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

cooperation.
I was appointed to the unit in 1988.
My initial position was to find out a) whether music
therapy could serve a useful purpose at the department
and if so, b) to explore practical routines that would fit
into the set frame of the hospital.
Two years later, I was joined by a nurse, presently
training in creative arts therapy. We now work as a
team, supporting each other in representing artistic and
non-verbal therapies - unfamiliar in the strict medical
world.
Exploring the worlds of music therapy and creative arts
therapy, we also work across boundaries, highly
appreciating the possibilities to integrate different
modalities, which, we feel, affects the therapeutic work
in a broadening and deepening way.
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Music Therapy
My personal conception of music therapy has expanded
considerably during these years. Former experiences
focused on active music making, using experimental
and improvisational techniques with handicapped
children and youth. I now found myself exploring poetry
and art as independent expressive complementaries to
music, to enhance the musical experience and as
support to develop a process, initiated by music.
Although every patient represents individual therapeutic
needs, a main objective of music therapy is getting
closer to life issues and to promote coping.
Music- and creative arts therapy at Radiumhemmet,
comprises mainly clinical patient work with in-patients
and out-patients, individually and in groups. Other
activities include information and work shops. Aiming at
the future, we engage in further training, continous