Understanding Abuse

Understanding abuse: Clinical and training implications for music therapists.

Authors: Purdon, Colleen, Ostertag, Joachim

Journal: Canadian Journal of Music Therapy 6, 2 p. 9-23 (1999)

Database: PsycINFO

Link: http://ezproxy.qa.proquest.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/docview/619448515?accountid=14771

Abstract: Presents a summary of the ideas and recommendations shared by the presenters and participants at a seminar at the World Congress of Music Therapy in Hamburg, Germany, in July 1966. The authors discuss the scope of the problem of abuse and offer a theoretical model developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project. The model is based on the imbalance and the use of power and control for their work with men who abuse their female partners. The authors also discuss dealing with abuse in music therapy practice, focusing on how music therapists can identify abuse; the impact of the music therapist’s personal history, beliefs, and value system on work with abused clients; and the goals of music therapy with abused clients. Recommendations for abuse specific training for music therapists are given, including recommendations for music therapy education programs, for the music therapist’s self experience, and for supervision and clinical work.