HEALING THROUGH MUSIC

MAKE THE CHANGE: Music therapist Ella Polczyk-Przybyla offers a holistic model of therapy at Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre. Picture supplied

An interest in using music for therapeutic purposes has grown over the years.

This year's Music Therapy Week, which began on Monday and runs until Sunday, celebrates the hard work of music therapists across Aotearoa.

This year's theme is Make the Change, and Music Therapy New Zealand's main objective is to spread awareness and encourage people to pursue music therapy as a career.

Music therapist Ella Polczyk-Przybyla is a registered practitioner who offers a holistic model of music therapy that recognises an individual's uniqueness.

“Such a practice uses music to assist in the healing and growth of people with emotional, intellectual, physical or social challenges.”

The Hawke’s Bay-based Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre, where Ms Polczyk-Przybyla works as the regional manager, supports clients of all ages.

In a typical music therapy session, each person actively engages with a registered music therapist through music catered to their needs, as well as through songs and musical activities. Clients interact and communicate with their therapist, expressing their personalities, ideas and emotions in whatever way they can, whether that is through instruments, voice or movement.

“We also help the kids use a mixture of instruments such as the keyboard, drums and guitar to express themselves through music,” Ms Polczyk-Przybyla said.

“They may even want to sing their hearts out. There aren't many limitations when it comes to what you can do during a therapy session. Music is taken as a subjective topic during such sessions.”

Much like her therapist colleagues at the centre, Ms Polczyk-Przybyla is a talented musician.

Growing up in the UK, the piano was her first instrument and over time she familiarised herself with the clarinet and saxophone.

At school she played in various jazz bands, something she said helped her “find her feet in the music world”.

Before enrolling in Bath Spa University, she had to choose between pursuing a career as a horse physiotherapist or a music therapist.

After an unsatisfactory volunteering experience in a hospital, Ms Polczyk-Przybyla decided to pursue the latter.

“The reason I love music therapy is that it is a strength-based approach. We're trying to create an engaging and motivating environment in which children and adults can grow and develop.

“It is also a positive experience for parents and caregivers as it allows them to celebrate what their loved one is capable of.”

With clients of all ages, Ms Polczyk-Przybyla said that music therapy is for anyone.

“People can come to it when they find that conventional therapy routes such as counselling don't work for them.”

For people who want to pursue a career in music therapy, Ms Polczyk-Przybyla said it is worth a try.

“A wonderful thing about it is that you do really find yourself when you are becoming a music therapist. It is such a reflective practice. There's so much room for growth.

“Pursuing a career that is fulfilling both professionally and personally can be hard to find. If you are thinking about becoming a music therapist it is worth it.”

Ms Polczyk-Przybyla joined the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre team last year. She has enjoyed supporting people at the centre, in schools and in community centres across Hawke's Bay and has big plans to grow the centre.

Raukatauri also operates centres in Auckland, Northland and the Bay of Plenty.

Anyone looking to access support or advice can go to rmtc.org.nz