Music Therapy for
When words
are not enough
with Demi Heijligers, coach and muziekagoogDemi is a coach and muziekagoog, currently completing the HBO training to become a music therapist.
Why music works
Words matter. Music is another way in.
Talking helps many people, and sometimes it is good to have another way in alongside it. Music does not ask you to explain or have an opinion. You can start with what you feel, at your own pace.
How is it different from talk therapy?
Talk therapy
Music therapy
Works through language
Works through experience
You talk about what is there
You feel what is there
Cognitive processing
Physical and emotional
Ideal when you have words
Ideal when words fall short
Music therapy is not
No music lesson. No performance.
Music therapy is NOT
- Not a music or singing lesson
- You don't need to play an instrument
- You don't need to sing or be 'good'
- Not entertainment or relaxation as a goal
Music therapy IS
- Therapeutic work at your own pace
- You decide how much you share
- There is no right or wrong
- You are always in control
In crisis?
Contact 113 (Suicide Prevention NL) or call 112 in a life-threatening situation.
More information on our disclaimerWho it is for you?
Do you recognise this?
Not sure if it's right for you? First 5 minutes free — no commitment.
Music therapy may be less suitable if you are in acute crisis, need medication management, or require specialist mental health (GGZ) care. In those cases, Demi can refer you to the right support.
How it works for you
Active or receptive
01
Active
Works well when you find it hard to sit with feelings
Making music together, improvising, playing rhythm, songwriting, using your voice. No performance pressure, no right way to play.
02
Receptive
Works well when feelings are hard to access
Listening, reflecting and exploring what a piece of music brings up for you, guided by your therapist.
Methods Demi uses
- Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BIM)
- Vocal work
- Mindfulness-based music experiences
- Therapeutic composition
The first session
Demi listens. She understands your situation, without judgement.
Together you explore which approach fits you.
You begin at your own pace, without pressure.
Demi listens. She understands your situation, without judgement.
Together you explore which approach fits you.
You begin at your own pace, without pressure.
You don't need to play or sing anything in the first session.
Your practitioner is
Demi Heijligers
Coach and muziekagoog
6 years experience
"I believe every person has a musical language, even if you think you don't."
— Demi Heijligers
Demi works as a muziekagoog and is completing the HBO training to become a music therapist (Vaktherapie). Until she qualifies she does not offer vaktherapie and does not make diagnoses. For clinical care she refers you to your GP or the GGZ.
Demi's playlist
"A selection of music I use in my sessions: from calming ambient to uplifting melodies that unlock emotion."
This is not therapy, but it gives you a sense of the musical language Demi brings to sessions.
Looking for a different specialism?
View all professionalsSessions at GM via
Chat, voice or video
How sessions work
Insurance
Working with music guided by a coach or muziekagoog is not reimbursed by your health insurer. Reimbursement of vaktherapie runs through a registered vaktherapeut.
Frequently asked questions about
Music therapy
That's completely understandable and more common than you'd think. Demi always adapts the music to you. You don't have to like it or understand it — there is no right or wrong.
No. Sometimes silence is the most therapeutic thing. You decide how much you share and when.
No. Music therapy is adapted to your abilities and comfort level — no musical background required.
The first 5 minutes are free. After that, you choose whether to continue. No commitment, no waiting list.
Not quite. Music therapy uses music-based methods — listening, playing, songwriting — alongside conversation. This can help when words alone are not enough.
No. Sessions with a coach or muziekagoog are not reimbursed. Reimbursement of vaktherapie through supplementary insurance always runs via a registered vaktherapeut. See our pricing page for session costs.
Video sessions are a fixed 45 minutes. Chat and voice sessions are billed per minute, so you control the length.
Ready to try it?
Music therapy is one of the specialisms available through Gedachten Makelaar.