This presentation explores the intersection of grief and music therapy, highlighting the creative and diverse ways music therapy can address both personal and client grief through effective therapeutic approaches. Drawing from C.M. Sanders' Theory of Collective Grief for Bereavement and Ruth Bright's pioneering work in grief music therapy, the presentation
delves into practical strategies for navigating grief using music as a powerful intervention for grief recovery.

The presentation begins with an overview of Sanders' theory for the process of grief, followed by an examination of Bright’s three music therapy approaches designed to address blocked grief, a condition necessitating professional intervention. These approaches include:
• Songwriting that can become a legacy for those who are left
• Improvised music to unlock repressed emotions
• The use of memorable music for reminiscence

The presenter will share four case studies of grief music therapy which encompass all three approaches advocated by Bright. The case studies include:
• The presenter’s personal experiences of grief and recovery through songwriting
• Recovery from long-term hidden grief through improvised music
• Releasing grief by revisiting moments in memory and communicating with deceased loved ones in the songwriting process
• Sharing memorable songs for reminiscence

These case studies illustrate the practical application of the music therapy approaches tailored to individual client needs and examine the effectiveness of each approach.

Nearly two decades ago, as a music therapy student, the presenter attended a special guest lecture on grief in music therapy by Ruth Bright. A decade later, the presenter encountered profound personal losses and rediscovered Bright’s prominent work. Throughout the grief period, engagement with music as a means of processing grief, complemented by grief literature and support groups, facilitated a deeper understanding of grief and the effectiveness of music as an avenue for recovery, profoundly enhancing the ability to support clients in their grief journeys.

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, affecting both therapists and clients at various stages of life. The case studies presented will illustrate the relevance and adaptability of these techniques in diverse practices. The key to recovery from grief, as discovered by the presenter and clients, is having someone to resonate with the loss. Music helps connect people and enables them to resonate with loss, fostering a shared creative journey of grief and recovery.

References:
Bright, R. (1996). Grief and Powerlessness: Helping People Regain Control of Their Lives. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd.

Sanders, C.M. (1992). Surviving Grief and Learning to Live Again. Mishawaka: John Wiley & Sons Inc.