Education for Music Therapy Students

Educating music therapy students about working with clients who have been sexually abused.

Authors: Edwards, Jane, McFerran, Katrina

Journal: The Arts of Psychotherapy 31, 5 p.335-348 (2004)

Database: PsycINFO

Link: http://ezproxy.qa.proquest.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/docview/620576518?accountid=14771

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to challenge the thoughtful music therapy educator as to the importance of teaching about working with clients who have been sexually abused. This paper will address some of the ways that university educators can approach the requirement to teach about issues of sexual abuse in their music therapy clinical lectures. Ways to integrate knowledge about sexual abuse into classroom learning for music therapy students, including information on the incidence and prevalence of abuse, current issues in research, and perspectives on the potential long-term sequelae for survivors of childhood sexual abuse will be provided. Music therapy educators are challenged to include this information in their lecture schedules, whether or not they have specialist experience in working with those who have experienced abuse. In addition, some cautions and caveats are offered as to the ways of presenting this material, since it may raise awareness of a student’s own abuse history.