From Performer to Container

Abstract

This article explores the case of a musically accomplished client for whom an indirect therapeutic intervention involving musical improvisation was provided within the context of a psychiatric music therapy group.

In making music in a group, musically accomplished clients can dominate the music making with their strong musical skills. Their means of participating in group improvisational play often reflects a self-protective narrowing down of awareness.

The case considered here demonstrates that ‘performers' in such groups can learn to relax their defensive stance and play supportive music when the therapist facilitates the development of the group by modelling collaborative improvisation, rather than by intervening directly. An example of this kind of therapeutic intervention is described from a psychoanalytic perspective, focusing on the improvisational playing of the client and group in different phases of the case.