The integration of music therapy into a treatment approach in the transition of adult psychiatric patients from institution to community

Author(s): Pearson, Judith, Stastny, Peter, Thorning, Helle

Journal/Book: Music Therapy. 1989; 8: 92-107.

Abstract: Presents an expanded view of music therapy as part of the total treatment approach on a transitional ward serving adult psychiatric patients preparing to reenter the community. The case of a female inpatient with schizoaffective disorder illustrates the integration of music therapy into this environment. S's progress is traced from the transitional ward in the hospital to her residence in the community. Therapy included the interweaving of verbal and music therapy, taking place both within the same and separate group sessions. The result is an effective treatment program that helps patients through the difficult transition from hospital to community. ABSTRACT 2: The purpose of this article is to present an expanded view of music therapy, going beyond the boundaries of the music therapy room and the isolated session to become part of the total treatment approach on a transitional ward serving adult psychiatric patients, and ultimately moving out into the community. The case of Delores, a person with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, is the focus. Her progress is traced from the Transitional Ward in the hospital to her residence in the community. She is followed from the Newcomer's Group and the Therapeutic Community meetings to the Living with Friends Group and discharge into the community. The therapy presented includes the interweaving of verbal and music therapy, sometimes taking place within the same group session, sometimes in separate sessions. The result is an effective treatment program which helps patients through the difficult transition from hospital to community.

Note: integration of music therapy into transitional ward treatment; female with schizoaffective disorder preparing for community reentry

Keyword(s): Music therapy; psychiatric hospital programs; deinstitutionalization ; schizophrenia ; affective disturbances; adulthood

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