Resource-Oriented Music Therapy in Mental Health Care

Current trends in health care politics emphasize user involvement and positive aspects of health and quality of life. This book about a resource-oriented approach to music therapy in mental health care is taking this as a point of departure. It offers a theoretical and empirical exploration of the idea that therapy is as much about stimulating clients’ strengths as it is about fixing problems or curing pathology. The resource-oriented approach presented relates to a broad, interdisciplinary landscape of theory including empowerment philosophy, positive psychology, and current musicology. The approach is contextual and relational. Thus, more than simply implying that the therapist is supposed to nurture and develop the client’s resources, it involves getting into a mutual and equal collaboration where less weight is put on the therapist’s techniques. The relationships between therapist and client as well as between individuals and society are emphasized, building upon values of democratic participation and equality. The context for the explorations offered in this book is mental health care and in particular psychotherapeutic work in individual settings. Case studies from music therapy exemplify the approach and provide multiple perspectives on the therapeutic process through the voice of the clients and their songs, the therapist, and the researcher. (2010, Paperback 282 pages).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

PART ONE: Frames and Descriptions

1) Music Therapy and the Politics of Mental Health Care

2) Paths toward a Conceptualization of Therapy

3) Paths toward a Conceptualization of Music

4) Toward a Concept of Resource-oriented Music Therapy

PART TWO: CASE STUDIES

5) Collaborations with Maria: Music Therapist's Story

6) Maria's Experiences

7) Reflections: Mastery and Joy in the Therapeutic Process

8) Collaborations with Emma: Music Therapist's Story

9) Emma's Experiences

10) Reflections: Negotiations of Resources and Problems

PART THREE: WORKING RESOURCE-ORIENTED

11) The Client's Craft

12) The Therapist's Craft

13) The Therapeutic Relationship

Final Thoughts

References

Index

Appendix