Voice and the Self in Improvised Music Therapy

Abstract

This essay examines the close relationship between the development of the self and the human voice, with reference to key theorists such as Jung, Winnicott and Stern. The focus is on an exploration of how these theories can be combined with our knowledge of the early vocal communication systems in the mother–infant dyad as a means of enhancing the quality of our voice work in music therapy practice. Music therapy and related literature in this area will be summarised, and the need for detailed studies in a wider range of clinical settings will be highlighted. Case examples will enable exploration of the application of these psychological concepts in work with children and young people with learning disabilities and autism, showing examples of shifts and developments which were seen to be direct results of working with the voice.