The Theory and Practice of Psychodynamic Music Psychotherapy is a comprehensive study of how music psychotherapy can be conceived and practiced within a psychodynamic orientation. It examines the development of music psychotherapy as it has unfolded along with the histories of psychoanalysis and modern psychiatry. Based on the pioneering works of Alvin, Priestley, Bonny, and other music psychotherapists, it presents the most recent approaches to understanding the unconscious, early development, transference, countertransference, resistance, and defenses. Current practices in music psychotherapy are conceived in terms of object relations, relational and interpersonal concepts, mentalization, music medicine, and neuropsychiatric theories. Included are musical and verbal methods, improvisation and music listening techniques, and clinical topics such as assessment, working through, and evaluation of change in the treatment of adult, adolescent, and child clients in individual and group therapy. Also considered is how these practices vary according to different client groups, including those with psychosis, personality disorders, neurosis, depression, anxiety, trauma, aging, autism, addictions, psychosomatic disorders, and physical illnesses. The book constitutes a major integrative study of the different approaches and research studies in psychodynamic music psychotherapy. It may be used as a textbook or reference by music therapists, psychotherapists, students, educators, researchers, and other mental health workers who are interested in music and the arts, and their understanding from psychoanalytic principles.
