This master thesis examines dialectical behavioral therapy and music therapy in relation to treatment for substance abuse. In particular, this project examines the therapist’s theoretical understanding of issues and skills that need to be treated or enhanced in order to reduce substance abuse, the therapist’s view on which significant issues or skills should be focused on in treatment, and how these are treated or enhanced in practice. Furthermore, the thesis discusses the importance of central differences between dialectical behavioral therapy and music therapy. Finally, the role of music therapy in treatment for substance abuse is evaluated.
The thesis uses a qualitative approach with a foundation in phenomenology. Data was collected through four semi-structured interviews with two music therapists and two dialectical behavior therapists with working experience in treatment for substance abuse. The study includes therapists from Denmark, Norway, and the Faroe Islands. The analysis consists of three components: open coding, commonsense analysis, and a theoretical analysis which functions as a part of the discussion.
The results of this study reveal five central differences between dialectical behavioral therapy and music therapy. Dialectical behavioral therapy uses structured therapy sessions and teaching skills with a predetermined goal. The alliance between therapist and client is defined as a teacher/student relationship. Furthermore, the alliance between therapist and client is perceived as less important and the clients gain new experiences through worksheets outside the therapy setting. Music therapy, on the other hand, uses flexible therapy sessions and musical activities without a predetermined goal. The alliance between music therapist and client is characterized as a friendly relationship. Also, the alliance is perceived as crucial and the client gains new experiences through musical interaction with the therapist.
In the light of the study’s results and theoretical discussion, this thesis argues that music therapy can be used as complementary treatment to dialectical behavioral therapy, but to a higher extent, can also be used as central and independent therapy in treatment for substance abuse.