A pilot project in our region is using music therapy as a way to help those living with mental illness.

Paige Morrissey is a talented musician. She puts her skills to good use as a music therapist, with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

The foundation has launched a pilot music therapy program, which began in September.

“I did see, within even just a session, a change within the attitude and kind of the general spirit of the group as well as individuals,” says Morrissey.

Martha Tuff is the program coordinator. She says music therapy is part of an ongoing recovery and can help enhance other therapies.

“Any sort of recreation therapy, art therapy, as well as medication, counselling, all that type of thing,” says Tuff.

Andrea Leahey is a recreation therapist with addiction services. She has seen how music therapy has benefitted her clients.

“You don't need to have any type of musical skill,” says Leahey. “You can just listen, or you can choose to sing, play an instrument, you can write songs, or you can just discuss the lyrics.”

Morrissey says she strives to create a positive, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere. She caters to all different tastes of music and lets the clients guide the sessions.

“Whether that's somebody has a song on their iPod they'd like to share, or they suggest a song and I know how to play it or sing it, or somebody wants to sing a song for us,” says Morrissey.

Feedback on the program has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It's a good thing, a great thing, and it can do great things,” says participant George Andrews. “It can make you happy, it can make you sad, or just help you through life if you're at a difficult time.”

Morrissey says she believes there is a little bit of music in everybody,

“It can be a way for us to communicate without finding the words,” says Morrissey.

“I think a little bit of music each day can go a long way,’ says Andrews.

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is holding its Festival of Trees event this weekend, with proceeds going toward important programs like their music therapy.