Case Cameo
‘Charlotte’s (aged 14) struggle in residential care was marked by violence and opposition. Abandoned by her family, abused, isolated and alone she felt that no-one understood what it was like for her. She transferred her hatred to all adults. Counter-transferences confounded and reinforced dysfunction. Charlotte was diagnosed borderline personality disorder as a result.
During individual Music Therapy, Charlotte slowly began to express herself through poetry and music. She wanted others to understand how she felt, but was understandably terrified at the prospect of telling. The Music Therapist ‘held in motion’ Charlotte’s processes, intuiting need and balancing potential costs / benefits of public expression. Empowered and supported Charlotte found the right time. She sang her heart out during a Midsummer production. Charlotte brought the audience to tears. Finally they understood!
Charlotte went on to create a CD of 11 songs, each one a projection of a previously confused and chaotic inner world. Empowered by emotional expression and emotional intelligence, Charlotte stopped acting out. She was coming to terms with herself and her world. Charlotte’s angst was not denied, nor was it left to fuel dysfunction. Rather, it was expressed, acknowledged and understood, then positioned in a place that was real but allowed Charlotte to move on and develop herself constructively. Charlotte had begun to develop balance between her feelings, thoughts, behaviours and sensations / instincts within her life context.’