Publication

Music Therapy with Active-Duty Service Members: Group Protocol Description and Secondary Analysis of Protocol Evaluations

Abstract
Based on the growing need for music therapy programming at military treatment facilities and clinics that specialize in the rehabilitation of service members, this article describes a music therapy group protocol and the findings of 201 post-session evaluations. In addition, we present clinical perspectives and recommendations from three music therapists who have facilitated this group protocol on four military bases across the United States. The group session outlined in the protocol is intended as an introduction to music therapy. It familiarizes service members to various music therapy experiences structured specifically to enhance feelings of safety during emotional risk-taking. In addition, the protocol functions as an initial assessment of service members' responses to the various receptive and interactive music experiences and includes psychoeducation regarding the role of music therapy in an interdisciplinary treatment model. The post-session evaluation data suggests that service members endorsed this introductory group as moderately to very helpful. Perceived benefits included the opportunity to express various emotions and increased awareness of somatic responses through music. A large number of requests for continued music therapy services following the introductory session suggest that the protocol is successful in facilitating understanding in service members regarding the potential treatment benefits of music therapy in an interdisciplinary care setting. Feedback from the music therapists indicated that the group protocol is a helpful initial experience for service members to acclimate to music therapy, and for music therapists to learn about their patients' specific needs and inform subsequent treatment.
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Authors:
Vaudreuil, R., Biondo, J., & Bradt, J.
Publication Date:
2020
Publisher:
Music Therapy Perspectives (Impact factor = 0.82)
Volume/Issue/Pages:
38(2), 167-177
Population Studied:
Active duty service members in music therapy treatment at NICoE; N=201
Treatment:
Music therapy, group music therapy within a 4-week intensive outpatient program
Study Design:
Program evaluation
Measures:
Music therapy intake group evaluation