Symbolic Play and Creative Arts in Music Therapy with Children and Families
On sale
21st April 2027
Price: £40
With verbal children and families increasingly referred to music therapy, this edited book explores the topic of play in music therapy and sets itself apart by focusing on child-led play and symbolic play.
The book presents a wide range of experienced music therapists’ creativity and professional skills in integrating music and expressive arts modalities, from musical, developmental, attachment, and psychodynamic perspectives. Examining the question of how all the expressive arts are intrinsic to music or ‘mousike’, the chapters explore various styles, clinical and theoretical approaches, providing a deeper understanding of play and symbolic play processes and the different ways they arise and are worked with in music therapy.
Including chapters from diverse settings, and addressing work across age groups with children with emotional difficulties, attachment problems, early trauma, as well as children with autism, this comprehensive book is essential for music and other creative therapists who work with children in all forms of play, expressing their feelings, imaginations and internal worlds.
The book presents a wide range of experienced music therapists’ creativity and professional skills in integrating music and expressive arts modalities, from musical, developmental, attachment, and psychodynamic perspectives. Examining the question of how all the expressive arts are intrinsic to music or ‘mousike’, the chapters explore various styles, clinical and theoretical approaches, providing a deeper understanding of play and symbolic play processes and the different ways they arise and are worked with in music therapy.
Including chapters from diverse settings, and addressing work across age groups with children with emotional difficulties, attachment problems, early trauma, as well as children with autism, this comprehensive book is essential for music and other creative therapists who work with children in all forms of play, expressing their feelings, imaginations and internal worlds.
Reviews
This book deeply considers how engaging in play is a step into the unknown, and where the path is not predetermined. Examples from music therapy practice are warmly and thoughtfully shared, inviting the reader into the play space, so that they can readily imagine the scene and have their own imagination ignited.
This refreshingly well-written book brings together a remarkable range of voices, expertise, and theoretical perspectives, offering a multifaceted exploration of the essential role of play across multiple populations in children's creative arts therapy and problem-solving experiences. Bravo for this contribution to the field!
This timely and engaging book explores the transformative power of child-led, symbolic play and creative arts in music therapy for children and families. Each chapter provides a unique perspective, examining play as a multifaceted phenomenon with existential implications.
With its rich case examples and strong theoretical foundations on the therapeutic use of music, creative arts and play, this book is an invaluable resource for therapists dedicated to helping children and families. A must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their clinical work with creative interventions.