Published: Thu 1st June
Journal Articles:
Editorial (p3)
Tony Wigram Student Prize (p4)
Introduction
The first 'themed' British Journal of Music Therapy: An Introduction to music therapy with families (p5)
Article
Music therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit: Putting the families at the centre of care (p12-18)
view abstract
In this article, the core concepts of family-centred care will be discussed in relation to family-centred Music Therapy with preterm babies and their parents in the neonatal intensive care unit. Then, the basic pillars of a family centred Music Therapy programme at the neonatal intensive care unit of the Hospital Centro Policlinico del Olaya in Bogota, Colombia, will be illustrated by selected case vignettes. Parents are considered to be an important ally in caring for their baby in the neonatal intensive care unit and family-centred Music Therapy actively seeks to provide early relational and communicative experiences between parents and their babies. However, family-centred Music Therapy goes beyond the integration of parents and needs to carefully balance out the fluctuating needs of the babies, parents and the emerging relationship between them. Keywords bonding, Columbia, family-centred care, music therapy, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), preterm babies
Case Studies
'BabySounds': Promoting bonding and attachment, pre- and post-natally, with vulnerable first-time parents (p18-25)
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This article presents the 'BabySounds' music therapy programme, designed in collaboration with North and South Lanarkshire Councils, Integrating Children's Services, the Early Years Collaborative and National Health Service Lanarkshire Midwifery Services. A case vignette titled 'Cello Belly' will describe how the cello served as a bridge to communication, learning and confidence. BabySounds was presented at the British Association for Music Therapy conference in Glasgow in April 2016, demonstrating research outcomes and the provision of sustainable resources for health practitioners in the 21st Century. Keywords antenatal, bonding, hearing, music, parenting
Cacophonies of discord, moments of harmony: Managing multiple needs in short-term music therapy with triplets and their mother (p26-31)
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This article explores some of the issues arising from short-term music therapy with a family of triplets, one of whom had special needs. Starved of nutrition in the womb by her two siblings, Emma was born with restricted growth and medical complications. She spent her first year in hospital, while her brother and sister grew up at home. Emma was referred to music therapy at the age of 2: however, it proved difficult to see her without her siblings. It quickly became apparent that there were many needs within the family: those of Emma, the twos siblings and their mother. Emma's needs could easily be side-lined by her more dominant siblings. Her mother was struggling to cope with all three children together, and concerned that she had not fully bonded with Emma. Various strategies were used in the family music therapy to contain these multiple needs and attempt to meet some of them. Keywords families, family music therapy, multiple needs, triplets
Long-term music therapy at a Child Development Centre: Changing and growing with Harry and his family: A case study (p32-38)
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This is a case study describing weekly music therapy work with one particular child and his family. It aims to illustrate the positive effects of continuing this work with him, his family and his school, in various formats over 2 years; the music therapy sessions changing and developing as he grew. Keywords autistic spectrum disorder, child development, children, families, music therapy, video interaction guidance (VIG)
Music therapy for the child or the family? The flexible and varied role of the music therapist within the home setting (p39-42)
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This article will explore the practice of music therapy within the home setting, its characteristics and challenges. It will look at work within the voluntary sector and the task of liaising with staff within statutory organisations. The article focuses around a case study with one particular individual, her family and the varied role of music therapist within the home environment. Keywords advocacy, child and family music therapy, home music therapy service
Fathoming the constellations: Ways of working with families in music therapy for people with advanced dementia (p43-49)
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This article will focus on the role of music therapy for people with advanced dementia and their families as well as considering the resource that the family can be for the Music Therapist in informing their work. Information on meaningful themes in the life of the person with dementia can be provided by the constellation of significant people around them. The importance of personal history and identity will be explored. Family members can influence music therapy in numerous ways, both outside and within sessions. This article will explore ways in which a reciprocal relationship, or therapeutic alliance, can be developed with family members and their loved one, with an emphasis on finding a unique approach that fits the family concerned. Much pain is encountered in this work, requiring the Music Therapist to proceed with caution and sensitivity. Ways in which music therapy enables expression of intimacy, particularly between couples, will also be addressed. Clinical illustrations underpin themes of this article, demonstrating the value of alliances being made between the Music Therapist and family members. Keywords advanced dementia, families, music therapy, therapeutic alliance
Report
The 'Music Therapy with Families Network' (p50-52)
view abstract
Keywords community of practice, music therapy social media
Book Review
Stine Lindahl Jacobsen and Grace Thompson (eds), Music Therapy with Families - Therapeutic Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives (p53-56)
Text Watch
Text Watch (57)
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