Susan's story*

One of the team describes some of her work with Susan, a client with mental health problems.

Susan is a 40-year old woman with a long-standing mental health problem, currently living in a nursing home. She heard about music therapy at her local MIND group. Before becoming ill she had played the piano and studied music theory.

When she first came for music therapy Susan had a little difficulty understanding that the session was not a lesson and she found it difficult to relax and play with the instruments. Gradually she got used to improvising with the support of her therapist: often playing the piano for the whole session.

Susan has now bought her own lyre (a small harp) which she brings each week. Some of her symptoms appear to have reduced. She has found a satisfying creative outlet where she can contact her former self. It seems that music therapy is preventing further deterioration and significantly enhancing her quality of life.

* names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality