Kate Curtis - Autistic/ADHD music therapist

“Music is what feelings sound like” is a quote that has always stuck with me. It’s not often easy to find the words to describe big feelings, or to even notice and understand them in the first place. But improvising on an instrument or finding a piece of music that really resonates with the feeling can allow us to express and understand ourselves without the need for words. Music therapy allows us to explore these creative experiences within a safe space and therapeutic relationship where you can find the freedom to be your true self and feel truly heard.

I am a late-diagnosed autistic/ADHD music therapist, specialising in supporting neurodivergent adults (diagnosis not necessary) with areas such as trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, identity, processing diagnosis, exploring needs and ND profile, self-advocacy etc. I am based in South Norfolk in the UK and mostly work online.

I work from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective, which means I do not believe in trying to “fix” anyone or make them appear/behave more neurotypical. I hold the belief that neurodiversity results from natural variations amongst humans and that it is a positive and beneficial evolutionary phenomenon. Neurodivergent people are just as they should be but are often struggling to navigate an ableist world that isn’t built for them. I aim to help you discover, understand and embrace your differences, and to advocate for yourself.

I use a client-centred approach, meaning that the therapy sessions will be shaped around your interests, preferences and whatever it is you want to explore (or not) at the time. You may choose to engage in music making/listening as much or as little as you want to and do not need to have any experience or skill as a musician to engage in music therapy. Musical aspects may include music listening, improvisation, songwriting/composition, singing/playing along to preferred music, making playlists, moving/drawing to music. However, you may prefer to just talk or to use other creative means such as art, crafting, creative writing or movement.

I am a fully-qualified music therapist with a first class master’s degree in music therapy. I am also qualified to practise Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), and I am currently training as a Supportive Music and Imagery (SMI) practitioner. I am registered with the HCPC and work to their standards of proficiency for music therapists, as well as the HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics. I am also a full member of the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT). I engage in monthly clinical supervision and am fully insured to practise as a music therapist.

I combine various theories and approaches to inform my practice, ranging from functional/neuro-scientific models around attachment, trauma, and the nervous system, to elements of psychodynamics and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Most importantly, I tend to hold in mind that the brain and body work together to keep us safe, and often this can lead to being stuck in a state of dysregulation, leading to mental/physical health conditions. For ND individuals these experiences are often all too familiar, due to the increased likeliness of experiencing trauma, differences in sensory processing, and frequently having feelings/experiences invalidated. Differences in interoception can also make it hard to notice physical/emotional feelings in the first place. This is where engaging in music and creativity can be uniquely powerful, by allowing you to discover and express your feelings without the need for language.