Music has become well documented as a beneficial contributor to child development outcomes and its application is frequently referenced by leaders in neurodevelopmental research as an appropriate and often under-resourced means of intervention in cases of dysregulation and complex trauma:
- Bruce Perry highlights the potential of music for “organizing and regulating input that would likely diminish anxiety, impulsivity, and other trauma related symptoms…” (Read publication)
- And studies exploring the practical application of notions such as Perry’s, support the effectiveness of music for enhancing self-regulation in infants (Read article)
- Australian researchers examining data from the Longitudinal study of Australian Children discover that “(shared) music participation at home improves numeracy, prosocial skills and attention over and above the effects of shared book reading” (Read publication)
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Large scale studies highlight significant pre-post music therapy intervention family improvements in:
- Angry-coercive parenting
- Parents undertaking activities with their child at home
- Parent mental health symptoms
- Child communication & social play skills
- Knowledge of music to support parenting: to stimulate child development, to manage behaviour, to sooth & calm children & general knowledge of children’s repertoire
- Parental understanding that they are their child’s first & most important teacher
- Parent feelings of trust in support staff from collaborating agencies
- Parent knowledge of where to find, & confidence to seek, future family support
- And studies examining the effectiveness of music therapy programs (specifically for families with emotionally neglected children aged 5-12 years) reported that parent-child dyads receiving music therapy demonstrated significant improvements in their non-verbal communication and mutual attunement when compared to a control group not receiving the intervention. Parents were significantly less stressed by their child’s moods and experienced improved parent-child relationships in terms of communicating with and understanding their children.
PaKT4Change has been established in response to a growing demand for innovative and creative approaches to therapeutic intervention and builds on the emerging knowledge and understanding of the role music can play in the relational and neurological healing process for those affected by trauma. Programs and services aim to interpret and implement this knowledge and understanding in practice, uniquely furthering opportunities for affected children and their families to bond, rediscover, heal, grow and move forward together.
Drawing from the growing evidence-base to support the objectives and ideals of response to crisis, trauma and family functioning, PaKT4Change provides therapeutic music services that prioritise partnership, choice, control, sustainability of outcomes, and creativity with families. Through rhythm training, improvisation, song writing, movement, singing and music listening, programs allow participants to explore and develop their sense of self, relationships, self-regulation, self-compassion, and resilience.
PaKT4Change is committed to Best Practice and Evidence-Informed Practice. Please check in regularly for updates regarding current research projects and evaluations of our programs and services. A reference list can be obtained by contacting us .
