Feeding the hungry soul: Music as a therapeutic modality in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. National Association for Music Therapy California Symposium on Clinical Practices (1987, Costa Mesa, California)

Journal/Book: Music Therapy Perspectives. 1989; 6: 44-48.

Abstract: Describes a music therapy/performing arts program that has achieved good results with women who have anorexia nervosa. Clients participate in a professional music production, working to achieve specified learning goals and objectives. Clients write musical reviews based on their admitted fears and personal issues. Lyrics contain messages related to self-degradation, excessive and self-destructive personality characteristics, and fear of losing control. Assessment, therapy, and evaluation are discussed, as well as goals for the general public. ABSTRACT 2: Anorexia nervosa is defined and described clinically in the author's opening comments. Additional characteristics of the disorder are intense fear of becoming obese, disturbances of body image, weight loss of at least 25% of original body weight, refusal to maintain weight, and the absence of a physical disorder to account for the weight loss. Process theatre, a technique found effective with developmentally disabled clients, has achieved good results with women suffering from anorexia nervosa. Process theatre is the use of theatre to work toward a common goal while trying to understand and cope with the illness. And "while the process always results in a product, the process itself is the therapeutic focus." Musical reviews are written which are based on the clients' admitted fears and personal issues. Song lyrics contain messages related to self-degradation, excessive and self-destructive personality characteristics, and fear of losing control. Assessment, therapy, and evaluation are discussed, as well as goals for public audiences.

Note: Using Smart Source Parsing music therapy & performing arts program; females with anorexia nervosa; conference presentation

Keyword(s): Music therapy; anorexia nervosa; theatre ; professional meetings and symposia. music-therapy, anorexia-nervosa, assessment, treatment, evaluation, female, therapeutic-process, process-theater.

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