Get to know us
Elise is the principal Registered Music Therapist (RMT) and founder of Hope and Harmony Music Therapy. After completing a Bachelor of Music with First Class in her Honour year and a Master of Music Therapy from the University of Melbourne, she worked in both Victoria and Queensland as an RMT with a diverse range of individuals in a wide variety of settings.
Elise O'Donnell-Meyer
Registered Music Therapist, RMT
Neurologic Music Therapist, NMT
B.Mus. (Hons), M.Mus.Thy.
OUR STORY
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes the power of music to promote well-being. It is a holistic approach that combines musical interventions with therapeutic techniques to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Music therapy can be effective in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. The therapist uses different musical activities, such as listening, playing instruments, singing, and improvisation, to engage the individual in the therapeutic process. The rhythm, melody, and lyrics of the music are carefully chosen to evoke specific emotions and facilitate self-expression. Through music therapy, individuals can experience stress reduction, improved communication skills, increased self-esteem, and enhanced overall quality of life. It is a powerful tool that harnesses the universal language of music to create positive change.
What will happen?
Every music therapy program looks different, but they all start with an initial assessment. We'll discuss music preferences, needs and goals so that we can collaboratively work together in developing specific music therapy goals that best serve everyone.
Your RMT will then use this information to develop a personalised music therapy program and together we shape this session to session. This may include song writing, joint singing, instrument playing and many more evidence-based activities.
