Date of Award

5-13-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Copyright Status, No Creative Commons License

All Rights Reserved

Degree Name

Master of Science in Music Therapy

Department

Music Therapy

School

School of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Vienna Sa

Abstract

Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent difficulty to speak in specific social situations, despite being able to speak in other settings. While existing literature has highlighted the efficacy of music therapy as a promising intervention for children with Selective Mutism, there remains a need to explore the experiences of music therapists working with this population. This interpretative phenomenological study aims to explore the experiences of music therapists working with children diagnosed with Selective Mutism. Two board-certified music therapists, selected for their extensive experience in treating children with Selective Mutism, were recruited through social media groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via a virtual interface, “Zoom”. Thematic analysis of the data revealed five key themes, including initial encounters and preparations, clinical techniques, progress monitoring and challenges, emotions and feelings, and collaboration and support. The findings underscore the significance of anxiety reduction techniques, social integration strategies, and humanistic treatment approaches in creating a comfortable and supportive environment for children with Selective Mutism. Interdisciplinary collaboration is highlighted as crucial for providing comprehensive care for these children. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on music therapy for Selective Mutism, offering insights for clinical implication and future research endeavors.

Related Pillar(s)

Study

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Music Therapy Commons

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