Music Therapy with Sexually Abused Children

Abstract

Music is part of everyday life, and is generally regarded as therapeutic. There is increasing interdisciplinary interest in innate human musicality and the link between music and the emotions. Innate musicality is evident in the dynamic forms of emotional expression that both regulate and cultivate the foundations of meaning in human communication (intersubjectivity). This article discusses music therapy, drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives, and illustrated by case material of individual music therapy with a sexually abused child. Where the growth of mind and meaning is devastated at its core by early relational trauma, music, when used with clinical perception, may reach and work constructively with damaged children in an evolving, musically mediated therapeutic relationship.

Music therapy with children who have been exposed to ongoing child abuse and poverty: A pilot study

“…For children who were exposed to some type of abuse, a psychodynamic approach using improvisation as the main technique was the most widely reported approach within the music therapy literature (Ostertag, 2002;Robarts, 2006;Rogers, 1995). Rogers (1995) and Ostertag (2002) claimed that the music-making process with the therapist in improvisation can represent the child's experiences, even if the child may not be able to express them verbally.…”

“…The children were often unable to talk about their abuse experiences, especially during the early stages of their therapy. Music therapy can provide a non-verbal means of self-expression, emotional communication and social interaction, which can be both empowering and healing for children having difficulty with verbal expression (Cassity & Theobold, 1990;Coulter, 2000;Day et al, 2009;Felsenstein, 2013;Hussey & Layman, 2003;Keen, 2004;Lindberg, 1995;Ostertag, 2002;Robarts, 2006;Rogers, 1995Rogers, , 2003Strehlow, 2009). Various music activities have been used in work with abused children to facilitate positive outcomes, including improvisation, playing instruments, music listening, song discussion, group singing, relaxation, guided imagery and music, and song writing (Cassity & Theobold, 1990;Felsenstein, 2013;Hussey & Layman, 2003).…”

Artistic Practices in Interventions for Disadvantaged Groups: Aid with Music

“…When we look around, we see each person dealing with music whether professional, or amateur, or just as a listener. Because according to Robarts, music is intrinsic to our emotional and social everyday living, and not dependent on acquired musical skills [1 ]. Similarly Star, set forth that music is a part of our being and even our bodies are made up of rhythmic systems.…”

“…The point where aid with music is now depends on the idea that everyone is born with a relation with music and this musicality situates itself in our brains and preservers its presence even after severe neurological trauma or problems [1].…”

“…In the cases of neglect and abuse, aid with music sets off from the alienation of the individual. The objective is the individual to form relations with the society, express himself/herself and share his/her experiences throughout the aid process [1 ]. In neglected and abused individuals, loneliness, depression and insecurity are often encountered situations.…”