Music and the Shadow

Journal/Book: Music Therapy. 1987; 6: 20-27.

Abstract: Discusses Jung's concept of the Shadow, or personal unconscious, with reference to musical improvisations of emotionally disturbed patients in music therapy. The modern Jungian's concept of the "bright Shadow" is described as showing in music patients' potential for development, which may not evidence itself in any other way. Examples from 4 different case studies are given. Whether patients are able to make this potential become part of their changing lives depends on many factors, such as the therapist, the patient's support in the environment, and the patient's feeling of purpose in life. ABSTRACT 2: In this article, the author discusses Jung's concept of the Shadow, or personal unconscious, with reference to musical improvisation of emotionally disturbed patients in music therapy. The modern Jungian's concept of the "bright Shadow" is described as showing in music the patient's poten- tial for development which may not evidence itself in any other way. Examples from four different case studies are given. Whether the patient is able to make this potential become part of his/her changing life depends on many fac- tors, such as the patient her/himself, the therapist, the patient's support in the environment, and the patient's feeling of purpose in life.

Note: Jung's concept of Shadow & musical improvisation in music therapy; emotionally disturbed adults

Keyword(s): Music therapy; jungian psychology; unconscious personality factor; emotionally disturbed; adulthood. music-therapy, improvisation, emotional-disturbance, unconscious, jungian-therapy.

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