Music Therapy Free Improvisation in Forensic Mental Health

Authors

  • Vaughn A Kaser retired
  • Laura Foxx NYU Langone Health

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v14i1.809

Keywords:

Free Improvisation, Small Group Therapy, Music Therapy Objectives, Forensic Mental Health.

Abstract

Abstract
Three primary therapeutic benefits of a Music Therapy small group utilizing the method of free improvisation are presented and discussed. A detailed description of how the free improvisation method was structured and utilized is presented. The three primary benefits; Expressing Feelings, Mind body integration, and Social Skill development are explained. The main thesis of this paper is to suggest that the benefits combined together while group members are actively playing percussion instruments; and the result being to help make positive improvement in the patients mental health and behavior. A review of music therapy related literature is included.

Author Biography

Laura Foxx, NYU Langone Health

Laura Foxx is a board-certified music therapist and musician in New York City (traditional Lenape and Canarsie territories). She currently works at NYU Langone Health, facilitates creative arts therapy sessions in private practice, and contracts with community organizations to provide a wide-range of accessible music therapy groups. Foxx’s experiences in medical, forensic, and community health settings have shaped her therapeutic approach to uphold healing justice principles.

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Published

2022-01-31

Issue

Section

Full Length Articles