The Conjoint Use of Social Work and Music Therapy in Working with Children of Cancer Patients

Abstract

Describes the collaborative approach of social work and music therapy (MT) in working with the children (aged 18 yrs and younger) and families of adult cancer patients. The direction that the conjoint use of social work and MT takes is dependent on factors such as the age of the children, the stage of the parent's illness, the type of family unit, and the religious or cultural background. Three case studies involving 5 3-9 yr old children illustrate these factors. Methods of intervention and their significance and the determination of criteria for inclusion of a family in this dual approach are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).