Music Therapy - 'Feeling Comfortable Being Vulnerable'

TRIGGER WARNING: Self Harm is discussed in this episode.

Hello, my name is Dionne Draper and I am the writer, actor and producer of DAWTA a semi-autobiographical one woman musical, the roots of this podcast series, and I live with the complex transracial adoptee experience. 

Self regulation, or put simply the ability to manage our emotions and impulses is a particular challenge for transracial adoptee and fostered people. Season 2 is full of interviews with members of the community about wellbeing activities that support our self-regulation. From Djing to climbing to weightlifting (that’s me), and more. Join me for this wellbeing series as we share our struggles,and super powers alike.

In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with Music Pyschotherapist Alexis Wreathall about his work. We talk about the primary trauma of separation from the mother, to music therapists's practices to create a safe environment through routine, and predictable behaviours for clients. To facing anxiety and identity crisis head-on, seeing it as a cross cultural issue not simply a transracial adoptee or looked-after children experience, but also something many people suffer. It is hoped that this episode is one that everyone can relate to, providing knowledge and interest in the benefits of music therapy.

Alexis Wreathall Bio

Alexis Wreathall is a music psychotherapist who qualified in 2018 from the University of the West of England, and he practices in Bristol, Avon, Gloucester and North Somerset. Alexis has worked in a variety of different settings with different people, and his most recent clinical experience has been with young people who are within the adoption process, or who are looked after.

Contact details: 

Email: alexiswreathall@gmail.com or info@naos.org.uk

Advice - signposting British Association of Music Therapists - https://www.bamt.org/

This year DAWTA has partnered with Black led mental health charity Nilaari https://nilaari.co.uk  funded by Quartet donors  the Celtic Connection Fund. With this funding DAWTA is delivering activities and workshops for transracial adoptee and fostered adults (in-person and online). For more information about how you can get involved email me at dionne@singwithsoul.com or message me on insta at soullife05. 

Website: www.dionnedraper.com

Finally, I have one small ask…if you enjoyed this episode please rate it with 5 stars, wherever you get your podcasts, and even a comment too - I love reading them! Ratings are essential to raise the profile of the podcast, get it heard, and recognised.

I hope this podcast offers you comfort, knowledge and support, however, it is not meant to serve as a substitute for a relationship with a trained counselor or therapist.

Thanks for listening, be well, and see you soon!