Music Therapy for children who have experienced the loss of a parent : a multiple case study

Abstract

The loss of a parent is considered to be one of the most painful and tragic experiences a child could suffer. Bereavement can leave children feeling isolated, with fewer material and nonmaterial resources. This qualitative multiple case study was designed to explore the role that music therapy could play in supporting children who have lost a parent. Five children participated from a mainstream school in Cape Town who had suffered the loss of a parent in the three years prior to the study. Participants’ ages ranged between seven and twelve and 26 sessions were conducted altogether. Excerpts from video recordings of the sessions were written as thick descriptions and, through interpretive phenomenological analysis, a total of six themes were identified. It was found that the music therapy processes offered clients access to supportive client-therapist relationships, a safe space for emotional expression and reflection on significant relationships, opportunities for assertive expression, and a space where they could express views on beliefs and rituals. Participants identified internal and external resources that served to support them during their processes of bereavement.