Music Listening Group Analysis
Unable to be present the previous week due to illness, I anticipated to observe a sea of new faces during music therapy. My expectation was put to rest once music listening group began, and I recognized most of the patients who had been present two weeks ago. This realization was bitter-sweet—naturally, I desire for the patients to improve in their symptoms and get to the point of recovery that they can be reintegrated into the community, but at the same time, it is comforting to see familiar faces. Music listening group was relatively small, with approximately six patients in attendance. The group started off smoothly, until the second patient requested an Albanian song. After listening to the foreign song, one of the patients indicated that he perceived the singer to be a “buffoon” due to the style of singing. Kristin immediately asserted her leadership role, and reined in the patient. She expressed to the patient that, although it is appropriate to have diverse opinions, it is also crucial to keep the opinions respectful. Through her actions, Kristin was able to block the ill-mannered remark of the patient while explaining to the patient the importance of respecting fellow group members; this ability
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Had the patient been more aware of cultural differences, he may not have made the same remark as he would have understood that different cultures value distinct styles of music. Kottler and Brew emphasized cultural understanding and competency in the therapist (Kottler & Brew, 2003); however, when this skill is translated to a group therapy setting, the most vital aspect is to ensure that group members are also culturally competent as positive group cohesion has been shown to benefit individual members’ feelings of hope and well-being (Marmarosh, Holtz, & Schottenbauer,
Had the patient been more aware of cultural differences, he may not have made the same remark as he would have understood that different cultures value distinct styles of music. Kottler and Brew emphasized cultural understanding and competency in the therapist (Kottler & Brew, 2003); however, when this skill is translated to a group therapy setting, the most vital aspect is to ensure that group members are also culturally competent as positive group cohesion has been shown to benefit individual members’ feelings of hope and well-being (Marmarosh, Holtz, & Schottenbauer,