New Tenant Spotlight

Tell us about yourself and what you do 

I am a Scottish musician from a hill sheep farm on the island of Islay. Growing up working on the farm, I learnt to take initiative and developed a very strong work ethic.  I am a compassionate and skilled Music Therapist, with a passion for facilitating workshops that create a space where all persons can experiment with expressing themselves through music, art, talking, or poetry. I have strong communication skills, have experience in project management within the Mental Health sector of the NHS, and love working with people.  

I create a non-judgmental environment and share tools, frameworks and prompts that aid self-exploration, personal growth and emotional expression. I have experience running corporate, educational and clinical music sessions with people of all ages and capabilities, leading the group to express, write songs and have fun. 

 

Tell Us About Your Business 

Music therapy is a versatile and effective clinical and evidence-based practice that uses music to address well-being, self-expression, physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals. It involves techniques such as listening to, reflecting on, and creating music under the guidance of a trained music therapist. It’s not necessary to have a musical background to benefit.  Music Therapy Services UK offers a place to soften to yourself, explore your story, express in a safe, non-judgemental space with a trained Music Therapist, HCPC registered. For the last 10 years I have had a passionate curiosity for exploring the human condition and have studied deeply into aspects of relational and family therapies, arts therapies and has worked in psychosis and stroke units for placement. Bex is now a music therapist, leading groups in Radbourne and Carsington acute mental health units.   

 

Tell us about your experience, what’s the story behind why you started your business, journey to where you are today, what inspired, helped you? 

For so long I struggled to understand my own and others reactions, feelings and relationships. The more I read and studied I learned there was always a why, a law of cause and effect, and that with compassionate curiosity we can come to understand why we are how we are to help us live and love better in the world.  I found a huge catharsis in writing songs and exploring expression, stories and emotions. 

 

What University did you graduate from?  What course did you study?   

Degree in International Relations from Edinburgh and The University of Derby,  Masters in Music Therapy with distinction. 

 

Have you used any University services for your business before? 

No but I am joining onto all courses available to help in my business. Had a wonderful meeting with Samantha.  

 

What UoD networks did you find useful during your studies and post graduation, if any?    

NHS Networks were very helpful for me.  

 

How do you think being based at Banks Mill will help your business?   

I will be able to have a professional space to bring clients, network and have meetings. I am also able to learn and grow from other entrepreneurs around me   

 

What other work experience, support or training have you gained that’s relevant to what you’re doing now? 

I am currently on a business course with Alice Thompson of Social bite in Scotland. I am also constantly completing training in psychology, safeguarding and community with the council, the NHS and charities. 

 

What are you working on in the studio now?   

Making it a safe space for clients 

 

Tell us a bit about your work and the techniques you use 

To listen and help grow compassionate curiosity. To gather research and data to affect social change and eventually to buy gear to create more music. 

 

What are your plans for your business for the next 12 months?   

To have private clients, NHS and council commissions for groups in units. To gather research on social issues via arts-based research partnering with systems in the community.  I’m looking forward to getting going