Abstract

In Interactive Music Therapy - A Positive Approach, Amelia Oldfield explains how her approach to music therapy sessions establishes a constructive musical dialogue with children that emphasises positive experiences - these establish trust and allow feelings to be expressed through music.
Describing the general benefits of this approach, the author also details its application for specific clinical groups including children with autistic spectrum disorders, relationship difficulties or physical disabilities. Individual chapters focus specifically on child development issues and in child and brief case studies throughout the text illustrate points of particular importance.
This practical book will be of use to other clinicians and teachers working with children with a variety of needs, including children on the autism spectrum and children with learning disabilities. It is also of use to music therapy trainers, their students and academics whose interests include music therapy.

The book Interactive Music Therapy - A Positive Approach, describes the author's work in a child development center (CDC) and explores the characteristics of her specific music therapy approach. The author clarifies her special interactive and positive approach through her clinical work with various types of preschool children and their parents: children with autistic spectrum disorder, children with severe physical and mental difficulties and children with no clear diagnosis. The book presents case studies, reports (some of which written by parents and colleagues) and research investigation. These tools enable the reader to gain a deeper understanding of different aspects of the authors' music therapy approach and its implications. This easily read book is of use both for music therapists and for members of multi-disciplinary teams, who work with children with special needs. I recommend the book for music therapists who work with the mentioned client groups and especially with autistic spectrum disorder children and for those who work jointly with parents. This book takes the reader through a journey of experience which inspires the reader to have an insight into his own developing approach with a specific client group.
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Amelia Oldfield has over 25 years' experience as a music therapist. She currently works at the Croft Unit for Child and Family Psychiatry and at the Child Development Centre, Addenbrookes. She was the joint initiator of the MA Music Therapy Training at Anglia Polytechnic University, where she is a part time lecturer. She has completed four research investigations and a PhD. She has also produced six music therapy training videos. She is married, has four children and plays clarinet in local chamber music groups.
This practical book will be of use to music therapists, nurses and occupational therapists working with children from a variety of clinical groups, including children on the autism spectrum and children with learning disabilities. It is also of use to music therapy trainers, their students and academics whose interests include music therapy.
British Society for Music Therapy