My Approach to Music Therapy: Strengths-Based,Neurodivergent-Affirming Care

A strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach that prioritises relationship and nervous system regulation before skill-building.

The foundation: seeing the person, not the diagnosis

This approach focuses on understanding each person's strengths, interests, sensory needs, and emotional world - not on forcing them to fit a single template. Sessions are designed to be supportive, flexible, and responsive, with clear therapeutic intentions and plenty of room for safety and choice.

What neurodiversity-affirming looks like in practice

• Low-stakes and non-judgemental: a safe space to explore and take creative risks

• Regulation-forward: supporting the nervous system, not pushing compliance

• Personalised: following the child’s lead while gently expanding capacity

• Strengths-based: building on what the child already does well

Why relationship and regulation come first

For many children and teens, progress starts with feeling safe, understood, and connected. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation that makes learning, communication, and emotional growth possible. Once regulation and trust improve, goals such as communication, coping strategies, and skill-building become much more accessible.