Music therapy within an integrated project for families exposed to domestic violence: A qualitative study of professionals’ perspectives

Abstract

This article focuses on a collaborative project that took place from 2012 to 2015 between an NHS Music Therapy Service for children and young people, a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and the charity Housing for Women. Music therapy interventions for children and young people took place alongside therapeutic family interventions. The families involved had all experienced exposure to domestic abuse. A qualitative study of professionals’ perceptions of the project took place after the project had ended, using a methodology of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Interviews with non-music therapy professionals were transcribed and analysed, providing data about perceived benefits for children and families, the evolving perspectives of the professionals involved and the degree to which processes in music therapy were communicated and understood.