Music play therapy: An integrated approach

Abstract

The concept of integrating some of the basic principles of nondirective play therapy and music therapy provides a basis for a new combined therapy modality best called nondirective music play therapy. Nondirective music play therapy takes place in a playroom supplied with musical instruments instead of toys and other traditional play therapy materials. As in nondirective play therapy, a child is free to play out his feelings. Musical instruments are both structured and unstructured. The unstructured aspect of musical instruments allows for exploration of feelings, as do traditional play therapy materials. However, musical instruments, and music itself (by virtue of the implied association), also have a strong inherent structure. A child typically soon tires of random exploration and seeks to play a specific melody or rhythmic pattern, or becomes involved in a shared musical relationship with the therapist. At this point, a child voluntarily commits himself to a structure, which can then be manipulated for his benefit. This combination of freedom and structure can be of great value for many types of children. A case study of a moderately retarded boy in a music play therapy setting is presented in detail and the clinical possibilities of this approach are demonstrated.