Potential space in music therapy

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to examine the possibility of creating "potential space" in music therapy. The term "potential space" as postulated by WINNICOTT refers to that point where exterior and interior worlds meet. The author describes his practice with children in a therapeutic setting. These children suffered from a variety of disorders such as emotional and behavioral disturbances as well as organic developmental disturbances. Consequently, their communicative abilities were impaired. To encourage and promote their interpersonal communicative skills, it was necessary to define a safe and clear territory within a musical framework in which regular and repeated rituals encouraged play and self expression. The therapeutic process is described with reference to Winnicott's developmental theory.

Note: Winnicott, Donald Woods

Keyword(s): Potential-space, music-therapy, kindergarten, emotional-disturbances, organic-damage, behavior-problems, group-cohesiven

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