This paper describes individual music therapy sessions with a 20-year-old man with specific communication difficulties manifested as inappropriate behaviour and elective mutism in his daily life. It shows how music therapy was a particularly relevant treatment in the context of the Unit where he was being helped. It illustrates firstly how aspects of play can be embraced in the therapeutic relationship, and secondly how problems can be worked through in the experience of both musical and non-musical interaction. The therapist uses a psychodynamic viewpoint in her understanding and interpretation of the sessions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
EriksonE. (1963). Childhood and Society. Pelican.
2.
Von FranzMarie-Louise (1987). Shadow and Evil in Fairytales. Spring Publications.
3.
HealM. (1989). The Use of Pre-Composed Songs with a Highly Defended Client. Journal of British Music Therapy, 3 (1).
4.
KhanM. M. R. (1974). The Privacy of the Self. London: Hogarth Press.
5.
KleinM. (1946). Notes on Some Schizoid Mechanisms. In: Juliet
6.
Mitchell (ed.), The Selected Melanie Klein. Peregrine (1986).
7.
TustinF. (1981). Autistic States in Children. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
8.
WinnicottD. W. (1971). Playing and Reality. Pelican.
