Music with displaced dyads: Ukrainian parents’ perspectives on a music therapy group

The war in Ukraine has caused a major humanitarian crisis, compelling many citizens, particularly children, to flee and seek refuge in other nations. Numerous studies have highlighted the significant impact of parenting practices in either mitigating or exacerbating the effects of mass trauma on children’s ability to adapt. Particularly, music therapy has shown promise in addressing trauma and displacement, with multiple studies demonstrating its potential benefits. The current study explores the experience of parent-child dyads displaced from Ukraine (as perceived by parent-participants and group-leader), who took part in an eight-week music therapy group intervention. The project sought to create effective protocols in collaboration with the displaced community. The current work focuses on the qualitative aspect of the project. Semi-structured interviews were conducted both with the parent-participants as well as with the music therapy group-leader. A thematic analysis of all data revealed four central themes: (A) The music space as a safe haven; (B) A gentle, attuned approach enabling parental leadership; (C) Emerging group cohesion and community; and (D) Music as a catalyst for developmental change. This study highlights how structured, trauma-informed music therapy facilitates emotional regulation and resilience in displaced parent-child dyads by integrating predictable musical routines with improvisational play. Through co-regulation, shared musical engagement, and the creation of a safe, attuned group environment, music emerged as a powerful medium for fostering connection, empowerment, and developmental recovery in the aftermath of trauma.

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