Proceedings, Oxford, UK (2002) - World Federation of Music Therapy

Robb (2000) reported that music assisted progressive muscle relaxation
produced the greatest reduction in anxiety levels for the subjects. In a
1996 study Boldt reported that all subjects undergoing BMT and music
therapy reported positive responses to relaxation and imagery during
sessions.
Relaxation techniques taught to the teenager during music therapy
sessions provides opportunities for empowerment. This is supported by
Ellis (1991) who stated that self-administered techniques give the
adolescent a sense of being in control. Gfeller (1992) stated that the
music therapist has dual roles in music relaxation and imagery exercises.
One is to facilitate relaxation, the other is to coach the client in the
relaxation techniques.
Jonathon is a 13 year old boy who was referred to music therapy for
anxiety and pain management after an ALL relapse. He was being
treated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery in preparation for a
bone marrow transplant. After initial music therapy sessions, Jonathon
chose a program that consisted of learning the guitar and music
relaxation and imagery.
The program goals were to provide opportunities for Jonathon to
experience success and mastery; to reduce feelings of anxiety associated
with hospitalisation and to provide strategies for pain management.
Sessions would consist of guitar practice and a music relaxation and
imagery exercise. Jonathon asked if he could learn the induction so that
he could practice the relaxation exercises with his tape when the music
therapist was not available.
As his treatment progressed, he became too weak to play the guitar.
During this phase, sessions concentrated on relaxation and pain
management. Due to pain that Jonathon was experiencing a colour
induction was used rather than physical muscle tension / relaxation
techniques. This involves the client choosing a colour and the therapist
guiding the specific relaxation of muscle groups by instructing the client
to imagine that the colour is moving around this part of the body. Prior
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