Publication

Treatment Description and Case Series Report of a Phased Music Therapy Group to Support Veteran Reintegration

Abstract
Music therapy is becoming increasingly prevalent in rehabilitation programs serving military and Veteran populations in the United States. Music therapy is integrated into interdisciplinary models and positioned to treat brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological health conditions at military installations and Veteran medical centers nationwide. Phased group music therapy is delivered in a longitudinal treatment model to assist in the rehabilitation of service members and Veterans. Different phases of group music therapy are aligned with a treatment trajectory that exists on a clinic to community continuum to support recovery and reintegration. This article provides a description and case presentations of clinical programming. Information was accessed from patients' electronic medical records, clinical documentation, therapist observation, and patient interviews. Interviews were transcribed and a content analysis was conducted by the authors. Emergent themes from the patient interviews included social relationships, community reintegration and transition, and post-military occupational success. Patients reported that group music therapy provided skill-building opportunities that were helpful for them during military service transitions, specifically active duty to Veteran status. Support skills included rapport-building and enhanced camaraderie. Furthermore, music therapy appeared to bolster peer connections through shared experiences, which decreased isolation, increased socialization, and supported reintegration.
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Authors:
Vetro-Kalseth, D., Vaudreuil, R. & Segall, L. E.
Publication Date:
2021
Publisher:
Military Psychology (Impact factor = 1.36)
Volume/Issue/Pages:
33(6), 446-452
Population Studied:
Active duty service members with history of TBI and PTSD. N=3
Treatment:
The program follows a three-phase music therapy approach to care: (1) 6-week MT group series;(2) active music making/jam group; and (3) community engagement through musical performance.
Study Design:
Clinical treatment description and case series
Measures:
Interviews