Community music therapy with families of special needs children

Abstract

Background: Families of special needs children have to deal with a lot of difficulties – emotional, physical, economic, social and more. Many times these families find themselves excluded and marginalized from their indigenous social space and community. Nonetheless, it is difficult – emotionally and existentially – for these family members to identify themselves as part of a community of families of special needs children. In this paper, we will present a community music therapy (CoMT) project with these families and discuss the theoretical model emerging through this experience.Objectives and methods: The main aims of the CoMT project with the families were to enable them to express their feelings, difficulties, needs, strengths, wills an so on, and to encourage their community bonding. We used song writing and performance, as these practices allow visibility and give voice to vulnerable and excluded populations. In addition, it enables empowerment and expression of personal and group contents.Discussio...