Sound Decisions: A Theoretically Informed Process Model of Somatic Experiencing for the Integration of Clinical Music Therapy

Abstract

Adults living with unaddressed complex or developmental trauma frequently suffer from intrapersonal and interpersonal challenges resulting from the trauma they experienced early in life. The lasting impacts of unaddressed complex or developmental trauma commonly result in neurodevelopmental and cognitive deficits, nervous system dysregulation, emotional dysregulation, physical health challenges, and painful relational and attachment challenges. Somatic experiencing (SE) is a body-based model of therapy developed by Peter Levine. SE addresses stress and trauma-related symptoms by supporting autonomic nervous system regulation through the completion of previously thwarted protective responses. Research on the effectiveness of SE for complex and developmental trauma is emerging, and clinicians such as psychotherapists, body workers, and social workers have begun integrating SE into their work. There is scant theoretical music therapy literature to guide treatment processes. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a theoretically informed process model of somatic experiencing for the clinical music therapist and to articulate considerations for the integration of music therapy interventions and embedded elements of music to support the outcomes of co-regulation, regulation, and trauma renegotiation and integration for adults addressing complex or developmental trauma. A process model guides the translation of research into practice by describing and depicting practical steps or stages of the research-to-practice process for treatment planning and implementation. To create this process model, a review of trauma related and theoretical literature – the polyvagal theory and attachment theory - was conducted, steps of the research-to-practice process model were described and depicted, and clinical considerations were offered to support a clinical music therapist in treatment planning and implementation. Clinical and research implications are discussed.