Workshops

Workshops & Education

Christian conducts workshops, educational in-services, and special event programming on music therapy, music & healing, communication, grief & loss, diversity, stress management, personal growth & renewal, coping with chronic disease, and other areas.

Christian has worked with several organizations, including: Childrens Hospitals and Clinics, the Alzheimers Association, the Minneapolis Council of Churches, the National Environmental Grant Makers Association, Fairview, Ridgeview Medical Center, Methodist Hospital, Park Nicollet Clinics, Allina Hospice, the MS Society, and several other organizations and corporations in Minnesota and the region.

Sample Topics

These are only a few of the workshops offered by Christian Nielsen MT-BC. Most topics may be modified to range in length from 1 to 4 hours, with some available as all day events. Topics may be adapted to suit the needs of a particular group. Both workshops and educational inservices may be presented in CEU form with goals and objectives stated. Workshops may be modified for incorporation into a larger workshop or workshop series. Topics may also be modified for community groups or faith-based groups. Performances may also be combined with a presentation or workshop.

Sounds of Healing- an introduction to music therapy

This presentation is an introduction to music therapy. It can be adapted for a variety of audiences from health professionals to the general public. It gives a brief overview of what music therapy is, how it is used, the history of Music Therapy, who music therapists are, who can benefit from Music Therapy, and the physical benefits of music to health and well-being. The presentation can also be adapted to provide population specific information. Stories, songs, and interactive experiences demonstrate the the power of music to assist in healing body, mind, and spirit. This presentation can be combined with other presentations and workshops as well.

Drum Circle

The drum circle is a sacred ceremony in many indigenous cultures throughout the world. This is a place where all are equal. Drumming can be a means of expressing what cannot be said through words. It is a means of connecting individuals to a community, to the earth, to their own hearts, and to their creator. I have created drum circle programs to address communication and self-expression, grief and loss, chronic disease, diversity, violence prevention, and other areas. The focus of the drum circle is on balance, self-expression, communication, healing, and renewal. This workshop works well with people of any age and as an intergenerational activity.

The Circle of Life

This bereavement workshop provides a balance of reflection, verbal & non-verbal expression, rememberance time, laughter, tears, and celebration of the great circle of life through which we are all connected. This topic can be done for a specific age group, or in an intergenerational format.

Healing Stories: The power of music at the end of life through story and song

In my time using music at the end of life in hospice and in hospitals I have had the honor of being present for some amazing spiritual experiences. This presentation tells these stories and brings it together with the music was a part of the experience. It also shows that while there is extreme sadness at the end of a person's life, there is also extreme joy; while there is pain there is healing; where there is despair there is hope; and where there is fear there can be peace and beauty. Depending on the number of stories and songs and the depth of each story this presentation could be made in a range of 30 to 90 minutes.

Music-Assisted Relaxation Techniques

This presentation demonstrates the effectiveness of relaxation techniques when assisted with music. Specific techniques are demonstrated and discussed. Live music is incorporated with experiential exercises. These techniques have been shown to decrease heart rate & blood pressure, decrease anxiety and agitation, increase the body's natural immune resonses to fight disease, and can cause the release of natural pain fighters in the body (endogenous opiods). These techniques also decrease the need for pain medication in persons with both chronic and acute pain. This can range in time from 30 to 90 minutes or can be taught in segments. The longer the session, the deeper the experiences can be and the more techniques can be discussed. This could be adapted for health professionals, teaching healthy habits in the workplace, or for those dealing with health challenges. Our music-assisted relaxation CD's can compliment this presentation.

A New Rhythm: Coping with Chronic "Dis-ease" & Chronic Pain

This topic is one I am intimately familiar with. I have lived with a chronic and life changing medical condition for several years (turns out it was more than one). In his journey, I feel I have been able to help others dealing with similar problems. The workshop is centered on the needs of those facing issues of chronic diseases and conditions. The workshop addresses chronic symptoms, pain, and grief which can accompany the many losses associated with a chronic condition. This workshop offers practical approaches to use music in pain and symptom management. It also addresses the most common side-effect of pain: anxiety. Strategies include relaxation and imagery techniques, self-expression, using music to both relax and energize, lifestyle changes. Topic can be focused toward those with a condition, or can be expanded to address the needs of loved ones and care-givers.

Relaxation & Stress Management

Our world is becoming increasingly fast-paced, high-tech, and filled with high anxiety. Many people feel that there just isn't time in the day to relax. Stress can be found in both work and home life. People who may have additional health concerns experience even higher levels of stress- which can then compound their physical health issues. Stress is largely a matter of self-perception. While stress can be harmful, all living things need some stress to survive, so long as that stress does not exceed the organism's ability to cope with it. Studies show that those who take time out to relax are actually more productive. This workshop focuses on strategies to manage stress in our lives. It also provides a time for peace and relaxation. The focus of this workshop is to assist participants identify causes of stress and to offer suggestions and solutions in creating the proper balance between stress and relaxation.

Coping with Cancer

This workshop is centered on the needs of those individuals and loved ones faced with cancer. This program teaches uses of music to boost the immune system; reduce pain, symptoms, and treatment side effects; and enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Music assisted relaxation, imagery, meditation, and self-expression are all key components of this workshop.

Music at the End of Life

Uses musical examples to discuss the uses of music to assist in the transition from this life. Examines the various uses of music to support the spiritual, psychosocial, and physical needs at the end of life. This workshop comes from research and my own experiences as a therapist working in hospice and end-of-life care.

Musical Memories: Music and the Dementias

Music has a powerful effect to elicit memories in all of us. It is a very powerful medium in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Music can enhance social interaction, reality orientation, memory functions, motor skill functions and can greatly reduce agitation and sundowning behaviors. Find out how music can reach those who seem unreachable. Features down to earth and simple strategies that can be used by caretakers, family, and professionals to greatly enhance quality of life for those faced with dementia. The workshop can also teach recreation and activity professionals ways to greatly increase the effectiveness of music programming.

Spirit into Sound ~ Music as sacred expression

Music has long been an expression on the spirit and soul in many faith a spiritual traditions throughout the world. Since humans first learned to create art and music, they were used as a means to connect and contact a higher power. Workshop explores the role of music in spirituality and in the individual and group spirituality of participants. Open to all faith traditions, or can be specifically focussed. When incorporated with other Workshops, activities, and performances, this can become an excellent retreat for a diverse range of groups.

Sleep

Learn ways to use music and other techniques to assist with sleep. This workshop / presentation is appropriate for those with mild sleep difficulties to people with chronic insomnia. This time includes instruction in relaxation and imagery techniques specific to sleep.

Healing sound technique for for integrative healthcare professionals.

This 2-6 hour workshop (or up to 3 day retreat) gives those working in other integrative healthcare fields suggestions, advice, and techniques for incorporating music into their practice. Music is a powerful healer in itself, but it can greatly enhance the effectiveness and power of other modalities. Rhythmic and melodic entrainment, iso-principle, vibratory energy work, community and individual ceremony, music as sacred space, music assisted relaxation and imagery, and many other areas are discussed, demonstrated, and taught. Practioners will gain skills they can use, even if they presently only use recorded music on ocassion.

The Role of Music Therapy in Integrative Healthcare

This interactive program for professionals explores the role of the music therapist and the music therapy program in the integrative model of healthcare delivery. Workshop includes an overview of the research, practical suggestions, and experiential exercises.

Many other topics are available.

Please contact us via phone or Email for information regarding fees.

About the Instruments Click here to learn more about some of the instruments Christian uses.