Music therapy enhances treatment with adolescents

Journal/Book: Music Therapy Perspectives. 1989; 6: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. National Association for Music Therapy 8455 Colesville Rd., Suite 930 20910 Silver Spring, Maryland USA. 37-39.

Abstract: The author introduces the topic of adolescent treatment by first listing the behaviors most often found in adolescent treatment with the accompanying diagnoses. The author states that wile behavior modification is the preferred form of treatment in chronic care facilities and psychotherapy is preferred in acute care, communication between adult and adolescent is the key to treatment. Because the adolescent idolizes rock musicians through their dress, haircuts and attitudes, music can be the entrance into the adolescent's psyche and a communication enhancer. In the early stages of treatment, the music separates the adult and the adolescent, but in the later stages of treatment music bridges the communication gap. The author describes the non-threatening nature of music therapy with adolescents as "sneak therapy" because it happens without patient resistance. In closing, several experiences using music, other creative arts, and relaxation techniques are suggested. ABSTRACT 2: Presents preferred treatment methods for behaviors of adolescents in acute or chronic care facilities (e.g., school failure, substance abuse, suicide attempts). Behavior modification therapy is the preferred teatment method in many chronic care programs, while psychotherapy is generally used in acute care. Lack of communication between the adolescent and the adult is one of the main problems displayed by clients in both settings. Music therapy (MT) is useful for bridging the communication gap and as a relaxation technique, and its nonthreatening manner makes it an excellent "sneak" therapy that enhances treatment. An example is presented of sequential MT programming for adolescents.

Note: Using Smart Source Parsing music therapy as adjunct to behavior modification or psychotherapy; adolescents in acute or chronic care facilities; conference presentation National Association for Music Therapy California Symposium on Clinical Practices (1987, Costa Mesa, California)

Keyword(s): adolescents, music-therapy, music-therapy-procedures, psychotherapy, relaxation-training.. Music therapy; residential care institutions; psychopathology ; professional meetings and symposia; behavior modification; psychotherapy

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