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August 2025

Following extensive research and planning, the second part of my special project focused on the case study which included hands-on implementation and data collection. The client I selected for the eight week case study was a 23-year old client with vision impairment receiving weekly individual music therapy sessions centered on vocal improvisation.

Each session was carefully structured to offer choices and autonomy, allowing the client to engage with the music in ways that felt safest and most meaningful. Using a simple anxiety rating scale (0–5), emotional states were tracked pre- and post-session. During these sessions, consistent reductions in anxiety were reported by the client after each session. Beyond quantitative measures, qualitative session narratives revealed a growing trust between client and therapist. For example, in one session, the client began a vocal improvisation with the phrase, “When mom told me my primary caregiver was not coming today, I felt a tightness in my chest, and a feeling like I was going to cry.” which led to a co-created musical dialogue about unpredictability and feeling overwhelmed. In later sessions, the client appeared more comfortable taking musical risks, initiating new ideas, and expressing complex emotions through both lyrics and instrumental choices.

This clinical case study phase affirmed the potential of music therapy as a unique and adaptable intervention for emotional regulation in this population. It also challenged me to remain flexible, attuned, and recognize that emotional safety is as important as the musical content itself.

The project deepened my appreciation for music’s ability to provide a predictable yet creative outlet, especially for individuals whose sensory worlds require thoughtful adaptation. It was incredibly rewarding to witness moments of expression, connection, and calm emerge through intentional, tailored to the client, shared musical experiences.

Amelia Elbendary

Throughout my internship, I embarked on a special project titled Hearing the Whole Picture: Music Therapy and Emotional Regulation in Individuals with Vision Impairment. This blog post delves into the foundational research and conceptualization that shaped the project’s direction.

From the outset, I was drawn to the question: How can music therapy serve as a bridge to emotional expression and regulation for individuals who navigate the world primarily without sight? Visual impairment often brings sensory challenges beyond vision alone, including heightened vulnerability to anxiety and emotional dysregulation. I sought to create a framework that addressed these interconnected needs.

Immersed in a thorough literature review exploring neurodevelopmental research and existing music therapy models tailored to sensory impairments. I also integrated clinical insights from professionals such as The team at The Music Therapy Center of California and Dr. Hillier, whose expertise helped ground the project in real-world applicability.

This process was essential for building a theoretical foundation that emphasized safety, predictability, and sensory sensitivity. The research process was a powerful learning journey, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and personalized care in music therapy.

  • Amelia Elbendary

During the development of my final internship project, I had the unique opportunity to meet with Dr. Hillier at the San Diego Center for Vision Care. Though our meeting was brief, it was a focused consultation which profoundly influenced how I shaped my approach to working with individuals who have vision impairments.

Dr. Hillier’s expertise in neuro-optometric rehabilitation offered me a rich clinical perspective on the sensory and neurological complexities faced by individuals who have vision impairments. 

He helped me understand how visual processing difficulties can deeply affect emotional regulation and behavioral responses. He emphasized that vision impairment is not merely a matter of “seeing less” but often involves intricate sensory integration challenges that impact how a person experiences the world and manages stress.

What I found especially enlightening was his emphasis on the value of predictability and multisensory support in clinical interventions. This insight encouraged me to think beyond traditional visual or verbal methods and to embrace auditory, tactile, and spatial modalities, perfectly aligned with music therapy’s strengths.This consultation gave me a clearer framework for my special project, Hearing the Whole Picture, where I aimed to integrate these interdisciplinary ideas into a client-centered musical experience. It reminded me that even a single conversation with an expert can open new pathways of understanding, fueling creativity and compassion in clinical work.

  • Amelia Elbendary, MT