The Methodology
The therapist plays specially composed musical sequences on the piano in order to stimulate and motivate the client. By using cymbals and drums, the client's sensory inputs are stimulated and his/her motor skills are activated.
The method is non-verbal, meaning that is is:
- Free of instructions.
- Free of guidelines.
- Comment-free.
The purpose of the use of musical codes is to generate new neural pathways in the brain.
It is based on the individual's:
- Own reactions – it is free of expectations, directives or coercion.
- Own actions – there are no instructions.
- Own thoughts – free of the words or advice of others.
- Own capacity to plan – without physical interference.
"One can not use words to condition a person's brain, nor the human being herself." (Hjelm, 2005)
"To put it simply: The body influences the mind – not the other way around." (Hjelm, 2005)