music Therapist

Nadia Bailey

Area of interest and relevant experience

I have been working in schools with children aged 4-19 since 2005. Most of my experience is with children with moderate learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning disabilities, autism, Emotional and Behavioural Disorder (EBD), communication disorders, challenging behaviour and epilepsy. I also have experience with looked after children and trauma.

qualifications

BA Mus (single hons)

PG Diploma in Music Therapy.

How long have You worked with Kent occupational therapy?

Feb 2022.

what do you like about being a music therapist?

I find the most rewarding aspect of my work is building a relationship with my clients and seeing them become more confident through our work together. This may be seen through a greater range of musical/vocal expression or the ability to put some difficult feelings into words. A specific example would be seeing a client with Profound and Multiple Learning Disability (PMLD) becoming animated, holding eye contact, smiling, and laughing and making intentional movements to create sounds on their favourite instruments. The supporting adult tells me that she doesn’t see them respond like this at any other point in the school week.

Outside of work

I enjoy going on walking holidays with my family. We all love to play games and watch films together. I like to play chamber music with family and friends and like the challenge of being a member of a free improvisation orchestra. I enjoy going to see live music, dance, and films. I also love going out for good food and coffee.

Recently I have joined a Kent based child bereavement charity called Holding on Letting Go and provide some of the music therapy groups for their weekends. I find this very rewarding and enjoy working as part of a team.