NEW DIRECTIONS OF USING MUSIC THERAPY IN SOCIAL WORK

Abstract

The innovative therapies that have existed for a long time in the field of social work globally are still not used in Slovakia to the extent that their visible benefits could be assessed. It is only at the stage of isolated activities of some enthusiastic social workers. Despite the emerging theoretical considerations about the possibilities of achieving better results in social care, there are some rigid opinions and professional “jealousy” on the part of some disciplines, especially medical, that social work has no competence as therapy. The study focuses on music therapy as a possible therapeutic direction in the social field. Even though it is mainly used in psychotherapy, there is also room for it in social work. The best argument to support this is the time factor because health professionals, psychologists, and psychiatrists can only devote a limited time to their clients, compared to a social worker, who is present all the time in the social services facility, even without waiting. An active or passive relationship with music can give an individual a comprehensive experience; therefore it is used as a therapy. The present study elaborates on the protocol for implementing music therapy in Slovakia. The results from the pilot study revealed that apart from utilisation of stress-relieving music, the knowledge about music therapy is shallow. It led to mapping the present status of music education and possibilities of using it as therapy. The introductory part of such studies requires theoretical preparation, a literature review and theoretical grounding of the topic.