Shared Music Listening: Walking alongside adolescents with experiences of trauma

Shared Music Listening: Walking alongside adolescents with experiences of trauma

Background: Shared listening of music has been widely explored in the field of music therapy, with some application to working with adolescents with experiences of trauma. However, there is a paucity of research investigating its potential application in school counselling settings. Aims: This article therefore presents the findings of a hermeneutic phenomenological pilot study exploring the viability of integrating shared listening of music into guidance officer (school counsellor) practice. Method: Semi- structured interviews were conducted with music therapists and a school counsellor who had utilised this intervention extensively in their practice. Results: The thematic analysis of findings revealed that shared listening of music represents an accessible and flexible intervention that can aid in developing emotional resilience and mood regulation for adolescents with experiences of trauma. Conclusion: The discussion highlights the importance of openness and authenticity on behalf of the therapist, and places emphasis on letting the young person lead the process, making for impactful and meaningful therapeutic engagement.