Receptive techniques for music therapists

Saturday 8th November 2014

10.30am - 5.30pm
Nordoff Robbins London Centre, 2 Lissenden Gardens, London NW5 1PQ
Cost: 60 including lunch for BAMT members (cheques to be made payable to BAMT)
Numbers will be restricted 12 so early application is advised.
Receptive techniques, which are many and varied in music therapy, are those that involve the use of
recorded music and sometimes playing music to clients. They can be used with clients of all ages and
at all levels of physical and psychological functioning. Though widely practised in other countries
they have not been traditionally taught to UK music therapists.
The aim of this workshop is to equip therapists to begin to incorporate some of these
techniques into their practice. The techniques introduced will be those that can be safely used
without further training. They potentially have an application with different client groups where they
can be adapted and integrated with therapists existing skills and ways of working.
Following a general introduction to receptive practice the main learning component of the
day will be experiential, focused especially on the skills required for music and relaxation type work
with children and adults. A further technique taught will involve drawing and writing to recorded
music (as could potentially include recordings of individual and group improvisation).
Through this attendees will gain an understanding of, and basic proficiency in:

The role of the music and how to select it

Giving a basic relaxation induction
Use of simple scripts (guided visualization) in supportive level work
Principles of safe practice when working with altered (relaxed) states of
consciousness and the need for further training to work more deeply.
Incorporating creative engagement in other media in an accessible and enriching
way for clients and within the proficiencies of music therapists.
Client applications and contra-indications

The final part of the day will involve group discussion focused on the integration of receptive
techniques into therapists existing practice. The workshop is intended for qualified music therapists
and students.
Attendees are asked to purchase and bring with them: Receptive Methods in Music Therapy:
Techniques and Clinical Applications for Music Therapy Clinicians, Educators and Students, eds.
Grocke D & Wigram T (2007), Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This is an indispensable resource book for
those who wish to develop receptive techniques in their practice.
Workshop Leader
Martin Lawes has been practicing as a music psychotherapist for 15 years in special needs education,
palliative care and adult mental health. He is additionally qualified in the Bonny Method of Guided
Imagery and Music (BMGIM) probably the best known receptive method. He is a registered Primary
Trainer in this with the Association for Music and Imagery (AMI). Martin is a BAMT registered
supervisor and had presented about his work nationally and internationally on many occasions. He is
published in three peer reviewed journals.