How Music Therapy Helps Bristol Man Feel Seen and Heard
When Nick picks up his guitar, he comes alive. Because for him, music and the arts are two of his greatest loves.
“Music is my life,” he said. “It’s one of the main ways I express myself.”
Nick, who lives at an Hft supported living service in Bristol, has music therapy sessions with therapist Sharon King each week.
Often the sessions are focused around a theme, including nature – another one of Nick’s passions.
“I spent a lot of my early life in the countryside,” said Nick.
“I like being out in the natural environment.”
Nick, who alongside his guitar often brings his cymbals and harmonica to the sessions, works with Sharon to discuss the themes they will take.
“We improvise,” said Sharon.
“We discuss a theme and then work on the songs and the words together.”
Nick, who has enjoyed music since he was a child, also has a strong faith and enjoys singing hymns in his sessions.
“My faith is very important to me,” said Nick.
“When I was younger I used to go to church with my father and always enjoyed singing the hymns.”
Nick, who says the Rolling Stones and The Beatles are among his musical influences, also enjoys performing songs from the war years.
One of his favourites is the Vera Lynn classic, ‘There’ll Be Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of Dover.’
“My mother drove ambulances and my dad worked at British Aerospace,” said Nick.
“I really enjoy singing songs from the war time era.
“The White Cliffs of Dover is one of my favourites and I always remember all the lyrics.”
Each therapy session begins and ends with a hello and goodbye song.
“Nick always takes the lead in our sessions. They are very much about connection,” said Sharon.
“It’s about joining together through a shared love of music.
“He will often wear something specific, or bring an item of clothing to the session and that can often lead to what we explore musically.”
Nick is also a keen artist, with many of his pieces adorning the wall of his room at the supported living service.
He has also exhibited his work locally in Bristol. Nick has also designed a children’s comic and enjoys knitting and crochet.
He makes gifts for his friends who he shares his home with.
Sharon, a former primary school teacher, is a registered music therapist with the Health Care Professions Council.
She also provides music therapy to children with special needs and runs a dementia choir and an aphasia choir for people who have had a stroke.
The use of music therapy with learning disabled adults concentrates on the use of music as a means of communication, self expression and interaction.
This type of therapy can help to increase motivation, empower people by offering choices and encourages and stimulates physical movement and co-ordination.
For Nick, these sessions are a highlight of his week.
“My music therapy reduces my anxiety and helps me in developing social interactions,” said Nick.
“I feel that my spirit really comes alive when I perform music.
“It makes my inner self shine and I am able to share fully who I am.”
