The dual nature of the womb and its implications for music therapy

Abstract

The objective of the present article is to portray the nature of the auditory experience in the womb and to hypothesize on its implications for music therapy. Based on current research about the auditory environment in the womb, this article suggests a model that describes “the dual nature of the womb.” This model suggests that the womb is not only a calm and peaceful environment for the fetus, but that it also has a chaotic and tense side to it. The article considers the writings of three psychologists who referred to fetal sound environment and to its psychological implications after birth. Finally, three clinical cases studies from music therapy are used to illustrate the dual nature of the womb model.