|
|
|
|
Vol 21 No 1 2007 Editorial - Hearing Voices p2 Simon Procter
Playing at the boundaries: Combining music therapy with other creative therapies in individual work with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties p3 - p11 Steve Cobbett Abstract This paper describes an integrative approach to working therapeutically with individual children who have emotional and behavioural difficulties which combines music therapy with other creative therapies (particularly play therapy and dramatherapy). The development of this way of working in response to spontaneous interactions initiated by children is described, as are its underlying person-centred principles. The advantages of, and potential objections to, such an approach are considered. A case study is used to illustrate the approach.
"Why can't we be friends?" An exploration of the concept of 'friendship' within client - music therapist relationships p12 - p22 Neil Foster Abstract This article describes a research project undertaken to explore the concept of friendship in the context of music therapy relationships. An extensive review of the music therapy literature is presented, drawing also on related disciplines including psychoanalysis, philosophy, musicology and sociology. Data from interviews with three music therapists, practising across a range of clinical contexts, is presented in categories, followed by a discussion of the findings and their implications. Issues arising include boundaries, the balance between professional and personal dynamics, the role of music in intimacy, and trust between professionals. It is concluded that friendship is a complex issue, but that personal dynamics such as friendship are often present in clinical relationships at different times and in different ways. Boundaries and ethical rules are considered fundamentally important. They are viewed as flexible rather that fixed, depending on the clinical setting and the client's needs. The study also concludes that friendship and related concepts such as love and sexuality may be taboo subjects within the profession. It seems that this may be due to anxieties about professional discreditation as well as more general anxieties within society. The lack of open discussion on these subjects can then give rise to therapist anxieties about intimacy with clients. This is seen as an issue particularly affecting inexperienced or trainee music therapists.
The role of rhythm in the development, maintenance and management of stereotypic behaviours A review of non-musical literature p23 - p27 Laura Sharp and Anna McGee Abstract Rhythm has long been used by music therapists and others as a means of redirecting individuals with specific difficulties towards effective learning and social engagement. There is a wide literature stemming neither from musicology nor from music therapy which considers the role of rhythm within natural child development. This review describes how rhythmic processing has been conceptualised as facilitating learning in the mainstream child. It is widely postulated that rhythmical movements, typically thought to promote physical development, can present inappropriately, resulting in maladaptive distraction to a child's development. These actions, referred to as 'stereotypic behaviours', are discussed in relation to a number of rhythm-based strategies suggested in the literature as having a role in minimising the presentation of such behaviours. The management of stereotypic behaviours, specifically in individuals with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), is also discussed.
Dialogue - Music Therapy in Special Education: Do we need More Evidence? A response to Katrina McFerran and Jennifer Stephenson p28 - p29 Daphne Rickson
Book Reviews Music Therapy Methods in Neurorehabilitation: A Clinician's Manual Felicity Baker and Jeanette Tamplin Reviewed by Wendy Magee p30
Receptive Methods in Music Therapy, Techniques and Clinical Applications for Music Therapy Clinicians, Educators and Students Denise Grocke and Tony Wigram Reviewed by Catherine O'Leary p31
Journal Watch p34
Call for Submissions p39
Vol 21 No 2 2007 Editorial - Sound and Symbol p42 Simon Procter
Improvised Stories in Music Therapy with a Child Experiencing Abuse p43 - 52 Stephanie Thompson Abstract Music therapy is a useful intervention for children who have experienced sexual abuse. It can offer them opportunities to express their current difficulties, to tell their story musically and metaphorically, and to receive support and care from an appropriately trained and boundaried adult. This article describes the journey of a ten year old boy in psychodynamically-oriented music therapy, focusing on his use of stories as a means of exploring issues within the therapeutic process, as well as reflecting on his experience of abuse.
From performer to container: a psychiatric group with a musically accomplished client p 53 - 57 Masami Inada Abstract This article explores the case of a musically accomplished client for whom an indirect therapeutic intervention involving musical improvisation was provided within the context of a psychiatric music therapy group. In making music in a group, musically accomplished clients can dominate the music making with their strong musical skills. Their means of participating in group improvisational play often reflects a self-protective narrowing down of awareness. The case considered here demonstrates that 'performers' in such groups can learn to relax their defensive stance and play supportive music when the therapist facilitates the development of the group by modelling collaborative improvisation, rather than by intervening directly. An example of this kind of therapeutic intervention is described from a psychoanalytic perspective, focusing on the improvisational playing of the client and group in different phases of the case.
Drawing and drumming: a pilot art and music therapy group on an assessment ward in a medium secure unit p58 - 67 Lorna Bryce and Susannah Wettone This abstract describes a pilot open art and music therapy group which took place on an assessment ward in a Medium Secure Unit for patients detained under the UK's Mental Health Act. The aim was to offer an optional therapeutic space to patients who had limited access to off-ward therapy and activities, and to see whether this would be of value in this setting. The ward environment is described, the need for onward therapy outlined and relevant literature surveyed the planning, setting up and evaluation of two phases of the work are then detailed, with particular focus on the rationale for the ways in which settings were run and the roles of the two therapists (one a music therapist, the other an art therapist). Changing group membership and its impact on the therapy is described, and modifications to the original approach explained. Feedback from staff and patients is presented and discussed, leading to reflections on the value of this kind of therapeutic experience in such a setting.
An investigation into time relationships in co-improvisation with children having epileptic fits p68 - 77 Mario Eugster Abstract This qualitative research project investigates aspects of time and timing in co-improvisation with children suffering from epilepsy. Recently, a growing interest in time and timing has emerged in the field of music therapy. However, the impact of epilepsy on time relationships in music therapy has not been systematically explored to date. Using both video recordings of sessions and interviews with therapists experienced in working with epileptic children as data, the impact of epilepsy on musical time relationships is explored. Time relationships are understood to include not only the relationship between the therapist's and client's timings, expressed in timing of musical activity and body movements, but also the subjective experiences of time and therapist has whilst working with epileptic children, especially when they have a seizure. The findings of this study support and complexify previous theoretical writings on time and timing in the music therapy literature. The impact of an epileptic seizure on the timing between client and therapist is analysed. The complex relationships between timing and psycho-physiological changes are explored, including possible effects of the therapist's emotional responses on timing. The findings of the study suggest that music therapists share certain experiences of time in work with epileptic children. Finally, there is a discussion of music-therapeutic strategies used by therapists when time relationships are affected by an epileptic episode.
Book Reviews Feminist Perspectives in Music Therapy Edited by Susan Hadley Reviewed by Clare O'Callaghan p78
Music Therapy Groupwork with Special Needs Children: The Evolving Process Karen Goodman Reviewed by Elaine Streeter p80
Music and Life in the Field of Play: An Anthology Carolyn Kenny Reviewed by Susan Hadley p81
Text Watch p85 Call for submissions p88
|