The human being has an innate ability to respond to music, an ability that remains unaffected by any mental or physical disease. One of music’s main properties is that it offers a different means of communication where words are not the basic means of expression. It can therefore reach and complement deeper emotional situations in a safe and creative way.
Music therapy is a therapeutic intervention which we apply at Hadjipaterion Center on a weekly basis. Sessions take place within the classrooms, working together with the specialized teachers of the children. We use a series of musical instruments (guitar, glockenspiel, keyboards, etc) as well as percussion which are easy and accessible to children. Using musical improvisations as a means of communication, as well as other specifically designed therapeutic techniques, our music therapist accompanies each child’s music or sounds thus creating a rapport that allows for positive changes.
The aim of music therapy is to strengthen:
- Physical level, gross and fine mobility, relaxation of the muscle tone, the range of movements,
- Emotional level, the expression of feelings through music, self-confidence and imagination,
- Cognitive level, concentration, structure and language and
- Communication level, interaction and social skills.