Music therapy in oncology: a new project in Canada
 

Author:

Guylaine Vaillancourt, M.A., MTA, GIM fellow

Abstract:
Several Canadian music therapists work in palliative care for adults and children in hospices and hospitals. On the other hand, only a few work in oncology for cancer patients in active treatment. We will examine the integration of music therapy service into a continuum treatment program for inpatients and outpatients in cancer care at a leading metropolitan area hospital in Montréal, (QC) Canada.

Music therapy in oncology is a form of psychotherapy that uses music in preventive, curative and palliative care. Music therapy fosters sensibility and creativity through non-verbal expression that addresses physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects. In oncology, the main objectives are to foster and activate the inner support system, reduce anxiety and physical symptoms, manage pain, facilitate communication, express emotions and provide an aesthetic experience.

Systemic and patient-centered approaches, the McGill’s total pain concept, Kenny’s Field of Play theory and adaptation of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) are integrated as a global approach. GIM principles serve to adjust the musical “dosage” that is to use the appropriate level of musical intensity in order to synchronize to the physical and psychological patient’s state.

Clinical examples using techniques such as improvisation, song writing, culturally sensitive repertoire etc. will be provided. In this setting, both patients and families are seen as being affected by the illness. All are parts of the intervention plan. This dynamic sonore is like a set of musical chimes – one movement resonates to all.

Key words:

music therapy, oncology, Canada

Biographical details:
Guylaine Vaillancourt is a doctoral student in the PhD program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University (USA) under Carolyn Kenny’s mentorship. She has been working in the health field since 1978 as a registered nurse and as a music therapist since 1990. She completed her master’s degree in music therapy (NYU) and is a fellow in Guided Imagery and Music. Since 2001, she is an adjunct teacher in the music therapy undergraduate program at the Université du Québec à Montréal. She is presently the president of the Association québécoise de musicothérapie in Canada and co-editor of the North American region for VOICES: A World Forum for Music Therapy. In 2005 she published a book Musique, musicothérapie et développement de l’enfant. Finally, she is the coordinator for the 2008 Canadian Association for Music Therapy 34th annual Conference in Quebec City.