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The integration of music therapy and narrative therapy in treating symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among women
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The integration of music therapy and narrative therapy in treating symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among women

Esther Anna Hermiz
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
09 Jun 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000070
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Hermiz_Esther_CAT_2020309.79 kBDownloadView

Abstract

Music therapy Post-traumatic stress disorder in women Narrative therapy
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) impacts approximately 7 or 8 out of 100 people in the United States (National Center for PTSD, 2019). Women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, in that 10 out of 100 will be diagnosed at some point in their lifetime (National Center for PTSD, 2019). This can be a result of domestic abuse and/or neglect, sexual assault, human trafficking, slave labor, etc. (Stein et al., 2016). Symptoms include but are not limited to the following: flashbacks, dissociation, nightmares/insomnia, hypervigilance, etc. (NIMH, 2019). Literature indicates that while current treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, can be effective, emerging treatments of narrative therapy (NT) and music therapy (MT) have shown promise as well. The writer sought to explore the theoretical and experiential intersections of NT and MT through an immersive and performative creative experience in musical composition in order to increase reflexivity, empathy, and critical awareness. This is in effort to utilize the combined treatment modes in processing traumatic memory, and thus, promoting resilience within creative and relational cultural contexts. Based upon an exhaustive literature review and summative description, the arts-based project will have the potential to inform a trauma-focused curriculum for an integrated narrative therapy and music therapy intervention for women diagnosed with PTSD.

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