CHAPTER CASE STUDIES: REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES OF DECISION-MAKING IN MUSIC THERAPY

1. Case Study #1: Emma

Emma was a 9-year-old girl with autism who was non-verbal. Her parents brought her to see a music therapist to help with her social skills. During their first session, the therapist noticed that Emma had difficulty with social cues, often avoiding eye contact and preferring to stay in her own space.

The therapist used musical improvisation and instruments to help Emma become more comfortable with social interactions. For example, the therapist had Emma take turns playing a rhythm game with her by passing instruments back and forth. This helped her to practice responding to what the other person was doing.

The therapist also used songs to help Emma practice language and listening skills. By singing and making sounds, Emma slowly became more comfortable speaking and engaging with others. After a few weeks of sessions, Emma began to respond to social cues, make eye contact, and become more engaged in conversations.

Case Study #2: Pilar

Pilar was a 15-year-old girl with depression. She felt isolated from her peers and struggled with expressing her thoughts and feelings. Her parents brought her to see a music therapist for help with her emotional regulation.

The therapist used music to help Pilar identify and express her emotions. She explored improvisation, songwriting, and sing-a-longs to help Pilar practice self-expression and understanding. The therapist also used music to discuss Pilar's life experiences, using songs to help her externalize her feelings.

Through this process, Pilar learned to identify and verbalize her emotions, allowing her to better regulate them. With time, Pilar began to feel more connected to her peers and became more confident in expressing herself in social situations.

BY BASAS,AQUISHA KRISNAH O.