The Music of Being

Music Therapy, Winnicott and the School of Object Relations

Alison Levinge

• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Year: 2015
• Print ISBN: 9781849055765
• eBook ISBN: 9781784500191
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Developmental Psychology
• Index: Psychology

This book explores how the work of key child development theorists informs music therapy practice with children and families.

Focusing primarily on the theoretical thinking and understanding of the paediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, Alison Levinge highlights how his theories resonate with the central aspects of music therapy. Central to the book are Winnicott's ideas on play and an exploration of his understanding of the psychological processes of 'holding'. Winnicott's theories are given greater depth and understanding by referencing the writings of Adam Phillips and Christopher Bollas. Consideration of relevant aspects of Bowlby's theories will also be included.

Knowledge of these theories of child development helps to support understanding of the music therapy process, making this book vital reading for both students and practitioners of music therapy.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Of Related Interest
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• ACknowledgements
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 Object Relations
• Chapter 2 The Language of Music and the Music of Winnicott
• Chapter 3 The Music of Beginning
• Chapter 4 Holding and the Early Environment
• Chapter 5 The Observation of Infants in a Set Situation
• Chapter 6 Transitional Objects and Transitional Phenomena
• Chapter 7 The Use of an Object and Relating through Identifications
• Chapter 8 Playing
• Chapter 9 A Sense of Self and Music Therapy
• Chapter 10 Transference and Countertransference
• Chapter 11 Therapeutic Practice
• References
• Subject Index
• Author Index
• Also available