facilitation, mentoring, and training
“What distinguished Bela’s mentorship was her holistic perspective—she helped me develop not just as a musician in healthcare, but as a reflective practitioner capable of meaningful self-examination” …read more
Bela is a highly reflective practitioner committed to creating safe space to support people to develop clear communication – the cornerstone of facilitating, mentoring and training individuals, groups, and communities.
facilitation
Since 2020, Bela has been facilitating Action Learning Sets: powerful group structures for facilitated peer support, focused on listening, reflection, and getting things done. She currently facilitates sets for CEOs with Community Works, and community artists. Learn more at actionlearningbrighton.com
mentoring
Bela is a highly experienced mentor of community musicians / in healthcare, supporting others to explore develop their own style of musical facilitation; she specialises in working with other neurodivergent artists.
training
Bela has delivered music for dementia settings training as a guest lecturer at Goldsmiths University of London (2017-2023) & Sound Connections. With Wishing Well Music for Health, she has also co-devised and delivered elective modules with medical students at Brighton & Sussex Medical School (since 2016) and trained groups of musicians in healthcare.
“During my apprenticeship with Wishing Well, Bela Emerson provided exemplary mentorship that transformed both my professional capabilities and personal understanding of music in healthcare settings. Working together on elderly wards at Princess Royal Hospital Haywards Heath, with Bela on cello and myself on violin, I experienced firsthand her remarkable ability to balance technical instruction with profound wisdom about the healing power of music.
Bela’s mentoring encompassed every aspect of healthcare music practice: from building appropriate repertoires and developing intuitive responses to patient needs, safeguarding protocols, and maintaining personal wellbeing in emotionally demanding environments. Her approach consistently demonstrated the “clear communication” and “safe space” creation that defines her practice. She possessed an exceptional talent for offering constructive guidance while maintaining unwavering encouragement, particularly during challenging sessions where vulnerability and openness were essential.
What distinguished Bela’s mentorship was her holistic perspective—she helped me develop not just as a musician in healthcare, but as a reflective practitioner capable of meaningful self-examination. Her patient, informative style fostered confidence that extends beyond our collaborative work into other areas of life. Under her guidance, what could have been an overwhelming apprenticeship became a deeply rewarding foundation for ongoing professional development.
Bela’s combination of musical excellence, emotional intelligence, and mentoring acumen creates an environment where learning flourishes with both depth and dignity.”
Michael Aston, May ‘25
