"Music can do far more than you think." - Elizabeth Nightingale

In this episode, Ben and Patrick explore the transformative power of music therapy, particularly neurologic music therapy (NMT), in rehabilitation. Elizabeth Nightingale, a neurologic music therapist, shares her insights on how music can facilitate cognitive, emotional, and physical healing. The conversation delves into various techniques used in NMT, the neuroscience behind music's impact on the brain, and the importance of integrating music therapy within multidisciplinary teams. Elizabeth emphasises the significance of personalising music therapy to each client's unique experiences and cultural backgrounds, highlighting its role in fostering connections and enhancing overall wellbeing.

Elizabeth is an experienced Neurologic Music Therapist, bringing over ten years of specialist clinical practice within acute, inpatient, and community neurorehabilitation. She has worked with both children and adults across a wide range of settings, and has expertise in acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, disorders of consciousness, and aphasia. She is a registered Neurologic Music Therapy® Fellow affiliate of the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® and is trained in the Music Therapy Assessment Tool for Awareness in Disorders of Consciousness (MATADOC). Since 2018, Elizabeth has worked as an Expert Witness, drawing on her wide-ranging clinical experience to identify and cost appropriate NMT provision and specialist equipment for children and adults with neurological diagnoses. Alongside her clinical work, she actively contributes to the profession through several voluntary roles, including positions on the NMT™ Academy Advisory Council, Acquired Brain Injury London, and as Learning Disability Network Coordinator for the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT).

A few key links:

1. Neurologic Music Therapy® website for those interested to learn more about NMT™, the research base, and training options: www.nmtacademy.co
2. Music and the Brain visual: https://www.merriammusic.com/research/the-neuro-plastic-side-of-melodies-how-music-rewires-the-brains-cognitive-sockets/
3. Example video of NMT™ sensorimotor techniques in action for a patient who sustained a TBI: https://youtu.be/cq8fv3Hpoao?si=gWmgnB0I8yeNQ_dr
4. Nightingale NMT™ website: www.nightingalenmt.co.uk
5. NMT™ at the heart of rehab visual: https://www.instagram.com/p/DReX9bNDXoG/?igsh=MW83a3R1a3JuNmRweA==

Guest

Elizabeth Nightingale, Neurologic Music Therapist, Nightingale NMT

www.listeningfirstpod.com

© 2025 Patrick Boyd & Dr Ben Marram. All rights reserved.

"Mental capacity is decision-specific."

In this episode, Patrick and Ben explore the complexities of the Mental Capacity Act (UK) and its implications for rehabilitation and recovery, with guests Dr Oli Bekarma and Eleanor Tallon.

They discuss the principles of the Act, the role of professionals in assessing capacity, and the impact of emotions on decision-making. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding mental capacity as decision-specific and context-dependent, while also addressing the challenges faced by practitioners in this field. The episode concludes with reflections on best practices and the need for continuous learning in mental capacity practice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

03:38 The Role of Social Workers and Psychologists

05:16 Defining Mental Capacity

06:52 The Presumption of Capacity

09:21 Unwise Decisions vs. Lack of Capacity

11:18 Navigating Complex Decisions

13:56 The Importance of Context in Assessments

15:30 Building Rapport in Assessments

16:42 The Impact of Executive Dysfunction

18:55 Philosophical Considerations in Decision Making

20:29 Conclusion and Reflections

26:42 Emotional Influences on Decision-Making

29:02 Navigating Assessment Anxiety

30:54 The Role of Hope in Capacity Assessments

33:11 Understanding Capacity: Beyond Binary Thinking

36:58 The Burden of Decision-Making in Assessments

39:57 Pet Hates and Pro Tips in Mental Capacity Assessments

Guests:

Dr Oliver Bekarma, Clinical Psychologist of Clarity Psychology

Eleanor Tallon, Independent Social Worker of MCA Professional

www.listeningfirstpod.com

© Patrick Boyd & Dr Ben Marram. All rights reserved.

"Therapy should be meaningful" - Matthew Nakonesky

In this episode of the Listening First podcast, hosts Patrick Boyd and Ben Marram welcome Matthew Nakonesky, Principal Speech and Language Therapist from Speech Therapy North East. The conversation explores the multifaceted role of speech and language therapists, particularly in the context of cognitive communication disorders. Matthew shares insights into his journey into the profession, the importance of real-life applications of therapy, and the innovative group therapy approaches he employs to help clients navigate communication challenges. The discussion highlights the significance of peer support, project-based group therapy, and the ongoing evaluation of client progress, all while emphasizing the need for meaningful and purposeful interventions in rehabilitation.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Rehabilitation Podcast

01:09 Meet Matthew Nakonesy: A Journey into Speech Therapy

02:57 Understanding the Role of a Speech and Language Therapist

05:19 Cognitive Communication Disorders Explained

08:11 The Importance of Real-Life Context in Therapy

09:08 Innovative Approaches to Cognitive Communication Interventions

11:46 The Role of Communication Groups in Rehabilitation

14:14 Evidence-Based Practices in Group Therapy

16:53 Purpose-Driven Therapy and Community Engagement

20:11 Raising Awareness Through Education

22:59 Monitoring Progress in Communication Groups

26:13 The Power of Peer Feedback

28:43 Navigating Group Dynamics

31:41 Surprises and Learnings in Group Therapy

34:36 Integrating Therapy with Multidisciplinary Teams

38:34 Advice for Aspiring Speech Therapists

Links:

Herbie the Dinosaur video: https://youtu.be/328J0E8vq9g

Episode Credits:

Patrick Boyd - Producer/Co-host

Dr Ben Marram - Producer/Co-host

Matthew Nakonesy - Guest (Speech Therapy North East)

For links to the following, please email listeningfirstpod@gmail.com:

• Herbie the Dinosaur E-book
• STNE Getting Connected Group Flyer
• STNE Social Communication Group Flyer
• CCCABI Checklist
• Model of Cognitive Communication Competence

© 2025 Patrick Boyd & Ben Marram. All rights reserved.

This episode is protected by copyright. No part may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the copyright holders.