წაიკითხეთ ეს ქართულად.

In 2022, we delivered an introductory training at Open House and Nino Qamushadze a behavioural therapist at that time, participated in the training which empowered her to integrate music sessions into her work and unlock new ways to help the children she worked with thrive. Read Nino’s story below to find out more:

I have been involved in the field of inclusive development since 2022. My main direction was behavioral therapy. This field was a big novelty for me and I tried to study it actively. In the process of learning about different therapeutic processes, I discovered that there was music therapy, about which I had no information until that time. This fact aroused great interest, because I have been fascinated by music since childhood, and this field has always played an important role in my life. I was interested in what exactly music therapy included, how to work with a child and what goals could be achieved using this therapy.

It was during this period that my organization, “Open House”, invited professional music therapist Tamar (Tako) Jordania, who introduced us to the importance of music therapy and its principles within the framework of Music as Therapy International training. Along with the theoretical part, we also went through the practical part, where the therapists participating in the training were involved in the activities. The practical part turned out to be very interesting and fun. We played various instruments, performed song-exercises, which were directly aimed at improving specific skills, such as: speech, memory, improving concentration, keeping order… At the same time, the participants of the training received quite interesting books, which described various musical activities, songs and detailed Explained which skill a particular song worked on (“Art for Integration”). Tamar explained to us that every instrument had its own role in the therapeutic process, and by using a specific instrument, work was done on different skills (for example: with percussion instruments, work was done on gross motor skills, with wind instruments – on mouth apparatus and improving speech, with keyboard instruments – on fine motor skills). As part of the training, Tamar also conducted therapies with the beneficiaries of “Open House” and introduced us to the entire therapeutic process, which turned out to be quite interesting.

In music therapy, I saw the special features that distinguished it from other therapies. The therapist and the beneficiary seem to be sharing emotions, communicating musically.

Here, the beneficiary does not need to own a specific instrument or have perfect hearing. Everything happens improvisationally. The therapist helps the recipient of the therapy as much as possible to open up musically, to establish communication, to share emotions. Even one small detail can turn into a big achievement. The therapist follows the beneficiary, not the other way around – I think this is the most important detail.

This training became the biggest motivator for me. My interest deepened and I wanted to be involved in this pleasant therapeutic process and help children to reveal themselves, establish communication and develop various skills. Gradually, I started conducting music therapy in the “open house” under the supervision of Tako. It was from this period that my and Tako’s active relationship began. I got a lot of interesting and useful recommendations from her. Her attitude and support helped me to develop myself.

I am currently actively involved in music therapy. After changing places of residence, Tako and I crossed paths again. With her help, I continued to conduct music therapy sessions in the “Mental Health Center – Gamma” and the Children and Adolescent Habilitation Center in “Fazli”. Tako actively supervises me, shares various methods with me and always tries to be involved in therapeutic processes.

I intend to continue to learn about this field, develop it and follow the work that has had such an amazing impact on me to the end.