Children, war and trauma

Children, War and Trauma

Approach and Methodology
The approach is that of a general musical/creative arts intervention, related in its methods to educational and community work rather than clinical music therapy, but nevertheless with a “therapeutic” orientation. The children work in groups of 10 to 12, led by two social workers or psychologists. Sessions involve rhythmic and instrumental work, singing, movement and creative work. There is strong evidence that musical experience – singing, playing, moving and listening – has a directly regulating effect on some of the physiological symptoms of PTSD, for example, increased heart rate, heart rate variability, marginally raised blood pressure, respirational difficulties, dysregulation of the hormonal stress system and disturbed movement repertoires, including both sluggishness and hyperactivity.

The children suffer from distressing dreams, feelings of helplessness, avoidance of thoughts and feelings, outbursts of anger and difficulty concentrating. Other symptoms are extreme unhappiness, humiliation, grief, mourning, sadness, lack of self-esteem, lack of trust and also anger.

Our work with the children helps them deal with a variety of aspects of personal and social damage and loss among which the symptoms of PTSD play a role.