Martin Lawes is a Music Therapist, originally trained at the Royal College of Music studying flute, piano and conducting. He has worked as a music psychotherapist since qualifying in 1999. Martin is additionally qualified in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) which he has been practicing since 2004. He was endorsed as a GIM Primary Trainer in 2015 when he founded the Integrative GIM Training Programme.
Martin has extensive experience working as a therapist in adult mental health, in education settings and in palliative care. He offers short (6-12 sessions) and longer-term therapy. MI involves art-making, and sometimes dance/movement or creative writing according to client preference, whilst listening to music chosen by the client. Creative processing can enable clients to find their own answers to difficulties in ways not possible using words alone. Clients are supported to take experiences and insights gained from the therapy and apply them in everyday life to enhance well-being.
Martin is a British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) registered supervisor and is published in five peer review journals. He regularly presents about his work nationally and internationally. In addition to being a musician, Martin is an oil painter and ceramic artist who has exhibited in Dorset Art Weeks.