Music therapist

Shaw Herron completed his Graduate Diploma from the University of Technology in December 2007 where he attained 4 distinctions and 4 high distinctions. He is a Registered Music Therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Shaw started Harmonic Tonic in February 2008 after completing his Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy. He has successfully run individual and group sessions for the elderly and individual sessions for children with autism which have been well received by clients, carers and family members.

Mission Statement

Harmonic Tonic Music Therapy:

• delivers progressive, exciting and challenging music therapy to the elderly, children with disabilities and other client groups
• music therapy sessions include familiar as well as new songs, music and interventions so the clients experience some comfort and reminiscence as well as new and interesting challenges that stimulate and excite
• explores the clients growing edge to overcome inhibitions and increase confidence
• identifies immediate, short-term and long-term needs of clients and addresses them and with tailored interventions
• provides music therapy that addresses physiological, psychosocial, spiritual and emotional needs and deficits while being FUN and ENTERTAINING
• values the organisations that engage its services, its clients, and the client’s families and their input to addressing the clients’ needs
• provides documentation that can be used to revise goals, plan future music therapy sessions and keeps records of clients’ progress in music therapy sessions
• values its clients’ privacy and will not divulge any information without written consent of its clients, their immediate family and the organisations who engage its services
• embraces progress, flexibility, adaptability and change
• seeks out and researches new development in music therapy to improve and develop its music therapy program
•  makes sure that boredom is left at the door before entering the room and aims to abandon it at the end of the session

NO BORING SESSIONS

Vision

Harmonic Tonic Music Therapy (HTMT) currently offers music therapy services three and a half days a week but aims to deliver music therapy services five days a week in the future.

• More musical interventions and experiences for clients
• Access to more musical instruments that clients can play – many of HTMT’s clients have physical limitations so suitable musical instruments need to be selected
• To eventually purchase a van to store and transport a larger range of musical instruments and equipment to music therapy sessions
• To provide three or eight hour blocks of music therapy at schools, nursing homes and other institutions
• To attain a reputation as the most professional, engaging, fun and varying music therapy services in Canberra and the surrounding region while attaining music therapy goals for clients
• For HTMT’s music therapist to continue musical and professional development to keep him interested and up-to-date so that he can deliver best practice music therapy and enthusiasm to his clients.

Values

• Respect for clients, their input, self determination and self expression.
• Respect for the organisations that engage Harmonic Tonic Music Therapy.  Responsible reporting systems.
• Participation of client.  Clients doing what they are capable of.  Assisting clients to participate.
• New experiences to keep life exciting and interesting regardless of the clients’ situations
• Clients feeling that they are creating something beautiful that they can feel proud of and of value to the creation