The Experiences of Patients in the Synchrony Group Music Therapy Trial for Long-term Depression
Journal
The Arts in Psychotherapy
Year
2020
Abstract
Music therapy may be particularly well placed to address features of depression. The Synchrony study used group songwriting in a feasibility trial of group music therapy for long-term depression. The current study explored the lived experiences of the participants in these groups. Ten individuals participated in semi-structured interviews. These were analysed by a music therapist, research psychologist and lived experience researcher, using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes were identified: ‘the group as a happy and safe place’, ‘music stimulates new feelings and songwriting aids expression into words’ and ‘uncertainty, unmet needs and the ending were challenging’. Findings underscore the importance of early group cohesion and the role of music and song-writing in promoting enjoyment, exploration and a sense of achievement. Group setup requires careful consideration of expectation setting, levels of musicianship and readiness for songwriting and preparation for ending, so as not to reinforce hopelessness, disappointment and loss. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Music and Health Institute Terms
Composition; Depression; Interviews; Music Therapy; Self-Concept; Songwriting
Indexed Terms
Songwriting; Groups; Community; Mental health; Depression; Experiences (Events); Long Term Care; Synchrony; Experimental Psychologists; Group Psychotherapy
Study Type
Phenomenological Study; Qualitative Methods
PubMed ID
2020-14493-001
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Windle, E., Hickling, L. M., Jayacodi, S., & Carr, C. (2020). The Experiences of Patients in the Synchrony Group Music Therapy Trial for Long-term Depression. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 67 Retrieved from https://remix.berklee.edu/mhi-citations/1222