Series 2 Episode 6. Music and creativity in schools

In this encounter we take the person centred-approach out of the therapy room and into a junior school, where Trees Dowson uses music, creativity, and a love of nature to work with children in a person-centred way. We also reflect on the deep importance music can have in times of personal distress. 

Rachael speaks to Trees Dowson (she/her), a person-centred learning support assistant in a junior school, and a musician.

Rachael writes: It was a delight to encounter Trees and for us to spend time exploring music and creativity. Music is vital for Trees and has been weaved into her relationship with the person-centred approach over the years. 

The encounter highlights the immense value and potential the person-centred approach holds outside of therapy contexts. Student-centred learning and Rogers’ (1969) Freedom to Learn were a real foundation to our discussion as was pre-therapy and the work of Gary Prouty. I found it heartening to hear how Trees has brought person-centred philosophy into her work in a primary school and how this impacts the students around her. Trees’ experience illustrates working with the art of the possible in a variety of contexts. 

During the opening and closing of the podcast we heard Trees’ song, Into the Meadows which she wrote during a period of great personal distress. It was incredibly moving to hear Trees’ experience of writing the song and the therapeutic quality of open mic events, particularly when playing Into the Meadows. Music as self-reclamation and self-discovery are integral. I wish Trees all the very best for bringing person-centred principles into the wider world and creating ripples of change through her school-based work.