Music therapy in the treatment of families with young children

Journal/Book: Music Therapy. 1992; 11: 28-44.

Abstract: Suggests that child and family therapists rarely or reluctantly include young children in cross-generational sessions. The work of several child and family therapists who have bridged the gap between the enactive modes of child learning and the verbal modes of adults in family sessions is presented. The author reviews writings of several art therapists who use action-oriented, symbolic experiences that work well with children in family therapy. The article presents music therapy practices with families and suggests that improvisational music in the family session is similar to play, and that songs in the sessions function similarly to a co-therapist. A case study illustrates the value of music in helping generations communicate and in objectifying and working through family alliances and roles.

Note: music therapy in family therapy; families with young children

Keyword(s): Music therapy; family therapy; children

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