Using Group–Analytic Supervision Approach When Supervising Music Therapists

Abstract

This paper will introduce a group–analytic music therapy supervision model, which I have developed and practised as a clinical supervisor with music therapists, music therapy students, creative art therapists and psychotherapists since 1995. The theoretical approach of the model is based on my experiences as a trainee of group–analysis at the Psychotherapy Institute of the Finnish Mental Health Association (1995–1999), the psychoanalytical group–analytic theories (Foulkes, 1964, 1984, 1990; Sharpe, 1995; Tsegos, 1993, 1995), Balint–theory (Drees & Akkanen–von Stein, 1994; Trenkel, 1994ab; Knoepfel, 1994), and the Group–Analytic Music Therapy Model (Ahonen–Eerikainen 2002). Every group–analytic music therapy supervision meeting is a creative process in which the group members learn to concentrate on their inner images, physical sensations and feelings. The goal is to expand participant's understanding about the therapeutic relationship and its various aspects and elements.