Safety, Connection, Foundation: Single-session Individual Music Therapy With Adolescents

Journal

Canadian Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2014

Volume

20

Issue

2

First Page

43

Last Page

63

Abstract

Single-session individual music therapy (SSIMT) is an uncommon practice in mental health settings, especially with adolescent populations. The aim of this qualitative research study was to explore this unique clinical setting and to establish a framework for one-off sessions. The study focused on the experiences of nine adolescent participants in single 45- to 50-minute individual sessions. Music therapy sessions were conducted as part of mental health treatment for adolescents admitted to hospital for short-term care. The research findings demonstrated the effectiveness of establishing a safe atmosphere, creating a secure connection, and building a foundation to reduce future emotional anxieties for the client. A clinical framework based on these concepts was developed. The outcomes of this research can provide strategies for other music therapists conducting single individual sessions with adolescents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Adolescents; Anxiety; Emotional Functioning; Hospital Setting; Mental Health; Music Therapy; Psychological Outcomes

Indexed Terms

single-session; adolescents; mental health; improvising; songwriting; music-listening; Treatment Duration; Adolescent Characteristics; Safety

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

Disciplines

Music Therapy | Psychiatric and Mental Health

Document Type

Article

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