Crystal Luk-Worrall presents at EMTC 2025 on creative trauma therapy using music and EMDR
We are proud to share that Crystal Luk-Worrall, Music and EMDR Therapist at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, presented at the 13th European Music Therapy Conference (EMTC) 2025 in Hamburg held 23-27 July. Crystal joined a powerhouse panel alongside Susan Darker-Smith, EMDR Consultant at Child Trauma Therapy Centre, Melanie Thomas, Music and EMDR Therapist at Alder Hey Children’s NHS, and Claire Fraser-Tytler, Music Therapist at Therapies together, to explore how music can be meaningfully integrated into Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Their roundtable, EMDR in Music Therapy, drew a strong audience of clinicians, therapists, and researchers from across Europe. Crystal shared her clinical experience using Supportive Music and Imagery (SMI) as part of EMDR with people navigating complex trauma. The case studies showed how music-based methods can support emotional safety, increase engagement, and create space for healing without relying on verbal dialogue – a key need in paediatric and palliative contexts.
“I had the honour of presenting with the fantastic Susan, Melanie, and Claire,” Crystal said. “We’re excited to keep discovering new ways of delivering EMDR and creative therapies more effectively, especially for young people with life-limiting conditions.”
Crystal’s contribution amplified Shooting Star Children’s Hospices’ reputation as a leader in trauma-informed, creative approaches for children and families. Her session spotlighted the value of integrating music therapy with evidence-based trauma care in hospice settings, where verbal processing can be overwhelming or inaccessible, and where emotional safety is paramount.
The roundtable connected with larger conversations across the conference about the future of music therapy, highlighting the ethical dilemmas of marketing clinical work, the role of therapists in climate action, and how organisations can balance innovation with regulation. Crystal’s reflections also called for greater access to specialised supervision and funding pathways to support pioneering clinical work like EMDR integrated with music.
At Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, we believe in care that is compassionate, creative, and bold.
If you’d like to learn more about our therapy services or support our work, please visit our website.
