Collaborations Within and Between Dramatherapy and Music Therapy by Amelia Oldfield

Author:Amelia Oldfield
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781784504021
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: 2018-08-02T16:00:00+00:00

Observations and participation

Alexandra and I have questioned whether these sessions can be called therapy sessions or sessions with a therapeutic intention. Parents are aware of the sessions, but not formally asked for consent, as with therapy work. The sessions have always been facilitated by, or with, a therapist present, to observe and support emotional responses within the children. ‘While a person with autism may be an extreme example, most people can identify with reluctance to both initiate change and have changes imposed upon them over which they have no control’ (Crimmens 2006, p.62). Endings can bring up different emotions for anyone, and the sessions benefit from having someone to support the resistance or avoidance that may be present from any members of the group (children or adults), as well as supporting other feelings of loss, sadness, worry or confusion, to name a few. ‘Remain alert to unconscious communications…because institutions, no less than individuals, develop defenses against painful emotions. The nature of the work can give rise to anxieties’ (Obholzer and Roberts 1994, cited in Roger 2012, p.129).

With non-verbal children there is an added layer of difficulty in connecting with their understanding of how they may be acknowledging the changes and goodbyes being facilitated within the sessions. However, as in arts therapy, there is a sense in the value brought by the ritual and repetition and a recognition that these elements are an important part of the sessions. This work takes place alongside other transition activities within the school. For any children joining a different school in the borough, trips are made in school time, allowing opportunities to meet new teachers and see their new classroom. Further work takes places within the individual’s classes, preparing them for change and goodbyes.

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