This comprehensive book describes well-defined models of music therapy for working with families in different clinical areas, ranging from families with special needs children or dying family members through to families in psychiatric or paediatric hospital settings. International contributors explain the theoretical background and practice of their specific approach, including an overview of research and illustrative case examples. Particular emphasis is placed on connecting theory and clinical practice and on discussing the challenges and relevance of each model. This practical and theoretically anchored book will prove valuable for music therapists, students and researchers in the fast developing field of music therapy with families.

In the past, music therapy work with children typically took place in special schools without the family being present. More recently, music therapy has become a widespread practice, and this book reflects the variety of settings within which music therapists are now working with children together with their families. The contributors are music therapists with experience of working with children and their families in a range of different environments, such as schools, hospices, psychiatric units, child development centres and in the community. They describe their approaches to family work with client groups including children with autism, learning disabled toddlers, adopted children and looked after teenagers. Their experiences demonstrate that involving the family in a child's music therapy can be beneficial for everyone, and that it is possible to address relationship issues within the family as part of the treatment. This book will provide useful insight into the growing area of music therapy with children and their families, and will be valuable for music therapy professionals and students, as well as other medical and teaching professionals who work with families.

What is truly distinctive about this book is that Oldfield introduces her doctoral research, in which she created the Music Therapy Diagnostic Assessment (MTDA) in comparison to one of the most internationally recognized standardized diagnostic tool.' - Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). 'I believe that the book will be useful for music therapy students, and novice music therapist working in child and family psychiatry and related fields.' - Nordic Journal of Music Therapy 'In her indomitable, accessible and straightforward style, Amelia Oldfield continues to champion the use of music therapy with families in her most recent publication. The book is in many ways a step-by-step music therapy manual, informing us of music therapy methods and innovations and provoking new thoughtfulness for work within the child mental health setting.' - Journal of Family Therapy 'This book could be an invaluable resource for readers who are looking for evidence that music therapy can have a very positive effect on certain disorders and family dynamics. I could imagine it would bring great hope for those whose children find communication very difficult, or where families are struggling to relate emotionally. The book [also] has a lot of clinical research data, which would be extremely useful for students or clinicians needing to validate this kind of work.' - ACCord Magazine 'This practical book outlines and explains the rationale for using music therapy in child and family psychiatry. Amelia Oldfield reflects on current research methodology and describes characteristics of her own approach to therapy sessions, including how to start and end the session, how to motivate children and establish a positive musical dialogue with them, and how to include parents in the session. She also uses video analysis techniques to assess and advance the role of the therapist. Individual chapters focus on the results of the author's research investigations with specific groups such as mothers and young children, groups of adults with profound difficulties, children with autistic spectrum disorder or severe physical and mental difficulties, as well as children without clear diagnosis. Case studies and vignettes supplement these examples. The author also considers the whole process from the initial referral for therapy and using psychiatric music therapy for diagnostic assessment to how to end treatment. This book is accessible to music therapists, psychiatrists, nurses and occupational therapists working with children and families, as well as music therapy trainers, their students and academics interested in music therapy.' - British Society for Music Therapy 'Those who are specifically interested in music therapy as applied to children and families will find no better mentor than Oldfield.' - Mental Health Care Practice 'Well, this book was a pleasant surprise! I found it a remarkably uplifting read. Amelia Oldfield describes in detail how she has managed to interact through music with children (and adults) with a wide range of significant difficulties, intellectual, emotional and physical. Her music therapy is intended to help with diagnosis but she also involved parents and carers in her sessions in a way which helps them to come to terms with and deal more comfortably with their charges.' - Adoption.net This practical book outlines and explains the rationale for using music therapy in child and family psychiatry. Amelia Oldfield reflects on current research methodology and describes characteristics of her own approach to therapy sessions, including how to start and end the session, how to motivate children and establish a positive musical dialogue with them, and how to include parents in the session. She also uses video analysis techniques to assess and advance the role of the therapist. Individual chapters focus on the results of the author's research investigations with specific groups such as mothers and young children, groups of adults with profound difficulties, children with autistic spectrum disorder or severe physical and mental difficulties, as well as children without clear diagnosis. Case studies and vignettes supplement these examples. The author also considers the whole process from the initial referral for therapy and using psychiatric music therapy for diagnostic assessment to how to end treatment. This book is accessible to music therapists, psychiatrists, nurses and occupational therapists working with children and families, as well as music therapy trainers, their students and academics interested in music therapy.

Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan.The Oxford Handbook of Music Therapy is the most comprehensive text on this topic in its history. It presents exhaustive coverage of the topic from international leaders in the field.

Music therapy as an intervention in medical, educational and many other environments has a rich and diverse history of methods, approaches and models. Consolidating the many components of music therapy, this completely updated edition of A Comprehensive Guide to Music Therapy covers everything students, teachers and practitioners of music therapy need to know. Building upon the work of Tony Wigram and developments within the field of music therapy over the last 15 years, this second edition looks at the theoretical foundation of music therapy, selected models and interventions, how it can be applied in clinical practice, and the recent progress made in research and evidence-based practice. Giving a complete picture of the multifaceted world of music therapy, it is a must-have for music therapy students, teachers and practitioners.

The use of music therapy is long established with people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. The combination of using music and relationship work in person-centred approaches supports the three main areas of difficulty people with autism often experience; social interaction, communication and imagination. Current research supports the positive psychological benefits of music therapy when people with autism spectrum conditions engage with music therapy. This book celebrates the richness of music therapy approaches and brings together the voices of practitioners in the UK. With a strong focus on practice-based evidence it showcases clinicians, researchers and educators working in a variety of settings across the lifespan.

Rich with case material, this groundbreaking volume provides a comprehensive overview of music therapy, from basic concepts to emerging clinical approaches. Experts review psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and developmental foundations and describe major techniques, including the Nordoff-Robbins model and the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. An expansive section on clinical applications examines music therapy with children and adults, as well as its recognized role in medical settings. Topics include autism spectrum disorder, school interventions, brain injury, and trauma. An authoritative resource for music therapists, the book also shows how music can be used by other mental health and medical professionals. The companion website features audio downloads illustrative of the Nordoff-Robbins model.

This updated book offers a comprehensive understanding of music therapy services for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families in home, preschool, and community settings. It addresses recent diagnostic features, evidence-based practices, and effective music therapy interventions backed by rigorous scientific evidence. Determining eligibility, gathering information, and identifying intervention goals for children with ASD are addressed in the assessment chapter followed by prominent approaches applied in music therapy practice. Managing sensory processing and communication issues that may interfere with everyday life is discussed from an interdisciplinary perspective. Inclusion and family practices, effective advocacy efforts, and a reflection of life journeys of four music therapists who are parents of children with ASD conclude the 15 engaging and resourceful chapters.

This comprehensive book includes an overview of recent developments in ASD and effective music therapy interventions based on ASD-specific approaches, instructional strategies and techniques for use in children's natural environments. Therapists wishing to conduct family-centered practice and to support parents integrate music into home routines will find a wealth of information, together with insights from music therapists who are parents of children with ASD. The book also looks at collaboration and consultation with interdisciplinary team members, including early childhood educators, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists. Case scenarios, examples, checklists, charts, tip sheets, music scores, and online resources make this book accessible for everyone. Throughout the book's sixteen chapters, renowned experts share knowledge and practical applications that will give music therapists, students, professionals, educators, families and anyone interested in working with young children with ASD, a detailed understanding of the implementation and range of music therapy practices that can benefit these children and their families.

Music Therapy and Parent Infant Bonding is the first title in the field of music therapy to explore the contribution that music therapy can make in the very early years, for instance in situations regarding adopted children, or in ameliorating the effects of maternal depression on the parent-infant relationship.