Forensic music therapy: A treatment for men and women in secure hospital settings

Abstract

Dickinson, S. C., Odell-Miller, H., & Adlam, J. (Eds.). (2012). Forensic music therapy: A treatment for men and women in secure hospital settings. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 258 pages. ISBN: 1849052522 $36.95.Forensic Music Therapy: A Treatment for Men & Women in Secure Hospital Settings is an endeavor to explain an area of study that is not yet popular in the research of music therapy. This book is the beginning to understanding where music therapy fits in the forensic setting. It's an illuminating read that is divided into sections which provides the reader with an outline to follow. These sections are: Part I: The institutional setting, Part II: Clinical, and Part III: Research. Contained within the pages are guidelines to administer music therapy, how to effectively collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, the importance of supervision, case study examples, the struggles of working in a difficult setting and how to resolve these challenges, as well as the models of music therapy that can be practiced. In addition to this information, the editors included exceptional appendixes that work together with the chapters. In an attempt to examine the sections of the book, the reviewer has similarly divided this book review into subcategories.Part I: The Institutional SettingChapters 1-4 focus on the dynamics of supervision and management in a secure forensic unit. It is crucial to understand this prior to reading the rest of the book. The reviewer found it very beneficial that the authors delved into the challenges therapists face when working in a high secure hospital (HSH) and explained how to address these challeng- es. Patients admitted to a HSH are determined to be dangerous towards others, thus their lifestyle is restricted and observed. Clients may have a history of violent behavior such as murder, abuse, or rape. It may be difficult for the public to understand why someone would want to provide therapy for these individuals. The patients may also feel this confusion as to why someone wants to help them. As a therapist, this could bring up emotions of rejection, hesitation, and fear. It is important, therefore, to be aware of transference and counter- transference, and to seek supervision regularly. Patients are not the only ones who are restricted; therapists also have restricted use of materials and they need to plan their therapy sessions according to the regulations and safety rules of the facility. It is not unusual for a therapist to be exposed to disturbing stories. The reviewer feels it is essential to have extended education that provides the therapist with appropriate verbal and listening skills to handle these types of challenges. The authors of Forensic Music Therapy support this and encourage those working in the forensic field to seek out supervision. Supervision was a key factor in the book. It is easy for clinicians and care givers to experience burn out in this high- stress environment. Supervision may ease the symptoms and effects of burn out. The treatment team works together to communicate the challenges and triumphs of individual patients. By working together, the patient experiences better treatment and safety.Providing therapy in a forensic hospital is a unique and relatively unfamiliar territory. There are key characteristics that need to be understood. Security measures are of the utmost importance. To prevent escapes, hand-made weapons, and to encourage healthy therapeutic relationships, three safety barriers must be implemented: physical, procedural, and relational safety. There are advantages and disadvantages to the institutional setting. Patients often experience loss of freedom and identity. For clients, there are not many opportunities to socialize with people living outside of the walls or to experience the things staff does on a daily basis outside of work. However, having such a secure and limited environment maintains a regular structure many of the residents need in order to function. …