Musical expressions of subconscious feelings: A clinical perspective

Journal/Book: Music Therapy Perspectives. 1993; 11: 16-23.

Abstract: Discusses similarities between musical experience and dreaming to lend support to the idea that musical expression of subconscious thoughts and feelings may serve the function of communication and stress reduction for individuals who are not able to express themselves verbally. References from psychoanalytic literature on the subconscious significance of music and song lyrics are presented along with a brief description of areas in the brain that share responsibility for processing music, dreams/imagery, and emotions. An individual music therapy case is presented to help support the thesis and to illustrate the use of musical expression in treatment. The case involves an elderly man with Alzheimer's disease who was in jail while awaiting trial for murdering his wife. The S was beginning to establish a pattern of unprovoked hostile aggressive behaviors. After the S began singing during therapy sessions, progress was noted in his attitude and mood.

Note: musical expression of subconscious thoughts & feelings in therapy; elderly male with Alzheimer's disease

Keyword(s): Music therapy; subconscious ; alzheimers disease; aged ; adulthood

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