Aleksandra Renska – “Investigating The Value of Group Music Therapy for Clients with Eating Disorders”

The presentation titled “Exploring the Value of Group Music Therapy for Clients with Eating Disorders” examines an important yet underexplored area in the field of music therapy (MT). Eating disorders (EDs) are complex, multifaceted conditions that impact individuals globally, affecting both physical and mental health. These disorders often require a multidisciplinary approach, integrating medical, psychological, and therapeutic interventions. However, the specific role of group music therapy within this treatment framework remains insufficiently examined. 

This presentation will provide an overview of a qualitative study that includes interviews with music therapists from various parts of the world. The study gathered diverse perspectives and approaches in the practice of group MT for clients with EDs. The primary goal was to investigate the therapeutic potential and challenges of group MT in addressing the emotional, psychological, and social needs of this client population.

The findings reveal that group MT offers significant benefits, such as facilitating emotional expression and providing psychological insights crucial for the therapeutic process. Clients with EDs often suppress negative emotions, leading to a disconnect between their emotional and physical states. MT, particularly in a group setting, allows these clients to express and process these suppressed emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, group MT encourages social interaction, helping clients build relationships, overcome feelings of isolation, and address family dynamics.

The study also highlights that working with this client population presents significant challenges for music therapists. These challenges include managing the competitive nature of clients and addressing the phenomenon of peer contagion, where negative behaviors hindering recovery can be reinforced within a group setting. Therapists found it difficult to navigate these dynamics while maintaining a therapeutic environment that fosters positive outcomes.

The inclusion of music therapists from different parts of the world provided a rich tapestry of experiences and approaches, highlighting the universal challenges and opportunities encountered when working with clients with EDs. Despite variations in practice settings and resources, the core issues—such as managing group dynamics, fostering emotional expression, and addressing the competitive tendencies of clients—were common across all contexts. This presentation equips music therapists with strategies and insights that address these universal challenges, offering practical tools that can be applied in diverse settings. By focusing on these shared experiences, the presentation aims to enhance the effectiveness of group music therapy worldwide, ultimately improving outcomes for clients with EDs and reinforcing the value of this therapeutic approach in multidisciplinary treatment frameworks.

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