Group music therapy in the comprehensive management of psychosis
Bollea, E.; Guarino, A.
Minerva Psichiatrica 32(2): 109-117
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0374-9320 PMID: 1870411 Document Number: 370326
In this paper the Authors propose the use of group music therapy as an integrated part of the treatment of severe mental illness: borderline and psychotic cases. The therapeutical techniques used and their aims are fully described. There are four phases of treatment in the evolution of group music therapy; these take place successively over time and are repeated each time a new patient enters the group: 1) a motor phase in which patients dance, play games with movement and do physical exercises; 2) a receptive phase based on listening to music; 3) an active phase during which they make music and sing; 4) and a predominantly verbal phase during which patients discuss the emotions, thoughts and fantasies experienced while listening to music within the group. Lastly, the paper put forwards and hypothesis based on the therapeutical function of listening to music, taking into account the clinical aspects and concepts of dynamic psychology.