#94 Professor Felicity Baker - Neuroplasticity, identity reconstruction and alleviating symptoms of dementia through therapeutic songwriting

I am so excited to bring you today’s episode with Professor Felicity Baker, Director, International Research Partnerships for the Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit at the University of Melbourne.

Our conversation revolves around:

- therapeutic songwriting and how to use it as a tool for reflection

- the process of meaning making and identity reconstruction

- how therapeutic songwriting techniques influence our values and inner resources

- coping strategies and why they can make people's lives better

- what happens in our brain and perception when we explore our past, present, and potential future self accompanied by music

- how therapeutic songwriting can help people dealing with life trauma eg receiving a brain injury after a car accident

- the intention and vision behind her current research projects and innovative app development

Felicity built models of songwriting as practiced through the lenses of different orientations. Her clinical and research expertise are predominantly in neurorehabilitation and dementia with a special interest in communication rehabilitation and facilitating emotional adjustment to a changed identity via various music therapy methods.

Enjoy the conversation and reflections of her experiences and expertise!

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Links:

Research profile University Melbourne: findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/89810-felicity-baker

Felicity's power song when she needs a lift to go right, resetting the brain and mind-set:

I will survive - Gloria Gaynor:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYkACVDFmeg

Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/1qlLlbLF3xImSRWgK5CVI9

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Website Katja Schendel (Podcast-Host): www.katjaschendel.com