Resources & references

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  We therefore propose a selection of pertinent* references, however not exhaustive, given that each week more research and other information are published around the world. 

Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

Language
Type of reference
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21 results
Music Therapy in Bereavement Care
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Laurel Young
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
CREGÉS - CAU en gérontologie sociale

This video features a presentation by Dr. Laurel Young, PhD, MTA, about music therapy in bereavement care. This presentation provides an overview of music therapy in bereavement care. Dr. Young will review existing literature and share examples from her own clinical work and research. She also makes recommendations for future practice and research. 

Music Therapy to Regulate Arousal and Attention in Patients With Substance Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Laurien Hakvoort, Sirik de Jong, Maartje van de Ree et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This feasability study explores the effects of short-term individual music therapy sessions among adults with substance use disorder (SUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results show that music therapy can reduce hyperarousal and increase self-regulation, attention, and cognitive functioning in this population.

Music Therapy with Military Service Members and Veterans
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
V. Dougherty, S. Hawkins, & J. Francis, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Music Therapy Association

This fact sheet, developed by the American Music Therapy Association, describes how music therapy is effective in supporting military service members and veterans. It describes how active and receptive music experiences can address physical, cognitive, communication, social, and emotional goals.

Music Therapy With Trauma Patients and Their Families on a Pediatric Service
1984
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Laura Mc Donnell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy

 Music therapy can uniquely help severely injured children and their families deal with the events surrounding an accident and its aftermath. The use of music therapy in treating these families on a pediatric service is described and illustrated with a fracture patient and a burn patient

Short-Term Music Therapy Attention and Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMAART) for Prisoners with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Clare Macfarlane,Erik Masthoff, Laurien Hakvoort
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice

A pilot study of a the SMAART music therapy protocol shows that it can help prisoners with a Post Traumatic Stres Disorder (PTSD) in a Penitentiary Psychiatric Center. Neurologic music therapy techniques, breathing, singing and rhythmic exercises were effective in reducing hyperarousal and improving attention among participants.

Trauma and Music Therapy: Let the Healing Begin
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talks

Karla Hawley, a board certified music therapist in the USA, shares how a nostalgic piece of music helped her address and overcome the pain of childhood abuse. Through her personal testimony, she describes how music can help individuals express their emotions and heal from traumatic experiences.

Trauma treatment in music therapy with veterans and military service members: A content analysis of current techniques, rationales and theoretical foundations
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kristen Stewart
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music and Medicine: An Interdisciplinary Journal

This article reviews existing research on the use of music therapy to support veterans and military personnel. It identifies primary music therapy techniques utilized in the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to best meet their broad and complex needs.

Tuning In: The Role of Music Therapy in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Kristen Davis
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Homeswood Ravensview

This article provides general information on how music therapy can support individuals with various mental health needs. It explains what music therapy is, who can benefit, how it can support adults and teens, and music therapy experiences that are beneficial in offering emotional support.

VA care, music therapy help Chicago Veteran overcome PTSD
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Air Force veteran Christopher Smith shares how music therapy helped him deal with the anxiety of almost losing his eyesight. Through drumming and singing, he found a way of coping with PTSD.