The functions of music therapy in France. Special Issue: European perspectives on the creative arts therapies

Journal/Book: Arts in Psychotherapy. 1992; 19: 123-126.

Abstract: Discusses the history and current state of music therapy (MT) in France, the main function of which is psychotherapeutic. A socio-educational function, a cultural exchange function, and a psychological regulatory function are described. MT in France has undergone 2 periods of expansion: from 1820 to 1880 and from 1965 to the present. During the 2 centuries of its history, the main applications have been developed in the field of serious personality and relationship disorders within the environment of psychiatric care. Music therapy represents a passageway between the institutionalized world and everyday life and the social group (the cultural exchange function). Since 1970, specialized music departments have been set up at a number of hospitals in France. These have been prime movers in clinical development and in training music therapists. Such training and practice is strongly multidisciplinary.

Note: history & functions of music therapy; psychiatric patients; France

Keyword(s): France ; music therapy; history of psychology; mental disorders

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