The Sound of Lost Homes – Introducing the COVER Model – Theoretical Framework and Practical Insight into Music Therapy With Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Authors

  • Tina Mallon Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
  • Monika Hoog Antink Musiktherapie-Initiative e.V., Hamburg, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v21i2.3124

Keywords:

refugees, asylum seekers, early therapeutic intervention, COVER model, natural living environment, trauma-informed approach

Abstract

Due to the difficult situation of refugees, working with this group is challenging. Yet, music therapy is a suitable method for early therapeutic intervention. The authors introduce the context-sensitive classification model for music therapeutic interventions with refugees—COVER model— which is based on practical music therapeutic experiences using a trauma-informed approach with refugees in Germany. The COVER model can serve as a guideline for music therapists who work with refugees in insecure circumstances. The COVER model applies music therapeutic interventions to the natural living environment of refugees and allows for early interventions which may be a crucial benefit to the psychological health of refugees and music therapists working in this area.

Author Biographies

Tina Mallon, Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany

Tina Mallon, music therapist M.A. has studied psychology and musical education in Erfurt and music therapy in Hamburg, Germany. She is one of the founding members of the Musiktherapie-Initiative e.V. Since 2013, she has been working with refugees and traumatized children. She is also a research scientist working at the Department of Primary Care at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf.

Monika Hoog Antink, Musiktherapie-Initiative e.V., Hamburg, Germany

Monika T. Hoog Antink studied creative therapy with special focus in music in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, followed by a master’s degree in music therapy in Hamburg, Germany. She works with children with severe to profound disabilities, in palliative care and dementia care. Currently, she is involved in a research project on how to develop music therapeutic research methods for children with severe to profound disabilities.

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Photo of the two authors Tina Mallon and Monika Hoog Antink

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Published

2021-06-29

How to Cite

Mallon, T., & Hoog Antink, M. (2021). The Sound of Lost Homes – Introducing the COVER Model – Theoretical Framework and Practical Insight into Music Therapy With Refugees and Asylum Seekers. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v21i2.3124

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2021)

Section

Reflections on Practice

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Copyright (c) 2021 Tina Mallon, Monika Hoog Antink

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