“DON’T LET ME GO”. A CASE STUDY ON MUSIC THERAPY IN EARLY-STAGE DEMENTIA Cover Image

“DON’T LET ME GO”. A CASE STUDY ON MUSIC THERAPY IN EARLY-STAGE DEMENTIA
“DON’T LET ME GO”. A CASE STUDY ON MUSIC THERAPY IN EARLY-STAGE DEMENTIA

Author(s): Lois Paula Văduva, Catherine Warner
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Psychology, Music, Clinical psychology
Published by: Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai
Keywords: music therapy; dementia; trauma; singing;

Summary/Abstract: This case study presents the process of music therapy in a clinical setting, under the professional supervision of Dr. Catherine Warner, a music therapist with over 25 years of experience in this field. The music therapy sessions were conducted with a client displaying early-stage dementia symptoms. Over twelve weeks, with an eight-week hiatus due to the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown, the client benefited from music therapy sessions which helped her navigate through the challenges of the disease, as well as providing a safe environment to express feelings and emotions. This case study presents the main themes of the work, such as combining poetry with singing, and listening to soothing music. This paper also illustrates the challenges of the sessions, especially in relation to memory loss and anxiety. Lastly, the therapist’s reflections are presented to complete the overview of the work.

  • Issue Year: 66/2021
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 29-38
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: English