Christine Wilhelmsen: Music therapy for adolescents with traumatic life experiences

Field of study: Music Therapy

Children and young people with traumatic life experiences have a significantly higher risk of developing mental and physical health problems than others. Research has shown that music therapy can play an important role in both treatment processes and preventive work with this group. However, we lack knowledge about how music and music therapy can actually contribute, especially in light of recent trauma research. The central place of music in young people's lives – as a source of identity, sense of belonging, and emotional support – offers great potential for music therapy to support these adolescents in their development and recovery process.

This qualitative interview study explores how young people with traumatic life experiences use music and music therapy, both in and out of the therapy room, with a specific focus on songwriting as a therapeutic method. The aim is to contribute to the further development of adapted music therapy services for adolescents with traumatic life experiences.