Who can benefit from Harp Therapy Sessions?

Anyone with mild to severe learning difficulties or mild to severe communication delays, difficulties.

How many sessions are needed?

A minimum of 3 months is recommended, however the majority of students continue with sessions for the entire school year (September - June). Many students have multiple years of Harp Therapy.

What age group benefits the most from Harp Therapy?

Research has shown that early intervention has a profound effect on children, Harp Therapy has been extremely successful with children as young as 3. There is however, no age limit on Harp Therapy, it is beneficial for any age, including adults.

Do I have to attend the session with my child?

In most cases it is recommended that an adult attend with the child to support them during the session. Parents and Educational Assistants often report that the Harp Therapy session is a relaxing and beneficial experience for them, giving insight and helpful tools to implement at other times and in other situations.

How does Harp Therapy differ from Music Lessons?

In Harp Therapy, music is used to advance non-musical goals. Learning an instrument may be a side benefit for more advanced students or those who have taken Harp Therapy for a long time. However non-musical goals are the primary objective.

What does a typical Harp Therapy session look like?

Every session is different, a general format would be as follows: The session always starts at the harp, this helps to achieve maximum joint attention and promotes readiness to learn. Whilst the harp is the primary instrument used, other percussion instruments are also utilized in the program. After the student has played the harp, we move to the table or floor and work with percussion instruments. This is the part of the lesson where we work on specific elements from the goals we have set. The session is ended at the harp, keeping the student calm and regulated. A large component of the session, is to meet the student where they are at on that day in terms of regulation and attention; the lesson plan is always fluid.

How are goals created in Harp Therapy?

An assessment will be completed, after which goals will be set. Input from any consultants working with the student are welcome. Sharon is happy to include IPP goals as well as Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist goals. Sharon is experienced working with a multidisciplinary team and welcomes collaboration.