Resistances in Group Music Therapy With Women and Men With Substance Use Disorders

Authors

  • Susan C. Gardstrom University of Dayton
  • James Hiller University of Dayton

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v16i3.880

Keywords:

substance use disorders, addictions, resistances

Abstract

In this paper, we explore client resistances in group music therapy with women and men in residential treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). We describe how we have encountered resident resistances on women's and men's units within a gender-specific treatment facility and offer suggestions for pre-empting and addressing such resistances, offering both nonmusical and musical strategies and techniques. We emphasize a person-centered approach and an experience orientation, in which we view our primary responsibility as providing opportunities for the men and women to engage meaningfully with music, self, therapists, and other residents in order to identify problems and explore alternatives and personal resources.

Author Biographies

Susan C. Gardstrom, University of Dayton

Susan C. Gardstrom, PhD, MT-BC is Professor and Coordinator of Music Therapy in the Department of Music at the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA.

James Hiller, University of Dayton

James Hiller, PhD, MT-BC is Assistant Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA.

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Published

2016-10-18

How to Cite

Gardstrom, S. C., & Hiller, J. (2016). Resistances in Group Music Therapy With Women and Men With Substance Use Disorders. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v16i3.880

Issue

Section

Reflections on Practice