Special Project Part 1 – Foundations of Hearing the Whole Picture
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
