Client Information Package Hills Outreach Clinic CONTENTS 1. Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia 2 a. Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy b. Music Therapy at the Hills - for children with disability c. Music Therapy at Nordoff-Robbins 2. Policies at Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia.. 5 3. Schedule of Fees. 7 4. Client Referral Form 8 5. Client Consent Form. 11 6. Customer Information Form.. 13 1
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia is a non-profit organisation providing internationally recognised music therapy. Registered Music Therapists use the power of music in live and interactive sessions to help people cope with the struggles of living with a wide range of special needs. These include children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, autism, trauma, illness, dementia, behavioural disorders and learning difficulties. Over 250 clients come to our main Centre in Kingswood each week. They are served by a range of programs, in both individual and group music therapy sessions. They come from local mainstream and special schools, early intervention programs, disability programs, aged care programs and also private referrals. The Centre also provides outreach programs in the community. These include music therapy at early intervention programs, music therapy in schools programs, and music therapy programs for senior Australians. Music Therapy at the Hills - for children with disability Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia is very pleased to announce the expansion of its services into The Hills & Hornsby districts, with the opening of an outreach program in Cherrybrook, catering to children with disability. We have been based in Western Sydney since 2001, so we are especially delighted to be able to offer quality music therapy services in Northwest Sydney for the first time. Venue: Address: Opening hours: Cherrybrook Community Centre Shepherds Lane, Cherrybrook Thursdays - 9am to 5pm (during school terms) We have worked very closely with many schools and children over many years, and we know the significant impact music therapy can have on their lives. Children are especially responsive to the non-threatening nature of music: its ability to calm, lift spirits, encourage participation and co-operation, assist with social skills and importantly, enhance communication. Music Therapy at Nordoff-Robbins The process of music therapy involves assessing each client, setting goals and working through musical strategies to achieve these goals. This process is monitored through regular evaluation. The nature of music therapy goals are determined by the client groups. For example, the primary focus might be: Developmental (cognitive, emotional, physical, sensory integration etc) Educational Health-related 2
Social Stress management Counseling Rehabilitation etc What kind of music therapy is used at Nordoff-Robbins? Creative music therapy, used at Nordoff-Robbins, originated in the work of the late Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins in the 1960s and 1970s. The Nordoff-Robbins approach to music therapy is about helping those with physical or mental illness, disabilities or emotional distress to relate and communicate through music. There is a focus on improvisation and composition as a means to engage clients in their own growth and development so that they can live more resourcefully and creatively. At our Centre creative music therapy can be both active and receptive. Active music therapy for the child or adult focuses on active musical interaction or participation, communication and self-expression in either individual or group sessions. The therapist is trained to work through any emotional and behavioural issues within music therapy. In summary, active creative music therapy can offer meaningful ways for a client to Interact and communicate Relax and feel more in control Enjoy physical movement and vocal expression Take initiative Work through emotional / behavioural issues Receptive music therapy is appropriate for high-needs clients whose activity is limited. The elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, form and so on) are used for physical and mental stimulation as well as relaxation. There is still a focus on participation, communication and self-expression just less emphasis on the active musical participation from the client s point of view. All the music therapists at Nordoff-Robbins are Registered Music Therapists (RMT s), which means that they: have successfully completed an accredited undergraduate music (therapy) degree or post-graduate music therapy diploma or Master in Creative Music Therapy and may have additional qualifications. are professionally trained and qualified whose training has included various applications of music therapy - and substantial clinical training - in a variety of settings. Registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association Inc (AMTA Inc) and bound by the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics of AMTA Inc. How are the sessions conducted? At the Centre music therapists work with individuals and groups. The first step is an assessment of the potential client by one of our music therapists, and you will be asked to complete a Referral Form to provide the music therapist with some details about the client before the assessment session. 3
After assessing the strengths and needs of the client, if the therapist believes that music therapy would be beneficial, the therapist will design a weekly music therapy program with specific goals to assist the client. Generally this is reviewed after the first 10 weeks. The therapist will implement specific ways of using music, for example, through improvisation, singing and vocalisation, movement, relaxation or listening to music. It is through these diverse uses of music that the goals of music therapy are being pursued. The music in creative music therapy sessions is live and usually improvised by the therapists for the client. Clients are invited to respond and make music with the therapist on a range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments, through vocalisation or singing, and movement. Through this musical interaction the therapist will analyse client responses and evaluate these in the light of therapeutic goals (such as speech development, strengthening motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination, emotional support, sensory integration, anxiety reduction and communication strategies). In the course of therapy goals may change and ultimately therapy will finish when this work is completed or a project comes to an end. How long does each session last? Generally, a single session is scheduled for either 30 minutes or 45-60 minutes on a weekly basis. The length of sessions is established before the course of therapy begins. Recording of sessions Please note that it is Nordoff-Robbins policy to record music therapy sessions (sound and/or visual) for assessment, evaluation, supervision and training purposes. When does a course of therapy come to an end? Music therapy sessions can last from a few months to a number of years. Generally therapy comes to an end when the clients goals have been met or music therapy is no longer meeting the needs of clients. 4
Policies at Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia Quality Assurance Nordoff-Robbins are committed to meeting the highest standards of professional and ethical practice. All music therapists at the Centre are registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association Ltd (AMTA). They are all signatories to the AMTA Code of Ethics as well as the Centre s own Code of Conduct. All therapists are covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance. The day-to-day running of the Centre is the responsibility of the Operations Manager who answers to the Chief Executive Officer. Nordoff-Robbins is governed by the Board of Directors of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia Ltd (NRMTA). The Centre welcomes feedback regarding its services. People who wish to comment on the service can do so using the Centre Feedback Form. Confidentiality All information concerning the clients at the Centre is kept confidential. Access to this information is available to the client or their representative, the client s therapist(s) and the Centre s senior staff. Subject to a separate agreement from the client or their representative, some client information may be made available to music therapy students involved in the sessions. Recording of Sessions It is the policy of the Centre to record music therapy sessions on audio or video. This is done so that the music therapists can monitor and evaluate the clients progress. All recordings are kept securely at the Centre. Observation of Sessions To protect client confidentiality and privacy no one is allowed to observe sessions without prior consent from the therapist(s) concerned. If prior consent has been obtained, observation of sessions is permitted in the following cases: As part of the training program at the Centre music therapy students may be asked to observe or participate in selected sessions. If this involves you or your client you will be asked to give specific permission (see Consent Form). As part of the therapy supervision process, Centre staff may observe each other s sessions from time to time, with permission from the therapist(s) concerned. In some cases family members, carers or staff members may wish to observe sessions. Prior consent from the therapist(s) concerned must be sought. From time to time there are special guests to the Centre who are interested in our work. It is helpful for them to be able to observe sessions to give them a deeper understanding of our work, but only if consent is given by the clients, carers or staff members and the therapists. 5
Please note that there will be times when the therapist is not able to give consent for observers. There will always be a valid reason for this, and you are asked to respect the therapist s decision on these occasions. Exception: Staff from disability organisations who are accompanying their clients are automatically welcome to observe music therapy sessions as part of their duty of care to their clients. Staff should still inform the therapists and complete the Attendance and Observation form. Client Progress The Centre will issue written reports outlining the client s progress in music therapy. It is ideal for this to coincide with the client s IPP/IEP meeting, should the client have such a program. The carer needs to inform the therapist of these IPP/IEP dates to ensure the therapist has sufficient time to write the client reports. Responsibility of Carers If the client is assisted by a carer, it is expected that the carer will: Ensure that the client arrives in time for the session Inform the Centre if the client is not able to attend Inform the Centre about significant changes in the client s life circumstances such as medication, bereavements, family circumstances, school, etc Remain on the premises during the sessions Questions or Complaints If you have a question or complaint regarding the functioning of the Centre and/or its services these will be considered carefully and responded to as promptly as possible. In the first instance please raise any concerns regarding the music therapy service with the Operations Manager. You might be asked to put your complaint in writing. Smoking Smoking is not permitted within the Centre s working environment. First Aid The Centre has a trained First Aid officer on site If a minor injury occurs at the Centre a First Aid Kit is available in the staff office (located on the left just beyond the waiting area). All injuries are to be reported and recorded in the Register of Injuries and Treatment maintained by the Office Manager and OHS representative. 6
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Outreach Clinic Schedule of Fees 1. Initial assessment Assessment format Duration of assessment Total Individual assessment 30 minutes $150 Group assessment 30 minutes (max 4 clients) 60 minutes (max 8 clients) $220 $330 Note: Individual assessments are preferred as a more detailed and accurate assessment can be obtained through a one-on-one assessment process. 2. Music therapy sessions Session Format Duration of session Total Individual session 30 minutes $85 Group session 30 minutes (max 4 clients) 60 minutes (max 8 clients) $145 $220 Fee is to be paid per term, at the beginning of each term. Payment is to be made by direct debit or cheque. Sessions are conducted on a weekly basis during school terms and 90% attendance is expected of clients to maximise the benefits of the therapy. Notes to the Schedule of Fees and Cancellation Policy Fees are payable within 30 days of the invoice date. In case of non-attendance, the following fees are payable: o Full fee applies for: clients who do not appear for their session, where no prior notice has been given clients who cancel within 30 minutes of the session 50% cancellation fee applies for sessions cancelled with less than 24 hour notice. 7
Client Referral Form The reasons for a referral form To help us meet your or your client s needs, it is important that we develop a clear understanding of the reasons for this referral. You may wish music therapy to address specific goals contained within a formal program, such as an Individual Planning Program (IPP) or Individual Educational Program (IEP); to address other goals of a more informal nature. Therefore, it would be helpful if you could fill in this form by answering the questions outlined below, giving as much detail as possible. If you do not have a clear idea why you or your client might like to receive music therapy, please discuss this with the Operations Manager (telephone 02 4736 0240). Client details Name of the person (client) referred to music therapy: Date of birth: Place of birth: Does the client have a formal diagnosis? If yes, please state what this is: Reason for referral to music therapy: 8
Some clients have a formal program, such as an Individual Program (IP), Individual Planning Program (IPP), Individual Education Program (IEP). To ensure that the music therapy intervention addresses the client s overall program, please state the general goals of the client s formal program, if there is one: Does the client receive any medication? If yes, please give details: Does the client receive any other formal therapeutic intervention such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy? If so, please give some details: Does the client have any particular musical interests (e.g. special songs, musical likes or dislikes), or play any musical instruments? Please note this is not a pre-requisite for music therapy; it is just helpful for us to know about any particular musical interests. Any other information? (Such as social history, likes or dislikes, behavioural issues) 9
Please state the client s time preference to attend music therapy between the hours of 9am and 5pm, on Thursdays. (Please note that our Hills Clinic, at this stage, only operates on Thursdays). Please also note for maximum benefit, sessions are conducted on the same day and time, on a weekly basis. Time preference: Details of the person referring the client to music therapy: Name: Relationship to the client: (Please write self if self-referred) Address: Suburb: State: Postcode: Tel: Fax: Mobile: Email: Signed: Date: A note about confidentiality Please note that this form and the information contained within it will be held in complete confidence in our files at Nordoff-Robbins. 10
Client Consent Form 1. Participating in music therapy I, of agree that the person specified in my Referral Form, (please write the name of the person) becomes a client of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia and receives music therapy as requested in my Referral Form. I have read and understood the Centre s policies and any questions I have asked have been answered to my satisfaction. I understand that music therapy sessions at the Centre are recorded on audio and/or video and that these recordings may be used as part of the clinical training program at the Centre as well as for supervision purposes and evaluating the progress of the music therapy process. I also understand that students studying on the Master of Creative Music Therapy at the University of Western Sydney (UWS) may be involved with music therapy sessions as part of their clinical placements and that volunteers and work experience students may also be present. Signature: Date: 2. Other Visitors to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia From time to time, other music therapists, Centre staff or visitors may also wish to observe the music therapy session. While we will ask client and carer prior to the viewing, do you in principle give your permission for the session to be observed? Yes No 11
Media consent use of photographs From time to time it is useful for photographs to be taken of our clients and music therapy process as an advocacy and promotional tool for music therapy and Nordoff-Robbins. Do you give permission for the person named above to be photographed and for the photograph(s) or photographic image(s) to be used in official Nordoff-Robbins publicity and promotional material, including newsletters, newspapers, promotional material, the Notes 4 Notes program, PowerPoint presentations and website? Yes No This person s name may be used in conjunction with this material. This person s name may not be used in conjunction with this material. NB: Please note that separate consent will be sort for other promotional activities, such as film or television, or for research. Signature: Date: I am (please tick one box): The client An appointed guardian The client s spouse or de facto with a close, continuing relationship The parent of the client A professional carer of the client A relative or friend of the client who has a close personal relationship with the client. 12
Customer Information Form Organisation: Name of Client/s referred to music therapy: Contact Person s details Title: First Name: Surname: Position: Address: Suburb: State: Postcode: Phone: Fax: Mobile: Email: Billing Details (if different from above): Title: First Name: Surname: Position: Address: Suburb: State: Postcode: How did you hear about Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia? _ 13