Resources & references

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  We therefore propose a selection of pertinent references, however not exhaustive, given that each week more research and other information are published around the world. 

Language
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11 results
Drumming through trauma: Music therapy with post-traumatic soldiers
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Moshe Bensimon, Dorit Amir, Yuval Wolf
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Arts in Psychotherapy

This study presents music therapy group work with six soldiers diagnosed as suffering from combat or terror related PTSD. Some reduction in PTSD symptoms was observed following drumming, especially increased sense of openness, togetherness, belonging, sharing, closeness, connectedness and intimacy, as well as achieving a non-intimidating access to traumatic memories, facilitating an outlet for rage and regaining a sense of self-control.

Expériences de musicothérapeutes travaillant à court terme avec des groupes d’adolescents en santé mentale
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Erika Guittard
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy

This phenomenological study aims to document the practice of music therapy in adolescent mental health, and more specifically the brief therapy sessions carried out with groups of adolescents. Through semi-structured interviews, three Canadian music therapists, working primarily in mental health with adolescents, share their professional experience. Three main themes emerged: (a) the main goals addressed in this type of context, (b) the program structures generally established, and (c) the professional skills required.

GIM grabs you, it takes you into the experience that you're ready to have: An interview with Jim Borling
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jim Borling, Anna Giménez Castells
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music

This is a semi-structured interview with Jim Borling, a renowned practitioner and primary trainer of the Bonny method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM). In this interview, he explains that GIM is something that changed his own life as well as the lives of many others. This is due to the fact that GIM approaches not only the psycho-social, psycho-emotional, and biographic aspects of clients’ therapeutic work, but also the spiritual dimension of people. 

How music therapy helps sick children cope
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Michigan Medicine
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Michigan Medicine

This video exposes a case study of a child who was born without eyes and has always feared medical procedures. She is enrolled in music therapy at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s to decrease her anxiety.

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jil Croteau
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Global News

Music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals

“It’s Like we Have Our Own Rhythm”. Music Therapeutic Affect Regulation in a Case Study of a Traumatized Patient in Mental Health Treatment
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Oda Dypvik Bjørke, Bolette Daniels Beck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices

This research article presents a case study of an adult man with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who participated in music therapy sessions. The results determined that music improvisation improved affect regulation, exploration of trauma-related issues, and self-agency.

Music therapists’ perceptions of creating safety in the context of trauma with children and adolescents: A qualitative study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hsin-I Cindy Lai, Grace Thompson & Katrina Skewes McFerran
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

This research study interviews  experienced music therapists of diverse cultural backgrounds. The results provide recommendations on how to build safety in the therapeutic relationship among children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

Music Therapy in Bereavement Care
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Laurel Young
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
CREGÉS - CAU en gérontologie sociale

This video features a presentation by Dr. Laurel Young, PhD, MTA, about music therapy in bereavement care. This presentation provides an overview of music therapy in bereavement care. Dr. Young will review existing literature and share examples from her own clinical work and research. She also makes recommendations for future practice and research. 

Music Therapy at The End of Life (2nd edition)
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Cheryl Dileo & Mariagrazia Baroni (Eds.)
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jeffrey Books

This book has been designed as a textbook on music therapy for pediatric and adult patients receiving hospice care; it is divided into 4 parts. Part I is designed to provide foundational information on hospice and hospice music therapy. Part 2 includes descriptions of theory, assessment, roles of the therapist, and developmental issues in practice. Part 3 is focused on educational and professional issues. Part 4 is focused on advancing hospice music therapy. 

Music Therapy With Trauma Patients and Their Families on a Pediatric Service
1984
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Laura Mc Donnell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy

 Music therapy can uniquely help severely injured children and their families deal with the events surrounding an accident and its aftermath. The use of music therapy in treating these families on a pediatric service is described and illustrated with a fracture patient and a burn patient

I Am Safe and I Am Strong: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience through Trauma-Informed Music Therapy
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Olivia Swedberg Yinger
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge

This book chapter provides an overview of research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), descriptions of key components of resilience in child development and trauma-informed care, and recommendations for music therapists. 
How can music therapy foster resilience in children who have lived though adverse experiences? How can music therapists provide trauma-informed care to their most vulnerable clients?"mmandations pour les musicothérapeutes.