Uroš’ story

Music therapy helped Uroš re-build his confidence during difficult times

In England, mental health is getting worse, and the numbers are increasing, especially for young people (1 in 5 young people had a probable mental health condition in 2023). But we also know that music can help. In 2024, among the young people we work with in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, 92% of those we asked said music therapy improved their mental health. For young person Uroš, music therapy has been transformative for his mental health during several difficult times in his life. This Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, we’re sharing his story.

Uroš is 23 years old and is autistic. His verbal communication is limited and over the COVID period, he lost a lot of confidence. During the various lockdowns, he became very withdrawn and began to experience depression.

He stopped talking or communicating and doing even small things for himself

Daniela, Uroš’ mum

As a child, music therapy had been transformative for Uroš, helping him to express himself and open up to others. Hoping it could help to support him again, his mum Daniela referred Uroš for music therapy in 2022. He began one-to-one sessions with music therapist Becky later that year, which marked a positive turning point.

But in 2023, Uroš experienced significant life changes, including a negative experience with new medication that prevented him from returning to college. During this time, he also moved from his family home into supported living. Uroš’ mum Daniela hoped that music therapy could be a source of joy for him again. So, she referred him to sessions once more.

Uroš began sessions with music therapist Hannah in early 2025. This was a time of frequent staff changes at his supported living which had been overwhelming. Music therapy sessions became a crucial chance to re-build his confidence during this time of change.

His confidence has grown enormously

Hannah, Uroš’ music therapist

When Uroš first began music therapy with Hannah, he was unable to come alone and was very shy and hesitant to try new things. But by the end of their string of sessions, he would confidently arrive on his own and often didn’t want to leave when the session ended!

Watch the video of Uroš in a music therapy session, with his therapist Hannah

Hannah began with a slow and gentle approach to their music therapy sessions, to help Uroš gradually build trust and confidence. She would align the music to Uroš’ body language. And by incorporating Uroš’ own words, like “You can do it,” into songs, Hannah built on phrases that he was already comfortable using to help empower him. These moments allowed Uroš’ voice to shine, without the need for conventional conversation.

Uroš enjoyed music therapy with Hannah, and his confidence began to flourish. He experimented with different instruments and went from “very quietly tapping a tambourine at the start, to experimenting with a full drum-kit, singing and playing a djembe, the piano or marimba,” said Hannah.

He has tremendously opened up and is now trying to communicate and sing whenever he gets a chance. This is all thanks to your sessions!

Daniela, Uroš’ mum