E-Book of Articles - World Federation of Music Therapy

Hara, Gary: Coming Together: The Healing Process Of Music Therapy Groups
3. Music therapy groups involve creativity-- group members are in a
creative process. In doing so, they are creating their own solutions.
4. Music therapy groups undergo an aesthetic experience- developing music
that is artistic and musical on its own terms that engages and becomes
revelen t to the group members.
5. In using music, music therapy groups undergo a different experiential
process from verbal group therapies.
PROCESS OF MUSIC THERAPY GROUPS WITHIN A SESSION In using the
Yalom's theoretical framework of working while utilizing the unique factors
that music offers, I tend to use improvisational music and adapt popular
songs within sessions. I like to work on a spontaneous and flexible manner
based upon whatever members in the group initiate. The following is a
general outline of the process a music therapy group often seems to
display. I have described a music therapy session in developmental terms
from which the group members display certain behaviors and stances at
particular times. I also describe the music therapist's possible leadership
role within the group during its development during a session. Much of this
derives from my group experience working with adult psychiatric patients.
This outline parallels work with other creative arts therapies such as
psychodrama and movement therapy.
WARM UP. A period that the group members establish orientation to the
group's structure and purpose, establish rapport with therapist (and among
the other group members where relationships may be weak). This period
often reveals tension and anxiety among the group members. Conflicts
among members may be present and open. Pathological symptoms are
often displayed. Defensive behaviors are common. Therapist's role: To
activate the group members into the music, assess the immediate situation,
and focus upon an arising theme present in the here-and-now. Establish
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