American Music Therapy Association

In Northern Uganda, an estimated 25,000 children and adolescents have been forcefully recruited into the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Where there is only one psychiatrist for every 1.3 million people, there is great potential for utilizing music therapy interventions. Through song, lecture, and video narrative, the recent work of the two presenters with LRA child soldier survivors will be illuminated. The workshop will focus on the use of music performance and therapy to address issues of post-traumatic growth, emotional, social, and spiritual development. Music therapy mindfulness techniques and positive psychology approaches will be integrated into experiential music making and discussions.