The use of music to enhance group therapy process with adult acute psychiatric patients

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of music in group therapy. Presented first is an outline of some general characteristics which help to make music an effective therapeutic medium. Next a specifically designed group paradigm is described including: psychiatric symptomatology, selection criteria, group aims, and methodology. Then drawing upon group therapy and a number of clinical vignettes, various aspects of group process are discussed. These include: group norms, stages of group development, defenses, self-disclosure, process commentary, and group facilitation.

Keywords: Music therapy, group, psychiatric patient, adult

Citation

Cullen, I. (1993). The use of music to enhance group therapy process with adult acute psychiatric patients. Australian Journal of Music Therapy, 4, 36-44.