A group of cancer patients and their supporters assemble for their music therapy session as part of their residential week at a Cancer Help Centre.

"At the start of the session a 'rainstick' from the South American rainforests is passed around. The group members are invited to explore the instrument and to introduce themselves to the therapist. There is a natural curiosity about the sound but still a feeling of some apprehension in the room - this kind of session is new for most people. Questions are asked. How is the rainstick made? Where does it come from? What is inside? A lot of space and time is made available so that each group member can feel comfortable exploring the instrument. There is no rush or pressure to talk or play. Associations occur spontaneously and include: the sound of rain on roofs; the sea moving backwards and forwards across a pebbled beach; waterfalls; rivers and rain dripping through the leaves of trees. One group member uses the metaphor of the ups and downs of life as the rainstick is tilted from one side to the other. The group members talk of feeling increasingly relaxed and of connections with their breathing. They consider how this kind of sound could be used as a focus for their daily meditation. A gradual stillness reduces any initial feelings of anxiety."