The Use of Music Therapy to Mitigate Trauma-Related Music Associations and Restore Personal Relationships with Music

Author

Courtney PitzerFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Kelvin Ramirez

Abstract

For many people, music is positively associated with nostalgic memories, emotions, and experiences. But for some, it can be a painful reminder of the past. This literature review examines how music serves as a cue for reexperiencing trauma and demonstrates ways in which music therapy may be beneficial in reframing and reassociating those connections. Drawing from existing trauma treatment models such as CBT and exposure therapy, this review highlights the unique potential of music therapy in allowing clients to expose themselves to the activating stimulus while maintaining elements of safety within the music. This thesis prompts further exploration of desensitization through music and sound exposure as a way of restoring clients’ personal relationship with music.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Pitzer, Courtney, "The Use of Music Therapy to Mitigate Trauma-Related Music Associations and Restore Personal Relationships with Music" (2024). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 798.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/798