ABSTRACT
The experiences of the music process enhance and strengthen the self and the contact functions. The child experiences a feeling of mastery. Joining with the child's rhythm as therapists play their music is probably the most significant part of this process. The music is a vehicle for safe expression. Often when a child plays a particular feeling, therapists go deeper into that feeling. Knowing something about the child is helpful for creating stories—though there are many universal feelings and situations that therapists can all relate to. The children come up with many creative ideas to add to the experience. One child, only 6 years old, suggested that therapists do a continuation story and play music for each other. If a child is unable to sustain contact, not much therapy can take place. Contact involves the ability to be fully present in the moment, and making use of one's contact functions to make this possible.
