THE TOWER SEMINAR SERIES – Music Therapy for Adolescents in Mental Healthcare: Reflecting on Roles, Responsibilities and Rap.

Presenters: Dr Tríona McCaffrey, Helen Short
Chair: Dr Hilary Moss

Music therapy is recognised as a suitable and engaging practice
in working with adolescents to address a wide range of issues.
The aim of such work is to support adolescents to build on
existing strengths and develop new skills that may allow them
to successfully manage themselves and their emotions in
healthy manner. The skillful use of music and musical elements
by a qualified music therapist is key in this regard which can help
to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional,
and spiritual health. A variety of approaches and methods
can be used when working this population while in recent
years use of Hip-Hop and Rap music has become increasingly
popular. This seminar will reflect upon contemporary music
therapy practice with adolescents while drawing on evidence,
practitioner perspectives and case examples.
Helen Short is a guest lecturer and clinical supervisor at
Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK. She
has a broad experience of working with children and adults
diagnosed with mental health and behavioural difficulties in
inpatient and community settings. She practices with West
London Mental Health NHS Trust and Chelsea and Westminster
NHS Foundation Trust. She presented her clinical work at the
European music therapy congress in 2013 and the World Music
Therapy Congress (2014), and her work has been published in
several music therapy journals.