23.7. 1993 Vitoria-Gasteiz / Spain - World Federation of Music Therapy

"Why?" is inevitable, especially when a child has
become handicapped at an older age, either through
and accident of through illness, or when an illness
proves to be progressive one. In addition to feelings of
inferiority, loneliness and insecurity, fellings of
aggresion and anger are present, especially at this time.
Therapy is a fear of the future, of the unknown, a fear of
pain and of death.
Emotions are often bottled up inside and not discussed.
Isolation and a feeling of getting nowhere impede the
child in every way. It is of the greatest importance at this
time for something to be done about all these fellings
and to break through to be child and try to get him in
motion again.
Music experience - either in an active or a passive way -
is therefore a most suitable means.
Feelings can be recognised in music and can,
therefore, be supported and relieved. Music can arouse
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feelings and bring them alive.
Expression is movement, and inner stream of emotions
moving in and out and making space and relaxation
possible. Through such relaxation it is possible for a
child to move again, in all sense of the word.
It goes without saying that it is extremely important with
this form of music-therapy to do one's work with the
greatest care. People's reactions to musica differ from
individual to individual and are often unpredicatable. It is
not always possible to foresee what kind of reactions,
memories or feelings will be awakened by certain
pieces of music. Therefore, conditions for this form of
music-therapy are: insight, education, experience and
good cooperation with other members of the treatmentteam.
(video-ilustration) (4 y 5)
IN CONCLUSION