About Us
Based in Ōtautahi, Seedlings provide accessible music therapy for babies, infants and their whānau. We aspire to foster and nurture secure attachment in the early stages of life, meet family systems where they are and empower them to grow together.
Who is Seedlings?
Kia ora, I am Lucy Kelly.
I grew up in Ōtautahi and feel very connected to this beautiful area of our country. I fell in love with music from a young age, learning the violin and having a home full of music.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington. Whilst completing my Masters of Music Therapy through Te Koki New Zealand School of Music I relocated back to Ōtautahi and had the privilege to work alongside people in many walks of life including people who have experienced brain injury, neurological conditions, intellectual disability, and trauma.
I found my passion in supporting tamariki and whānau who have experienced trauma and continue to love this work. I adopt a holistic and child centred approach within my work and strongly believe in the unique ability music has to connect, nurture and provide people with a vehicle for expression and joy. The foundation of my work is always to form an authentic therapeutic relationship when working alongside others and creating a safe, secure and nurturing environment for others to express, connect and explore their inner and outer worlds.
Music has always been a place of escape, solace and expression for me throughout my life and I feel very fortunate to be working within the field of Music therapy.
Seedlings grew from my work within the trauma environment and recognising the crucial part healthy attachment plays within the development of a child’s body, mind and spirit.
What is Music Therapy?
“Music Therapy is the planned use of music to assist in the healing and personal growth of people with identified emotional, intellectual, social or physical needs” - Music Therapy New Zealand
Music therapy is the planned and organised use of music to achieve non-musical goals. It supports well-being and growth within individuals, groups and communities.
All NZ registered music therapists adhere to the Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ) Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of Practice for Registered Music Therapists. This is also a requirement of the Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (AHANZ), of which Music Therapy New Zealand is a member.
Visit MThNZ website to learn more - www.musictherapy.org.nz/
“For me, the way of being with someone in music is the most uncomplicated form of love, really – that’s the only way I can define it. Love as being attentive to someone, being tended to, being listened to”. - Gary Ansdell’s How Music Helps in Therapy and Everyday Life
