The Question of Music Therapy with Mentally Handicapped Adults

Abstract

Recent emphasis on the ‘normalisation’ of adults with a mental handicap has called into question the provision of ‘segregated’ activities. Those things which are given the term ‘therapy’ are often seen as setting the mentally handicapped apart from the rest of the community. This article seeks to explore music therapy as something which may help any of us to relate more positively to others, and thus, with the mentally handicapped, contribute to their normalisation. The importance of allowing space for the response of the individual is emphasised, and accounts of therapy with two adults with a mental handicap are given.