‘In My Beginning is My End’ Preliminary Exploration into the Framework and Efficacy of Endings in the Music Therapy Process When Working with Adults with a Learning Disability

Abstract

This article describes a research project undertaken to explore the framework and efficacy of endings in the music therapy process when working with adults with a learning disability. A review of the literature is presented incorporating texts from the related discipline of psychotherapy. Data from a questionnaire and from three semi structured interviews is also presented, followed by a discussion of the findings and clinical implications.

The article concludes that the issue of therapeutic endings when considered in the context of adults with a learning disability is as varied as the needs of this client group. There is a marked difference between what therapists aspire to achieve in their clinical practice and what they are able to achieve in the context of their different work settings. Therapists approach the management of therapeutic endings in different ways when considering the range of needs presented by this client group.