Working with parents in the neonatal intensive care unit: An analysis of music therapy practice in the United States of America

Publication date: July 2018Source: The Arts in Psychotherapy, Volume 59Author(s): Lori F. Gooding, Bethany TrainorAbstractParents of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) often face a variety of emotional and practical challenges that can lead to post-traumatic stress symptoms, acute stress disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Music therapy has consistently shown benefits for infants, parents, and caregivers, but limited information exists on how music therapists specifically address parents’ needs. The purpose of this study was to explore American music therapists’ experiences with parents in the NICU. Fifty-four board certified music therapists who had or were practicing music therapy in the NICU completed an online survey. Participants’ responses indicated that they regularly address parent needs and most frequently work with mother and infant concurrently. Most worked limited hours with small numbers of patients. Those with five or more years of experience were significantly more likely to receive referrals for parent needs. The most commonly addressed parent need was anxiety, and music therapy strategies and interventions included infant-directed procedures, counseling skills, psychoeducation, and music-assisted relaxation. Most felt adequately trained to work in the NICU, but some wanted additional training related to counseling skills, parent- specific intervention training, and cultural sensitivity. More research is needed to exp...

Source: Arts in Psychotherapy - July 5, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research