“How Well Do I Know You?”: Intersubjective Perspectives in Music Therapy When Working with Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disability

Abstract

The limited possibilities of understanding the inner reality of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) pose strong barriers for the development of a therapeutic relationship. Based on reflection on practice this contribution describes how music can be used for the realisation of continuous, attuned and harmoniously intertwined interactions that enable to gain deeper understanding of the person with PIMD and identify his/her positive personality traits. These reflections may be grounded in the theoretical framework of intersubjective communication. The author describes the role of music in both short-term and long-term interactions and discusses the benefits of music therapy for people with PIMD as well as for the interdisciplinary team support.