Perhaps I am just more sensitive to these situations because of my work in a family counseling agency and taking a family therapy and systems class this semester, but the premier of the new season of the TLC show Trading Spaces really bothered me this past Saturday evening.
The new season of Trading Spacing is advertising not just neighbors revamping a room in each others' home, but "emotional makeovers." The show this past Saturday was with a divorced couple where the ex-husband is living alone and the ex-wife is remarried. The ex-partners also have a young son that now (I think) has shared custody between his parents. Into this relationship springs the host, 2 designers, and two carpenters followed by a large camera crew and an even larger TV viewing audience. They swap bedrooms for 48 hours for a marvelous makeover.
I think the show is really pushing the boundaries. Similar to my disgust with Dr. Phil, Trading Spaces seems to highlight the negative aspects of the relationship. It appeared, at least to me, that in the beginning of the show it was demonstrated how there was some possible pathology involved in this blended family including mistrust, hostility, and hurt. By the end of the show, the perception was that by changing the rooms, doing a "therapeutic" art project, and having a room reveal that things were all for the better.
Don't get me wrong, I believe that an experience like that can be cathartic and helpful. And at the same time, I didn't appreciate how the home makeover experience is portrayed as a great replacement for therapy, as if when the cameras leave and the paint dries, everything will be perfect.
The other main issue is the fact that people problems and pain is valuable "entertainment." I find it difficult to see people watch shows with people being injured physically or emotionally and finding humor and enterainment in that situation.
What do you think of the "new" Trading Spaces format?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Social Skills: Drum Conversation
An easy way to engage someone who requires practice of the elements of conversation is a drum conversation. This can be done in many ways (and with different instruments), but this is my favorite way to implement.
1. Choose an appropriate drum size. The drum should be able to be played independently without each person having to move or hold it. I like a free standing tubano or floor drum.
2. Place the drum between the two people conversing (or in the middle of a circle for a group intervention).
3. Use only one mallet.
4. The person who has the mallet is the one speaking. This individual can tap the rhythm of their speech pattern or simply play the macrobeat on the instrument. They can address a certain person by name and ask a question.
5. When they are done speaking/playing, the mallet is passed to the conversational recipient. This cues waiting, eye contact, body position, etc.
6. The person with the mallet answers the question posed previously, then can continue with their own question.
This can be fun! It is great with a group to work on listening skills; you have to listen for your name to be called, etc. What about your family doing this to ask about what happened at school/work instead of normal dinner table conversation? What would your children think about that?
Try it out. :)
~Blessings! Mary
1. Choose an appropriate drum size. The drum should be able to be played independently without each person having to move or hold it. I like a free standing tubano or floor drum.
2. Place the drum between the two people conversing (or in the middle of a circle for a group intervention).
3. Use only one mallet.
4. The person who has the mallet is the one speaking. This individual can tap the rhythm of their speech pattern or simply play the macrobeat on the instrument. They can address a certain person by name and ask a question.
5. When they are done speaking/playing, the mallet is passed to the conversational recipient. This cues waiting, eye contact, body position, etc.
6. The person with the mallet answers the question posed previously, then can continue with their own question.
This can be fun! It is great with a group to work on listening skills; you have to listen for your name to be called, etc. What about your family doing this to ask about what happened at school/work instead of normal dinner table conversation? What would your children think about that?
Try it out. :)
~Blessings! Mary
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Book Review: "Acting Your Inner Music" by Joseph J. Moreno
After years of sitting on my music therapy bookshelf, I was recently motivated to read the book "Acting Your Inner Music: Music Therapy and Psychodrama" by Joseph J. Moreno. I must be candid up front that Joe Moreno was the director of the music therapy program at Maryville University Saint Louis when I was an undergraduate student. Therefore, the information in this text was a thorough review of information I learned directly from Joe in core curriculum music therapy courses.
The book provides a well-balanced overview of music therapy, healing, creative arts therapy, and psychodrama. The author is the nephew of Jacob L. Moreno, who originated the concept of healing psychodrama. The author describes his creation of an integrative form of therapy combining psychodrama and music therapy: musical psychodrama. Moreno defines musical psychodrama as "the integration of music improvisation, imagery, and other music therapy techniques with traditional actional psychodrama in order to realize an expanded approach that transcends the possibilities of either method used separately."
Creative arts therapies (music, art, drama, psychodrama, poetry, etc.) can elicit responses that verbal therapy techniques cannot. The nonverbal communication that improvisational music therapy can facilitate naturally leads the the enactment of psychodrama. Moreno describes in the book about techniques specific to psychodrama and music therapy, respectively, and then explains how the two can be linked together. He describes specific techniques that can be used in the music therapy setting including, musical role reversal, musical dialogue, musical closure, music and the divided self, musical modeling, and musical doubling. Moreno discussed how music can assist individuals in expressing their emotions more readily and with less inhibition than using words and language.
For me, this book was easy to follow and to understand both psychodrama, music therapy and their integration into musical psychodrama. However, I would advise that if there is no prior knowledge of either psychodrama or music therapy, the reader should gain a general knowledge of both before delving into this advanced text.
The book provides a well-balanced overview of music therapy, healing, creative arts therapy, and psychodrama. The author is the nephew of Jacob L. Moreno, who originated the concept of healing psychodrama. The author describes his creation of an integrative form of therapy combining psychodrama and music therapy: musical psychodrama. Moreno defines musical psychodrama as "the integration of music improvisation, imagery, and other music therapy techniques with traditional actional psychodrama in order to realize an expanded approach that transcends the possibilities of either method used separately."
Creative arts therapies (music, art, drama, psychodrama, poetry, etc.) can elicit responses that verbal therapy techniques cannot. The nonverbal communication that improvisational music therapy can facilitate naturally leads the the enactment of psychodrama. Moreno describes in the book about techniques specific to psychodrama and music therapy, respectively, and then explains how the two can be linked together. He describes specific techniques that can be used in the music therapy setting including, musical role reversal, musical dialogue, musical closure, music and the divided self, musical modeling, and musical doubling. Moreno discussed how music can assist individuals in expressing their emotions more readily and with less inhibition than using words and language.
For me, this book was easy to follow and to understand both psychodrama, music therapy and their integration into musical psychodrama. However, I would advise that if there is no prior knowledge of either psychodrama or music therapy, the reader should gain a general knowledge of both before delving into this advanced text.
Monday, December 31, 2007
A Change Would Do You Good.
In light of the new year approaching, many of us are contemplating our New Year's Resolutions. This blogpost title, "a change would do you good" is from the song "A Change" by Sheryl Crow. The song speaks to how a "change" can be a positive thing and to be real with yourself and others.
I challenge you (and myself) to take some quiet, reflective time in the dawn of the new year to think about what you could change in your life. No one is perfect. Who wants perfection, anyway? But what about easier, more respectful, more balanced? Even if there is not a large, sweeping change that needs to happen in your life, perhaps even small thoughts, deeds, or words in what you do (or fail to do) can use a little tweaking. Just think about what little things you could do to be healthier, wiser, less stressed, improve relationships, make a small sacrifice for the betterment of another (or even a stranger), or get your taxes done early (ugh!). What is one aspect of your life, that if changed, would make the biggest difference for you and/or your loved ones?
What is the key to achieving these illusive things, these goals? We must find a solution that is exactly what we described: achievable.
Even if there is a large pressing issue, (like we all hear this time of year - losing weight), if you break it down into steps that are small enough to demonstrate progress to yourself or others, there is a better chance of success. Even something as small as thinking one positive thought about yourself and each member of your family each day (and maybe journaling about it) is something to cross off a checklist of larger objective areas. Make a plan, break it down, and reward yourself when you hit a (small) milestone. Additionally, isn't it more motivating if you can see progress? If a visual representation of your progress will motivate you, make a graph or a list you can dramatically scratch off the achieved items. If you achieve a small step, celebrate it! It makes a difference to acknowledge the positive (...or..."ac-cen-tu-ate the positive...").
A change would do you good. Why are you waiting?
Blessings for 2008. ~Mary
I challenge you (and myself) to take some quiet, reflective time in the dawn of the new year to think about what you could change in your life. No one is perfect. Who wants perfection, anyway? But what about easier, more respectful, more balanced? Even if there is not a large, sweeping change that needs to happen in your life, perhaps even small thoughts, deeds, or words in what you do (or fail to do) can use a little tweaking. Just think about what little things you could do to be healthier, wiser, less stressed, improve relationships, make a small sacrifice for the betterment of another (or even a stranger), or get your taxes done early (ugh!). What is one aspect of your life, that if changed, would make the biggest difference for you and/or your loved ones?
What is the key to achieving these illusive things, these goals? We must find a solution that is exactly what we described: achievable.
Even if there is a large pressing issue, (like we all hear this time of year - losing weight), if you break it down into steps that are small enough to demonstrate progress to yourself or others, there is a better chance of success. Even something as small as thinking one positive thought about yourself and each member of your family each day (and maybe journaling about it) is something to cross off a checklist of larger objective areas. Make a plan, break it down, and reward yourself when you hit a (small) milestone. Additionally, isn't it more motivating if you can see progress? If a visual representation of your progress will motivate you, make a graph or a list you can dramatically scratch off the achieved items. If you achieve a small step, celebrate it! It makes a difference to acknowledge the positive (...or..."ac-cen-tu-ate the positive...").
A change would do you good. Why are you waiting?
Blessings for 2008. ~Mary
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Lyric Analysis: "Beauty from Pain 1.1" by Superchic[k]
I would like to begin the post out on a positive note. With the specialization of music psychotherapy, the technique of lyric analysis is used quite frequently. Lyric analysis is just that: looking at the lyrics of a particular song, analyzing or studying the lyrics, and discussing and applying their relation to one's life. Most of us do this independently, without the guidance of a music therapist. Do you hear a song on the radio that you feel was written just for you, at that moment in your life? If so, you have identified with those lyrics and applied them to your life in some small way. Seems simple enough, right? Well, the music and lyrics can have an influential impact on someone in a counseling session. The emotion of the music may make a new connection and insight into themselves. The choice of music can be the catalyst for a critical moment of catharsis.
With that in mind, I would like to share one of my favorite albums, "Beauty from Pain 1.1" by Superchic[k]. This album is amazing (my opinion, of course!). It is evident that the songwriters have "done their own work" in terms of counseling and tackle important issues in each song. Most songs deal with issues of pain or what I would call "girl power" or the empowerment of women.
Song by song:
Anthem: This song is a sort of "ode" to girls who don't give up, a rally song for all the women who have been told "you can't." The lyrics speak to girls in traditionally male roles (girls with bruises and scars, lipstick and cleats). It has a driving rock / punk sound.
Beauty from Pain: A beautiful ballad with a haunting piano line discusses deep, penetrating pain, the glimmer of hope, and the questioning of "why." This is one of the few songs I have heard that truly conveys emotional pain and the struggle of day-to-day. It is real, heart-wrenching, and thought provoking.
Bowling Ball: "You need that boy like a bowling ball dropped on your head; and that means not at all." These lyrics from the chorus pretty much sum up the theme of the song: drop that no-good guy! This song makes me laugh, and well, sigh at the same time about how sometimes a girl needs to hear that she's wasting her time with a guy! It has an upbeat punk feel - very fun.
Courage: A song about body image, eating disorders, a secret life, and asking for help. A moving depiction of a soliloquy of a young girl in pain dealing with these issues. A message of hope. Listen to it here.
It's On: Another upbeat song about action, change, doing something positive. "no matter how you feel, it's what you do that matters it's your moment to be strong."
One Girl Revolution: A cross between punk, dance and metal with a great message about confidence. Chorus includes: "I'll be everything that I want to be I am confidence in insecurity I am a voice yet waiting to be heard." Great and fun.
Pure: With more of a pop feel, "Pure" can be interpreted with a Christian message (Superchic[k] used to be considered an exclusively Christian band, ya know). However, it can also be understood as overcoming stressors and anxieties of any kind in ones life "The rocks of life won't pull me down." Very positive. A great transition to relaxation strategies.
Stand in the Rain: One of the great new songs on this album, it speaks to the moments when everything seems to go wrong at the same moment, when all the bad things catch up with you at the same time. CHORUS: "So stand in the rain; Stand your ground; Stand up when it’s all crashing down; You stand through the pain; You won’t drown; And one day what’s lost can be found; You stand in the rain." A strong song musically to support the lyrics and message.
Suddenly: After all the singing of pain and hardship, this song discusses when things just click and "Suddenly" you are where you are supposed to be. I great reminder of when things "just work out they way they are supposed to" and to be patient.
We Live: You may have heard this song, I believe it is the theme music to "Brothers and Sisters" on ABC. The lyrics discuss that even in the midst of tragedy, we must live, love, forgive and never give up because each day is a gift. Beautiful theme song for life.
Wishes: Again, back to the punk feel, this last song talks about romantic relationships that didn't work out, broken dreams, growing up, and saying goodbye.
I encourage you to check out this CD if anything "spoke" to you in these songs. Go forth, listen, validate your feelings, and gain some insight!
~Blessings! Mary
With that in mind, I would like to share one of my favorite albums, "Beauty from Pain 1.1" by Superchic[k]. This album is amazing (my opinion, of course!). It is evident that the songwriters have "done their own work" in terms of counseling and tackle important issues in each song. Most songs deal with issues of pain or what I would call "girl power" or the empowerment of women.
Song by song:
Anthem: This song is a sort of "ode" to girls who don't give up, a rally song for all the women who have been told "you can't." The lyrics speak to girls in traditionally male roles (girls with bruises and scars, lipstick and cleats). It has a driving rock / punk sound.
Beauty from Pain: A beautiful ballad with a haunting piano line discusses deep, penetrating pain, the glimmer of hope, and the questioning of "why." This is one of the few songs I have heard that truly conveys emotional pain and the struggle of day-to-day. It is real, heart-wrenching, and thought provoking.
Bowling Ball: "You need that boy like a bowling ball dropped on your head; and that means not at all." These lyrics from the chorus pretty much sum up the theme of the song: drop that no-good guy! This song makes me laugh, and well, sigh at the same time about how sometimes a girl needs to hear that she's wasting her time with a guy! It has an upbeat punk feel - very fun.
Courage: A song about body image, eating disorders, a secret life, and asking for help. A moving depiction of a soliloquy of a young girl in pain dealing with these issues. A message of hope. Listen to it here.
It's On: Another upbeat song about action, change, doing something positive. "no matter how you feel, it's what you do that matters it's your moment to be strong."
One Girl Revolution: A cross between punk, dance and metal with a great message about confidence. Chorus includes: "I'll be everything that I want to be I am confidence in insecurity I am a voice yet waiting to be heard." Great and fun.
Pure: With more of a pop feel, "Pure" can be interpreted with a Christian message (Superchic[k] used to be considered an exclusively Christian band, ya know). However, it can also be understood as overcoming stressors and anxieties of any kind in ones life "The rocks of life won't pull me down." Very positive. A great transition to relaxation strategies.
Stand in the Rain: One of the great new songs on this album, it speaks to the moments when everything seems to go wrong at the same moment, when all the bad things catch up with you at the same time. CHORUS: "So stand in the rain; Stand your ground; Stand up when it’s all crashing down; You stand through the pain; You won’t drown; And one day what’s lost can be found; You stand in the rain." A strong song musically to support the lyrics and message.
Suddenly: After all the singing of pain and hardship, this song discusses when things just click and "Suddenly" you are where you are supposed to be. I great reminder of when things "just work out they way they are supposed to" and to be patient.
We Live: You may have heard this song, I believe it is the theme music to "Brothers and Sisters" on ABC. The lyrics discuss that even in the midst of tragedy, we must live, love, forgive and never give up because each day is a gift. Beautiful theme song for life.
Wishes: Again, back to the punk feel, this last song talks about romantic relationships that didn't work out, broken dreams, growing up, and saying goodbye.
I encourage you to check out this CD if anything "spoke" to you in these songs. Go forth, listen, validate your feelings, and gain some insight!
~Blessings! Mary
That's What It's All About...
Welcome! I am very excited about the re-launch of my beloved blogsite!
This new format will allow for insights, reviews, and information sharing about music therapy, creative arts therapy, and related topics. I welcome other therapists or artists who wish to share information as a fellow blogger on this site. Please email me if you are interested.
I am hoping to provide information on the newest research, publications, music releases, and information that would be most helpful to you (even if that includes the best route to avoid the new i-64 highway shutdown happening in a mere 4 days!). Please email me with what you need to know.
Otherwise, blessings to you all, ENJOY!
~Mary
This new format will allow for insights, reviews, and information sharing about music therapy, creative arts therapy, and related topics. I welcome other therapists or artists who wish to share information as a fellow blogger on this site. Please email me if you are interested.
I am hoping to provide information on the newest research, publications, music releases, and information that would be most helpful to you (even if that includes the best route to avoid the new i-64 highway shutdown happening in a mere 4 days!). Please email me with what you need to know.
Otherwise, blessings to you all, ENJOY!
~Mary
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