Resilience Fostering Music Therapy: Developing a Music Based Method for Children and Adolescents Experiencing Short-Term Psychiatric Hospitalization

Author

Nataly KruhFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Michelle Napoli

Abstract

The implementation of music therapy within short-term psychiatric treatment programs for children and adolescents is in its beginning stages. In an attempt to develop a method which informed the profession and remained authentic to this writer’s approach as a clinician and emerging researcher, a two-part intervention protocol was developed within a resilience fostering framework, and through a culturally sensitive and trauma informed lens. Fostering resilience was defined in terms of increasing distress tolerance, increasing insight, and the use of coping skills. The implementation of the group on-site protocol intervention showed promising results specifically in promoting music as a coping skill and promoting communication between the therapist and the participants about culture and identity in relationship to music. The self-exploration protocol expanded the inquiry, provided direct experience and insight about the benefits of the intervention, and informed discussion regarding areas for improvement.

Creative Commons License

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

Recommended Citation

Kruh, Nataly, "Resilience Fostering Music Therapy: Developing a Music Based Method for Children and Adolescents Experiencing Short-Term Psychiatric Hospitalization" (2020). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 299.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/299