Vulnerable Children

We define vulnerable as children live in precarious socio-economical conditions, have recently immigrated or are claiming refugee status, or live through under-stimulating educative conditions or neglect. The potential benefits of music therapy as it applies to vulnerable youth and their families are directly rooted in the sociale pediatrics model. The approach of music therapy in social pediatrics in globally inspired by complex trauma and attachment theories.

WHO can benefit from music therapy

Music therapy supports children, teenagers, and their families wgo live in difficult circumstances in supporting them towards achieving therapeutic goals.

Music therapy helps this clientele to:

Develop tools and resources to address emotional expression
Improve self-esteem and confidence
Develop their feeling of efficacy and competence
Develop executive functions
Decrease anxiety
Improve focus
Foster a secure child-parent bond
Develop social skills
Create a sense of community
Enhance feelings of empowerment
Improve self-regulation
Enhance relaxation

HOW music therapy is used

A variety of music therapy interventions, methods and techniques can be used with this clientele. The methods chosen may be receptive, improvisational, compositional, or re-creative.

Sessions can include:

Creation of motivating of calming playlists
Song choice, listening, and discussion
Singing and playing songs
Lyric analysis
Song writing and composition
Body percussion
Vocal and/or instrumental improvisation
Music creation using technology or acoustic instruments
Music and movement experiences
Creating music and sound for stories and books
Drum circle group experiences

Research and references

At the Institute, we believe sharing knowledge is a fundamental part of our role. Our Resources section includes a growing list of research articles, presentations, videos and other documents, all dedicated to demonstrating how music therapy can positively impact this population and many others.

You will find these references, and more:

Concepts de pédiatrie sociale en communauté et musicothérapie : Une perspective herméneutique
Vidéo : musicothérapie au centre de pédiatrie sociale de Laval
Evaluation of Music Therapy Social Skills Development Program for Youth with Limited Resources

To read these and other sources of information, click here: Resources & references about Children in Vulnerable Situations