E-Book of Articles - World Federation of Music Therapy

Hara, Gary: Coming Together: The Healing Process Of Music Therapy Groups
Transference and countertransference are natural occurrences. They can be
valuable clinical tools while working with clients. Countertransference when
noticed by the therapist, can be view as a clinical indicator for the
therapist on the interaction dynamic between therapist and group/ or
individual group members.
CHALLENGES OF WORKING WITHIN SHORT-TERM SETTINGS
Doing group work within short-term settings poses special challenges. The
major challenges one faces working within short-term settings:
1. Time limited. Often have few sessions to work with group members. It is
common to have only one session contact with an individual.
2. Constant changing membership. Group membership is always in flux due
to the steady turnover of patients on the unit.
3. "Unmotivated" patients- noncompliance with treatment. Patients are
often involuntarily admitted to the hospital and are not initially willing to
be involved in their treatment. Many patients often display resistance
towards being in treatment.
4. Little benefit from insight oriented treatment. Patients are not receptive
towards interpretative interventions and have little knowledge about
therapeutic process. The limited time also constricts the usual insight
oriented treatment.
5. Patients with acute symptoms- Patients have acute symptoms such as
restless , short attention span, impulsive behaviors, withdrawn, paranoia,
disorganization, etc that makes it difficult for such patients to be and stay
in group sessions.
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