Thesis
Integrating music therapy and internal family systems methods to address complex trauma
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Jun 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000018
Abstract
Complex trauma with early life onset is shown to have severe disruptions in emotional and inter-personal development, with effects lasting well into adulthood. Defined as cumulative stressful events beginning in early life within the context of attachment relationships, complex trauma introduces levels of stress that children are developmentally unable to regulate, leading to pervasive difficulties with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Music therapy methods have been shown to be effective in facilitating emotional expression, creating reparative attachment experiences, and reconstructing personal narratives, while Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a unique conceptualization of attachment injuries that teaches clients to regulate physio-logical responses by developing self-understanding and compassion. This author explored how these techniques may be combined to support the needs of adults with complex trauma. The intentional utilization of improvisational and songwriting methods using an IFS framework was helpful in re-framing past experiences, illuminating internal resources, and increasing self-compassion. Exploratory improvisations and songwriting processes were guided by IFS steps of identifying activated parts within the self, bearing witness to the experience of parts, and communicating compassion and acceptance. Reflections on this process warrant further exploration of how future methods may be developed using these techniques and frameworks.
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Details
- Title
- Integrating music therapy and internal family systems methods to address complex trauma
- Creators
- Anna S. Cephas
- Contributors
- Florence Ierardi (Advisor) - Drexel University, Creative Arts Therapies
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- iv, 37 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014695244904721