Elaine Thomas
Brighton
Summary
As a compassionate and empathetic Music Therapist, I am dedicated to supporting students' emotional and social well-being through the power of music. I have experience working with young people facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, including those with ASD, developmental trauma, anxiety, and depression. By building strong therapeutic relationships, I create a safe and supportive space where students can express themselves, develop confidence, and strengthen their emotional resilience.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Therapist
Hospice in the Weald
12.2024 - Current
- Providing music therapy for children and adults in palliative care, supporting their emotional and psychological well-being.
- Establishing and implementing a comprehensive clinical practice, including referral processes, assessment frameworks, outcome measures, and clinical room setup.
- Delivering individual and group-based music therapy sessions.
- Leading the hospice choir.
- Developing and facilitating therapeutic groups for bereaved loved ones.
- Recruiting, training, and managing a team of volunteers.
- Maintaining up-to-date clinical records and tracking monthly data to assess service impact and outcomes.
Music Therapist
Hollanden Park Hospital
09.2023 - 08.2024
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to understand patients' needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
- Developed individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), aligning with assessment findings and patient-centered objectives.
- Delivered evidence-based music therapy interventions tailored to each patient's unique needs.
- Maintained accurate and detailed clinical records to track progress and inform treatment decisions.
- Effectively communicated with healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care.
- Provided education and emotional support to patients' families regarding brain injuries.
Music Therapist
NHS - St Georges University Hospitals
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Planned and delivered one-to-one, person-centred music therapy sessions for patients in primary and secondary care.
- Assessed clients’ needs and developed personalized treatment plans based on their goals and preferences.
- Used a variety of music therapy techniques to support emotional expression, communication, and social interaction.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate music therapy into clients' overall treatment plans.
- Maintained clear client records and actively participated in case conferences and team meetings
Music Therapist - Trainee
Methodist Housing Association
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Led individual and group music therapy sessions for clients with various dementia diagnoses.
- Performed neuropsychiatric assessments to establish clinical goals and treatment plans.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, care staff, and healthcare professionals, to integrate music therapy into comprehensive care.
- Maintained accurate and confidential client records, including progress notes and reports.
Company Director
Love Music School
09.2014 - 09.2020
- Founded, set up, and currently manage a Sussex-based music service offering lessons, clubs, and workshops in local primary and secondary schools.
- Lead and train a team of 20 freelance musicians to deliver diverse musical services in educational settings.
Head of Music
Oathall Community College
09.2005 - 07.2013
- Managed a team of 3 music teachers and 15 visiting teachers.
- Taught KS3 and KS4 music, adapting lessons to suit diverse learning needs.
- Acted as a form tutor and delivered PSHE lessons.
- Mentored and trained graduate trainees and PGCE students
Music teacher
Angmering School / Cornfields School
09.2000 - 07.2004
- Taught music to KS3, KS4, and KS5 students at Angmering School, adapting lessons for diverse abilities.
- SEN music teacher at The Lavinia Norfolk Centre, supporting young people with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities.
- SEN music teacher at Cornfields School, working with students with SEMH needs to create engaging and accessible music lessons.
Education
Master of Arts - Music Therapy - Distinction
Roehampton University
Post graduate diploma - Psychology - Distinction
London Metropolitan University
London, ENGPGCE (secondary) - Music
Southampton University
Bachelor of Arts - Music And English - 2:1
Southampton University
Skills
- Level 3 Safeguarding Trained
- Certified First Aider
- Proficient multi-instrumentalist: piano, guitar, singing and percussion
- Outstanding interpersonal skills
- Adaptable and supportive team player
- Strong leaderships and organisational skills: attention to detail, adept at managing multiple tasks simultaneously
Hobbies and Interests
Running, yoga, cooking, meeting friends and family and walking my cheeky dog 'Fernando'.
Timeline
Music Therapist
Hospice in the Weald
12.2024 - Current
Music Therapist
Hollanden Park Hospital
09.2023 - 08.2024
Music Therapist
NHS - St Georges University Hospitals
10.2022 - 06.2023
Music Therapist - Trainee
Methodist Housing Association
11.2021 - 06.2022
Company Director
Love Music School
09.2014 - 09.2020
Head of Music
Oathall Community College
09.2005 - 07.2013
Music teacher
Angmering School / Cornfields School
09.2000 - 07.2004
PGCE (secondary) - Music
Southampton University
Master of Arts - Music Therapy - Distinction
Roehampton University
Post graduate diploma - Psychology - Distinction
London Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Arts - Music And English - 2:1
Southampton University
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