Searching for the unknown: A case study with a young woman suffering from music performance anxiety

Abstract

This case study is based on a psychodynamically-oriented music therapy service comprising 17 therapy sessions throughout 11 months with a 19-year-old woman suffering from music performance anxiety. The main therapy method used throughout this work was the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music which enabled to find, recognise and reactivate the client’s anxiety-producing experiences, to become conscious of them, to accept them, to work through them, and finally to integrate the new aspects and strengths that grew from these experiences into the client’s current life. The outcome of the therapy process shows its effectiveness in lowering performance anxiety and anxiety in general (measured before and after the therapy and during a six-month follow-up), decreasing psychosomatic problems as well as improving self-esteem and self-confidence, and a better sense of control.