in Action
This video presents part of the work carried out by Brian with Dominic, a young man living with cerebral palsy who was referred to music therapy due to depression. In their sessions, Brian’s focus is always on the whole person — encompassing the physical, social, and emotional dimensions. The beauty of music therapy lies in its ability to integrate all these aspects through music, often without the need for words.
By giving Dominic the time and space to respond in his own way, he is able to express himself freely and authentically. His responses may be subtle, but they carry deep significance. Both Dominic and Brian recognize when something meaningful has occurred — a moment of recognition, connection, and value.
The impact of this work extends to Dominic’s family as well. After viewing the session, his mother shared how joyful it was to see him smiling, and how powerful it was to know that he was being truly seen, heard, and valued.
Music therapy fosters spaces where joy, connection, and emotional support can be deeply experienced — even in the absence of words.
“It’s so wonderful to see Dominic smiling — and to know he is being seen, heard, and valued.”
Logan's Story
“In this session, Logan takes a big step forward — fully transitioning into the music therapy space and discovering connection through music.”
This video shows Brian working with Logan, a young person with autism for whom transitions can be particularly difficult. In fact, this was the very first time Logan was able to fully transition into the music therapy room — a huge step in itself. Alongside Brian in the room were Logan’s teacher and his support for learning assistant, reflecting the way Inscape Therapies works within a full 360-degree approach, supporting the whole environment around each client.
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In the session, Brian used a two-chord holding technique on the piano, a method developed by Diane Austin in her work with Vocal Psychotherapy. This approach creates a safe and predictable musical foundation — moving gently between two chords that provide both security and openness. The steady repetition offers stability, while the gentle shifts between chords invite expression and flexibility. Alongside this, Brian used his voice to match and mirror the sounds Logan was making.
For a young person with autism and anxiety, this combination of musical holding and vocal attunement can feel deeply regulating and unthreatening. It allows Logan to feel that his sounds are acknowledged and joined, helping him to experience being safe, heard, and valued. Together, Brian and Logan created music in a way that fostered trust, connection, and emotional freedom.
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Through the sensitive way Brian worked, Logan’s class teacher and support assistant were also able to witness new approaches in action. They began carrying some of these techniques back into the everyday structure of the classroom, extending the benefits of music therapy into Logan’s wider learning environment.
Physical touch is something Logan often struggles with, which makes the ending of the session especially moving. Feeling safe enough to come close, give Brian a high five, and eventually a hug was a powerful testament to the therapeutic process. These moments highlight the heart of music therapy — creating a space where young people can feel secure, understood, and open to connection.