 | By: Rachel Darnley-Smith Helen M Patey Binding: Paperback Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd ISBN: 0761957774 ISBN-13: 9780761957775 Released: 05 Feb 2003 RRP: Average Rating:  |
The book begins by defining music therapy & goes on to distinguish between the two distinct applications of music as therapy, i.e. the use of music for its inherent restorative or healing qualities & its use as a means of interaction & self-expression within a therapeutic relationship.
Chapter Two compares the two dominant approaches in the UK, namely Analytic Music Therapy (a psychotherapeutic approach) & Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy (a music-centred approach). In discussing the therapeutic process, the authors explore, in detail, the nature of clinical improvisation & how this differs from improvisation by musicians in performance. Indeed, a whole chapter is devoted to improvisation. Mental health professionals might observe that improvisation & play may not be purely the province of creative arts therapists but can be part of a creative approach to alll kinds of therapeutic work. I was delighted, therefore, by the examples of how nurses & music therapists can work together. The book includes a large number of illuminating 'case studies' which illustrate beautifully the therapy in action as well as showing the enormous range of human difficulties which can benefit from the approach.
The authors devote considerable space to coping strategies for the therapist & there is a comprehensive & invaluable resource & information section. If you wanted to read only one book about music therapy, I think I would recommend this one. It would be hard to find a more concise, clear & balanced introduction to the subject.
Reviewer: Tony Gillam
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