Music Therapy

Patient A is an 11 year old with severe anxiety and a possible eating disorder. A presented with shyness and tentativeness at first. A was in hospital for a month and had 4 music therapy sessions. It was thought that music therapy would provide a confidential space for self-expression and exploration.

During our sessions we explored the feeling of anxiety through song writing and playing the ukulele, kalimba and small percussion instruments. We sometimes improvised music together which was creative and spontaneous, and these interactions were like a musical conversation. A was keen to attend each week and expressed that music therapy provided space and a change of scenery.

A responded well to music therapy and we wrote several songs, putting words to difficult feelings and singing about them. This was therapeutic because it gave A acknowledgement and a way to express emotions without judgement.

It was recommended that A continue music therapy outside of hospital and a report and referral was written.