Katherine MobergApr 13 7:26pm
Discussion 14.1 – Sand Tray Therapy
Reaction to Session
I thought the session went well. The therapist did a good job on explaining the concept of sand tray therapy to the client and allowed her plenty time to pick her objects and set up her sand tray. I also think that the therapist asked appropriate questions to the client to get her to think more about the objects she selected for her tray, and why. It helped the client identify the important, positive things in her life, and how they are a priority over some of the negative things she identified. Overall, I thought the session was productive. I completed my own sand tray approximately 2 years ago, and I found it extremely helpful so I think that all therapists should be trained in sand tray, or be able to refer to a therapist that does so.
Applicability
In my future practice as a PMHNP, I don’t foresee being able to complete sand tray therapy. However, if I have a client that is struggling with self-esteem, interpersonal conflicts, or trauma, I would refer them to a therapist who completes sand tray therapy. In fact, in the same building as my psychotherapy preceptor is a therapist who is trained in sand tray, so I would refer clients there. Sand tray can be used as a healing tool and allows clients to express their interpersonal thoughts and emotions, which is often difficult to express in regular talk therapy (Good Therapy, 2020). I think knowing that additional resources are available for clients outside of medication management and psychotherapy will assist me in being better as a PMHNP.
Derek DavisApr 13 10:51am
Manage Discussion
Session notes
In this session, the therapist used music to help children with disabilities express themselves through the art of music. Music was the catalyst that allowed these children to be able to connect with other individuals, whether they were outsiders or family members. It was hard to note any behavioral observations from the short clip. It would have been better to see if any of these clients were agitated before the session and then see if there were behavioral changes once the music was introduced.
Reaction to session
I felt this was a great demonstration of the use of music therapy; I wish the video were a bit longer to see some more reactions from the clients. As mentioned above, it would have been beneficial to see a before and after of the clients once music was introduced. Music therapy is an excellent choice in understanding an individual’s developmental capacity and what they can comprehend and allowing them to be expressive (Wheeler, 2020). Music therapy can be supportive and balancing for those with neurological diseases, as well as another study showed it to be relaxing for pre-term infants (Kobus et al., 2022). The pre-term infants showed improved behavioral changes, and vital signs such as heart rate and respirations once music therapy was introduced (Kobus et al., 2022). I loved how the family reacted with one another during the session, it is clear to see how this can mend or strengthen a relationship especially with other family members.