Music Therapy at Helenów

Inside my EVS project, I have had the possibility to attend some very interesting Music Therapy classes. At the end of every activity I and the students really feel different: more relaxed, with a better disposition, more optimistic, and full of positive energy taken from the music, also from the wonderful therapist and my colleagues. For more details of how these classes of Music Therapy work at Helenów I asked the therapist Bożena Ignut.

Diana: Tell me please about the Music Therapy classes organized for the group of students from Helenów.
Bożena Ignut: This activity takes place for one hour per week. In the first half of the session we sing together the songs we like the most, we play and dance. Due to the music at the lesson students develop their perception of hearing, touching, and seeing. We arrange ourselves in circles, we take ourselves by the hands and we feel each other’s power and energy. Students are expressing their emotions freely.  In the last part of the lesson students are listening to one song (from the classical music repertory); they are given a subject to think about then they are sharing their thoughts and feelings. At the end of the lesson we are relaxing, breathing and stretching our muscles.  

Diana: Who had the idea of organizing the Music Therapy classes in Helenów?
Bożena Ignut: Our Director (Mme Beata) had the great idea of organizing Music Therapy classes in Helenów. After we had a discussion around this issue I was encouraged to and received the permission to choose the group of students for the therapy classes. My students love all of the activities planned and organized for the therapy. They feel free during the lessons as they try to express their feeling and emotions. 

Diana: How many students participate in the therapy?
Bożena Ignut: In this year there are involved inside this therapy six children. But I am called by many parents who ask me to subscribe their children as well for this therapy; for this to happen I need more hours from the management board.
 
Diana: What are the results of this therapy in Helenów?
Bożena Ignut: Students became more open-minded, they easily expressed their feelings, they shared with the others their emotions and changed theiremotions of sadness to those of happiness. Their trust in themselves increased considerably and they could leave outside their emotions of disability that are very deeply hidden in their souls. Students are more creative and have the possibility to participate inside many music contests where they take top places for their talent and training. 

Diana: What are your wishes for the readers?
Bożena Ignut: That music will help us to share and think about our emotions. Listening to the music we feel more relaxed and fulfilled with energy and mood for living our lives. I wish everyone a good relaxed and happy life!

Diana: Thank you.


Many thanks to Phillippe Louis :)