| Summary: | This study explores the role of non-verbal communication in music therapy sessions with a client diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Grounded in the principles of embodied cognition, kinesthetic empathy, and non-verbal communication, the research examines how the therapist and client engage in synchronized movement and embodied interaction to establish a therapeutic alliance. The study utilizes qualitative thematic analysis based on therapist interviews and my personal observations from therapy sessions conducted during May-September 2022.
Individuals with ASD often experience challenges related to emotional regulation, social interaction, and communication, all of which can impact overall well-being. Non-verbal communication has been identified as a crucial tool for enhancing language skills and social engagement in children with ASD. Furthermore, there is growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of creative arts therapies, such as music therapy and dance-movement therapy, in facilitating therapeutic connections. Research suggests that synchronized movement, kinesthetic empathy, and embodied cognition play essential roles in the development of therapeutic relationships.
Findings from this study indicate that non-verbal communication, particularly kinesthetic empathy and embodied cognition, is central to fostering trust and emotional connection in therapy. Through shared movement and musical engagement, the therapist and client developed a dynamic, reciprocal interaction that supported emotional expression and non-verbal communication. The therapist’s embodied presence emerged as a key factor in creating a safe therapeutic space, enabling the client to progress from cautious participation to confident and expressive musical interaction.
In addition, the study highlights the need for integrating kinesthetic empathy training into music therapy education, aligning it more closely with embodied therapeutic approaches such as dance-movement therapy. The therapist in this study initially found it difficult to recognize kinesthetic empathy due to a lack of prior training. Given its significance in fostering therapeutic attunement, incorporating kinesthetic empathy into music therapy curricula could enhance therapists' ability to engage with clients on a deeper, non-verbal level. While kinesthetic empathy is a fundamental component of dance-movement therapy education, its inclusion in music therapy training remains limited.
Ultimately, the findings contribute to the broader discourse on autism-focused creative arts interventions, emphasizing the importance of non-verbal modalities in supporting emotional regulation and interpersonal connection in therapeutic settings.
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