Marica Marais – Music therapist – Die Wilgers

Marica Marais – Music therapist – Die Wilgers

Ms Marica Marais – Music Therapist – Die Wilgers brings over a decade of passionate expertise in neurological music therapy to BrainLife. She earned her Bachelor of Music Therapy from a leading South African university, then honed her clinical skills through intensive internships in adult neurorehabilitation programs. Moreover, Marica’s lifelong devotion to music—particularly the guitar and piano—infuses every session with genuine warmth and creativity.

In her role, she designs individualized therapy plans that harness rhythm, melody, and harmony to support survivors of brain injury, stroke, and neurological conditions. Consequently, clients experience enhanced motor coordination, cognitive engagement, and emotional expression. Furthermore, Marica maintains a dynamic home studio where she composes custom songs to reinforce therapy goals. Ultimately, her mission remains to empower each person through the transformative power of music, guiding them toward renewed confidence and functional gains.

Services

• Individual Music Therapy using instrument play (guitar, piano, percussion) to improve fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination

• Group Music Sessions that foster social interaction, communication skills, and peer support through singing, drumming, and movement

• Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation for gait retraining, employing metronome-paced exercises to enhance walking speed and balance

• Melodic Intonation Therapy to support speech recovery in clients with aphasia, integrating melody and language

• Cognitive Rehabilitation via musical memory exercises, rhythm discrimination, and sequencing tasks to bolster attention and executive function

• Emotional Regulation through guided improvisation and songwriting, enabling clients to process feelings in a safe, creative space

• Sensory–Motor Integration activities pairing instrumental techniques with tactile stimuli to recalibrate sensory pathways

• Family & Caregiver Training in home-based musical reinforcement strategies and engagement techniques

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

• Community Music Programs to connect BrainLife members with local choirs and ensembles, promoting long-term social reintegration

Schedule a consultation today.

Additional Information

BrainLife’s Die Wilgers centre features a fully equipped music therapy studio complete with a variety of acoustic and electronic instruments, adaptive percussion tools, and recording technology. As a result, Marica can tailor interventions precisely to each client’s physical abilities and therapeutic objectives. In addition, the studio includes a soundproof room for focused vocal work and biofeedback monitoring, which tracks physiological responses during sessions.

Furthermore, the practice employs a secure electronic medical record system that documents session progress with audio–visual samples, charts therapy outcomes, and coordinates care with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and clinical psychologists. Consequently, clients benefit from a truly multidisciplinary approach, where music therapy dovetails seamlessly with other rehabilitation services.

Moreover, strict infection-control protocols ensure that all instruments and equipment undergo thorough sanitization between clients. Accessible parking, wheelchair ramps, and adjustable-height instruments guarantee inclusivity for individuals with diverse mobility needs. Staff members engage in ongoing professional development, attending workshops on neuroplasticity, cueing techniques, and innovations in music therapy, thereby keeping BrainLife at the forefront of 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.