Moments of fun: Narratives of children’s experiences of music therapy in mental health care

Introduction Mental health issues in children involve complexities and life challenges for the child their families. Music therapy as part of treatment mental care focuses on interaction communication through music, with emphasis children’s resources. There is a small, but growing amount research field music care.Method This qualitative study explored own experiences at hospital. was done multiple case design, including semi- structured interviews seven participant observations. A narrative approach informed by “portraiture” used analysis process order to highlight non-dominant allow modalities presentation findings.Findings The were expressed various modalities. These displayed narratives representing core interview each particular child. word fun became prominent emerging theme across cases.Discussion In expressions, seemed be container experiences, rich variations meanings. Through thorough attention this actions before, after while they spoke, multidimensional meanings emerged. listening proved an essential children, not mere entertainment, something existential importance great therapeutic potentials.