Theoretical Perspectives and Therapeutic Approaches in Music Therapy with Families

Abstract

Music therapists have described the importance of working collaboratively with family members in various populations throughout the history of the profession. Despite the growing amount of literature, not enough is known regarding the scope of theoretical perspectives and therapeutic approaches that guide family centered music therapy. The aim of this international survey study was to better understand the professional perspectives and approaches of music therapists who work with families around the world. This article presents the results of the survey where a total of 125 responses were analysed. Participants’ responses indicated that music therapy with families is well established as an important field of practice that includes a large range of populations across the life span. Music therapists working with families emphasise that the work is holistic and flexible, both in terms of the theoretical approaches that inform their work and the methods/techniques that are included in sessions. The participants in this study advocated for more continuing professional development opportunities to further deepen and develop their practice. In addition, the survey data offers priorities and recommendations for future research.

Nurture and play for foster families with young children: Foster-parents’ reflections on attachment focused group intervention

“…Music therapy´s techniques and methods, especially singing, are used in the intervention (Tuomi 2017;2018). Because of the non-verbal nature of music, the use of music in therapy presents as a non-threatening and inviting medium for children with a history of neglect and abuse (Burkhardt-Mramor, 1996;Drake, 2011;Hong et al, 1998;Layman et al, 2002;Robarts, 2014).…”

“…Codes were grouped by moving back and forth between grouping the codes and the original text and the expressions. Next, the codes were categorised by grouping related codes together (Tuomi et al, 2021). Finally, categories were formed and translated to English for categories, subcategories, and descriptive comments.…”

“…The group´s target is to promote joyful engagement and trust between the foster parent and the child. In addition, the goal is to increase parental sensitivity, mentalization capacity and emotional availability as well as empower the parents (Tuomi, 2017(Tuomi, , 2018. This research is focusing on how foster parents reflect different meanings of the NaP-intervention, emphasising both child and parent's perspectives, thoughts, and feelings.…”

How a music therapist can support families of pre-school children with complex learning support needs to use music therapeutically at home

“…Jacobsen and Thompson (2016c) indicate that the resource orientated model is common in music therapy with families. However, a recent survey of 125 music therapists worldwide suggested that the majority focus (45%) on an expert stance when working with families (Tuomi et al, 2021). In an expert stance, the professionals serve as experts who use their training and expertise to identify and solve problems for the family (Dunst & Trivette, 2009).…”

“…Music therapists work with a range of individuals and groups, from pre-term babies to adults in palliative care. Over the last few decades, the field of music therapy with families has been steadily growing and can now be considered a field of its own (Tuomi et al, 2021). Its success lies in the ability of music therapists to offer an alternative to verbal therapy, thus taking up the challenge of working with diverse families with complex needs (Jacobsen & Thompson, 2016b).…”