Facilitating group music therapy for adults with learning disabilities - an explorative case study

Abstract

This research presents an explorative case study describing experiences of facilitating group music therapy sessions with six adults with learning disabilities at a community centre. Group music therapy can provide opportunities for social interaction, independence, and address a wide variety of other issues and difficulties. Through group improvisation and other music making activities music therapist’s can work in partnership with people encouraging growth, self reflection and creativity. In this case study I use a phenomenological approach for investigating the experience of my role as group facilitator conducting this new group. A phenomenological approach to music therapy is then described and applied to a case example of three sessions using an adapted seven step analysis procedure. The main conclusions of this study outlines how developing a person centred and flexible approach as group facilitator provided a therapeutic space where unique opportunities for the group to experience different roles and find new ways to be together through music could be explored. The experiences examined confirmed that group music therapy with adults with learning disabilities can be beneficial when used thoughtfully and appropriately.