About Our Practice
At the Little Musical Caravan, we provide neuroaffirming music therapy in Wellington, Porirua, and the Kāpiti Coast. We believe the real power of music lies in genuine human connection. Music therapists use these authentic musical connections to form strong, trusting therapeutic relationships; building on a child’s natural strengths to promote confidence, self-expression, and holistic wellbeing. Because a child’s social world matters, we bring our therapy directly into the community: visiting schools, host venues, and other community settings.
You have always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.
— L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
What is Music Therapy?
In Aotearoa New Zealand, Registered Music Therapists (NZ RMThs) are allied health professionals holding a Master of Music Therapy degree. Registered with Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ), our clinicians maintain annual practising certificates, ongoing professional supervision, and continuous professional development.
Unlike formal instrumental tuition, music therapy uses creative, play-based music making as a flexible medium to support meaningful growth in areas such as:
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Communication & Self-Expression: Supporting verbal and non-verbal communication, AAC usage, and emotional expression.
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Sensory & Emotional Regulation: Creating predictable, low-demand environments to navigate sensory processing and autonomic regulation.
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Social Connection & Identity: Fostering peer relationships, self-agency, and exploration of personal identity.
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Motor & Cognitive Growth: Enhancing coordination, physical engagement, and cognitive exploration through rhythm and play.
Neuroaffirming Music Therapy in Wellington: Our Approach
Not all music therapy is the same. At LMC, we practice through a neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, disability-positive, and post-ableist lens.
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Child-Led & Strengths-Based: We do not seek to “fix” or normalise neurodivergent tamariki. Instead, we honour diverse ways of being, building upon existing interests, passions, and musical joy.
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Relational & Systems-Focused: We collaborate closely with parents, educators, and social networks so that children are better understood, accommodated, and supported within their wider communities.
- Informed by Multi-Disciplinary Care: Our practice is grounded in specialised training across sensory processing, play therapy principles, and neuroaffirming care – allowing our team to work hand-in-hand with your child’s OTs, SLTs, and educators.
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Inclusion & Social Justice: We advocate for environments and social systems that adapt to the learner – valuing the unique contributions of every individual.
Our Therapy Spaces
We offer flexible delivery options to ensure accessible neuroaffirming music therapy in Wellington schools, local studios, and community settings.
Mobile Caravan
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On-Site School Visits: A carefully designed mobile studio that travels directly to host primary schools and ECEs in Porirua and surrounding areas.
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Sensory-Friendly Design: Features autism-friendly colour palettes, adjustable dimmable LED lighting, and an extensive collection of sensory tools and instruments.
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Booking Requirements: Requires level parking access, power connection, and a minimum of 3 x 1:1 sessions per school visit.
Our Therapy Studios
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Mana Therapy Hub (Porirua): Our primary studio base at 116 Mana Esplanade, featuring a spacious, instrument-rich environment. Designed for 1:1 sessions, whānau therapy, parent consultations, and working with rangatahi we are unable to visit on site or see in the caravan.
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Kāpiti Studio (Raumati South): A cozy, sensory-friendly studio space offering local therapy access for Kāpiti Coast whānau.
Onsite & Online
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Spaces at Host Schools: Delivered on-site in quiet rooms provided by schools where caravan access isn’t available.
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Community Partnerships: Collaborative sessions and programmes hosted alongside local trusts and community partners such as Āhuru Mōwai Trust.
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Telehealth Sessions: Interactive, flexible online music therapy for tamariki and whānau accessing support from home.
Get in Touch
At the Little Musical Caravan, we welcome connections from whānau, educators, and health professionals. Choose a pathway below to find the right support, learn about our therapeutic process, or contact our team.
For Families
For Schools
For Practitioners
Want to learn more about our therapists?
Explore our qualifications, practice approach, and clinical team on our Meet Our Team page.
Have general questions about fees, funding options, or session structures? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.