Relationships in music therapy: Do music therapy techniques discourage the emergence of transference?

Journal/Book: British Journal of Psychotherapy. 1991; 7: 323-330.

Abstract: The author draws on clinical experience to argue that music therapy techniques in themselves do not prevent the emergence of transference. The use of instruments in a session can highlight the dynamics of the interaction in a vivid and immediate way. The anxiety provoked by playing instruments is dealt with by the client in ways that allow the therapist to gain some understanding of the client's fears and defense mechanisms. Having instruments available allows the therapist to discover the significance of his/her presence in ways not available to psychotherapists in wholly verbal work. The choice the client has of either playing or talking in itself provides a wealth of transference material.

Note: music therapy techniques; emergence of transference; female patient

Keyword(s): Psychotherapeutic transference; music therapy; adulthood

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