Hermi Viljoen – Music therapist – Die Wilgers

Hermi Viljoen – Music therapist – Die Wilgers

Ms Hermi Viljoen – Music Therapist – Die Wilgers holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy from a leading South African university and completed her Clinical Music Therapy Internship at a renowned neurorehabilitation centre. Moreover, she has practised in adult and paediatric settings for over a decade, specialising in neurological music therapy. As the senior music therapist at BrainLife’s Die Wilgers centre, Hermi combines clinical rigor with creative artistry to support clients recovering from brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions. Consequently, each session harnesses rhythm, melody, and harmony to promote motor coordination, cognitive engagement, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, she composes bespoke therapeutic songs that reinforce each client’s goals and fosters a deeply personal connection through live improvisation. Ultimately, her mission is to empower individuals and families by unlocking music’s restorative potential.

Services

• Individual Music Therapy using instrumental techniques (piano, guitar, percussion) to improve fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, and range of motion

• Group Rhythmic Sessions that enhance social interaction, communication skills, and peer support through drumming and movement to music

• Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) for gait retraining, employing metronome-paced walking exercises to improve balance, stride regularity, and walking speed

• Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) to support speech recovery in clients with aphasia, blending melodic patterns with language phrases

• Cognitive Rehabilitation via musical memory exercises, pattern recognition games, and sequencing tasks to bolster attention, executive function, and working memory

• Emotional Regulation through guided song writing, vocal improvisation, and lyric analysis, enabling clients to process feelings in a safe, creative space

• Sensory–Motor Integration activities pairing instrument play with tactile stimuli to recalibrate sensory pathways and improve functional use of affected limbs

• Family & Caregiver Training in home-based musical reinforcement strategies, ensuring carryover of techniques between sessions

• Teletherapy Music Sessions via a secure video platform, maintaining continuity of care for remote or mobility-limited clients

• Community Music Engagement that connects clients with local choirs, ensembles, and performance opportunities to foster long-term social reintegration

• Early Childhood Music Therapy for infants and toddlers, focusing on developmental milestones, sensory exploration, and parent-child bonding

• Stress Reduction Workshops utilising live music, guided relaxation, and breathing-rhythm exercises to alleviate anxiety and stress

Schedule a consultation today.

Additional Information

BrainLife’s Die Wilgers centre features a fully equipped music therapy studio with a variety of acoustic and electronic instruments, adaptive percussion tools, and recording technology. Moreover, the studio includes a soundproof room for focused vocal work and biofeedback monitoring, which tracks physiological responses—such as heart rate variability—during sessions. Consequently, therapists like Hermi can tailor interventions in real time.

In addition, the practice employs a secure electronic medical record system compliant with the POPI Act, which integrates audio-visual session recordings, progress charts, and multidisciplinary notes. As a result, clients benefit from cohesive care pathways that align music therapy with occupational, physiotherapy, and psychological services. Furthermore, stringent infection-control protocols ensure that all instruments and equipment undergo thorough sanitization between sessions.

The centre offers flexible scheduling, including extended evening hours and weekend slots, accommodating diverse lifestyles and work commitments. Accessible parking, wheelchair ramps, and adjustable-height instruments guarantee inclusivity for clients with varying mobility needs. Staff members pursue ongoing professional development by attending workshops on neuroplasticity, cueing techniques, and innovations in music therapy, thereby maintaining BrainLife’s leadership in rehabilitative care.

Overall, this modern, client-centred environment fosters a welcoming atmosphere where every individual receives undivided attention, creative engagement, and compassionate support. Finally, take the next step toward functional recovery and emotional well-being by scheduling your personalized music therapy assessment today.