Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-17-2016

Publication Source

Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

Abstract

This study represents our attempt to uncover aspects of group music therapy that women with addictions perceive as useful toward recovery – factors that have yet to be clearly identified in existing literature. Women in residential treatment for addictions to heroin and other substances were surveyed following group music therapy sessions involving vocal and instrumental re-creation, listening, and improvisation. Qualitative content analysis of data revealed four major findings. We learned that treatment is, in fact, seen as useful by these particular women and that Yalom’s theory provides a meaningful framework for identifying, understanding, and fostering mechanisms within the group music therapy experience that contribute to improved well-being, such as catharsis, self-understanding, group cohesiveness, and instillation of hope. We also learned that certain intrapersonal aspects of therapy are thought to be helpful, such as those leading to desired changes in mood state, energy, sense of self, and level of enjoyment. Finally, we learned that aspects of therapy appearing in the women’s responses tended to be those emphasized in the therapists’ session planning and facilitation.

Inclusive pages

338-358

ISBN/ISSN

0809-8131

Document Version

Postprint

Comments

The document available for download beginning Oct. 17, 2017, is the authors' accepted manuscript, provided in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. To access the version of record, use the DOI provided. Permission documentation is on file.

Publisher

Routledge

Volume

26

Issue

4

Peer Reviewed

yes

Keywords

Women, addictions, heroin, group music therapy, Yalom

Download
Link to published version

Share

COinS