Adding music to the journey: an exploration of the goals set and methods chosen in individual music therapy treatment conducted with women seeking recovery from long-term alcohol/drug addiction, and an assessment of the perceived outcomes

Abstract

This study aimed to gain experiential information about individual music therapy with women undergoing extended residential treatment for substance dependency. Music therapy was newly introduced in this substance addictions treatment centre, thereby offering a setting and clientele free of preconceived attitudes. Eight women participated in the study and each engaged in individual music therapy for terms ranging from three to twelve sessions. Each participant became the subject of an individual case-study. The same process was followed for the eight women as they led their own treatment process, selecting their goal(s) and music therapy method(s), working collaboratively with the clinician/researcher throughout their treatment period. The multiple case-studies provided the data for this exploration and assessment. The study design included mixed methods. Quantitative data was collected to show the selected goals and methods, and the perceived outcomes. These results are presented as descriptive statistics. Rich qualitative data was drawn from the responses and observations of participants, caseworkers and clinician/researcher to present context and give meaning to the findings. In music therapy five main goal areas were selected by the eight participants, these leading to the selection of six different music therapy methods. The outcomes, as perceived by the participants and their caseworkers, revealed achievement of the majority of their goals along with many other subsidiary benefits considered to have arisen from this therapeutic intervention.