Who is my real mother? Emotional, physical and musical regulation with Noa, an adopted child. (1st June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elefant, Cochavit
• Is Part Of: Nordic journal of music therapy. Volume 25(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2016-06-01
• Subjects: Emotional -- physical -- musical regulation -- adopted child; Music therapy -- Scandinavia -- Periodicals; Music Therapy -- Periodicals; 615.85154
• DOI: 10.1080/08098131.2016.1179902
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0809-8131

Abstract

Abstract : Noa was brought to music therapy at age three by her adopted mother as she was hitting, biting and pushing children at her nursery school. Noa lived in several foster homes from the time she was two weeks until she was 9 months old when she was finally adopted. The hardship in her short life could have ended at that point; however, a few months after the adoption, her parents divorced. This presentation will describe two and a half years of our music therapy process (elucidated by audio recordings) as our relationship was woven through musical and verbal interplay and communication. It will discuss the intricate movement of physical, emotional and musical space and regulation; from total distance (physical and musical) to closeness until our separation – from chaos and turmoil to control and responsibility. It will attempt to connect psychological processes and musical nurturing, by carefully utilizing various musical elements and nuances in vocalization, tempo, rhythm, dynamic, melody and form and how these changes took form in the therapeutic process. The case will lean on developmental, intersubjective and psychoanalytical theories.