Music Therapy with Adolescents in Psychiatric Treatment Who Have Histories of Loss: A Thematic Analysis of Session Content
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Author
Seley, Jennifer
Date
2015
Degree
Master of Arts in Music Therapy
Abstract
Many adolescents with psychiatric disorders have experienced significant losses in their lives, yet there is limited literature describing this population. In the current study, six
adolescents in residential psychiatric treatment who had histories of loss received
individual music therapy sessions. Music experiences included singing, instrument
play, and dancing to both pre-‐composed and improvised music, as well as composing
original music. The researcher reviewed session videos, analyzed the content of the
sessions, and identified six key themes. These themes suggest that loss, negative
and positive relationship experiences, emotional pain, comfort, and resiliency are
important issues to this population. The results of this study can shape the practice of
clinicians working in adolescent psychiatry and form the basis of future research on
this population.