"What we play is life"
"What we play is life"
Music & Sound Therapy
Music Therapy and Integrative Counselling Service
Stephen Gallini
Founder and Director of Music & Sound Therapy, Stephen grew up near Venice. He is a multi-instrumentalist, playing, among others, flute, piano, guitar and sax. He studied all types of music from an early age, winning the International Music Competition “Citta’ di Stresa” for young choristers.
Stephen is a Psychotherapist, with an MSc in Clinical Psychology, an HCPC-registered Music Therapist, and a certified Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT), holding additional qualifications such as an MSc in the Psychology of Pathological Addictions and an MSc in Psychology: Methods and Techniques for Disability Support. He has further training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), Guided Imagery and Music Therapy (GIM), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Metacognitive Therapy. Stephen also holds a BSc in Nursing Science. With his academic studies and years of practice, Stephen brings vast experience in supporting individuals with diverse challenges, including autism, learning difficulties, depression, anxiety, self-criticism and low self-esteem, as well as older adults with dementia. Within a holistic person-centred approach, he includes in his practice techniques based on mindfulness and breath-work, offering a combination of talking and non-verbal approaches to creatively help his clients in their life’s difficulties.
His approach is non-judgmental and compassionate, supporting his clients on their journey to healing and mind-body-spirit wellbeing. Stephen's sessions are tailored to his client's needs and preferences and conducted in a confidential environment. Stephen currently resides in Bristol, UK, with his family, where they enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature. A steadfast believer in personal growth, he aligns this philosophy with his therapeutic approach. Stephen's deep appreciation for nature is reflected in his work, serving as a wellspring of inspiration and a testament to his holistic outlook. Beyond his professional life, Stephen enjoys exploring diverse natural landscapes, often accompanied by his wife and their two children. His personal journey of growth continues to shape his methods, inspiring his clients towards their own paths of healing and self-discovery. To learn more about Stephen's work, please visit his personal Website.
James Robertson
Dr James Robertson has been a music therapist for over 30 years and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). He is on the Supervision and Consultation Register of the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT). James currently works on a freelance basis in the areas of perinatal depression and autism. In the past, he has worked in forensic psychiatry, palliative care, adult learning disability, adult mental health and children who have a wide range of additional support needs.
James was the Programme Leader of the MSc Music Therapy (Nordoff Robbins) at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh until 2013. As well as offering supervision to music therapists either face-to-face or via Skype he supervises therapists in Belfast who works for Every Day Harmony (formerly the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust). James is also a composer and a choral conductor. His doctoral thesis explored the impact of a community choir for patients and staff in a forensic setting. He is currently the conductor of the Lauderdale Community Choir in the Scottish Borders. He has several compositions published in ‘Song Resources for Music Therapists’ (edited by Colin Lee & Sara Pun) and ‘Composition Resources for Music Therapists’.
Matthew Lewis
A multi-faceted music therapist, Matthew's journey intertwines the rhythms of jazz with the healing power of music therapy. With a rich background as a multi-instrumentalist, Matthew brings over a decade of experience in caring for the elderly and individuals diagnosed with autism. Matthew holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Kingston and a Master of Science in Music Therapy from the University of West England. His profound connection with jazz and improvised music has not only shaped his artistic expression but has also been instrumental in building meaningful relationships with clients.
Matthew's expertise isn't just limited to traditional instruments. His proficiency in programming electronic music allows him to creatively engage with clients, whether it's through recreating familiar melodies or crafting new musical experiences. This versatility makes him adept at connecting with a diverse range of clients, from young children over 5 years old, to young adults and the elderly.
Utilizing music technology, Matthew excels in fostering an environment of trust and understanding. His approach is deeply humanistic and person-centred, focusing on establishing a rapport that resonates with each individual's unique needs and experiences. In Matthew, clients find not just a therapist, but a compassionate guide whose life and skills harmonize to create a symphony of therapeutic support and understanding.
Roberto Bellavigna
Graduated in Piano, Roberto is a skilled multi-instrumentalist (accordion, trumpet) winner of several national piano competitions. He’s the artistic organiser of the national Festival dell’Opera e dell’Operetta, in Parma. Roberto finished his studies in music therapy at the C.E.P. of Assisi and then specialised in Italy and abroad. Roberto has extensive experience working with elder people with dementia, adults and children with emotional and behavioural challenges, learning disabilities and autism. Furthermore, as a senior music therapist, Roberto is responsible for numerous school projects with children with learning disabilities and home-based music therapy programs. With his holistic and humanistic vision of music therapy, he’s going to be a valuable consultant and important member of Music & Sound Therapy, helping us grow with his knowledge and human qualities.
Edip is an Industrial Engineer who has specialised in business systems and Information Technology (IT) in general including finance and accounting systems. He holds a master’s degree in supply chain management. Supporting our IT operations with his expertise; he helps the team to establish a technology strategy.
He believes in continuous improvement and lifelong learning. His perspective always adds value to our services and enables reliable IT services. We are stronger and glad to have him as a team member!
Edip Celebioglu
Margarita has an Interior Architecture and Design Degree, and she’s been always particularly interested in the role of the arts in promoting mental health and quality of life. She significantly contributes to the design aspect of Music & Sound Therapy, and with her big smile and creativity, we’re very happy to have her in our team!
Margarita Partali