Open AccessWhat Do Music Therapists Need to Know Before the Disaster Strikes?
Author(s) -
Masako Otera
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
voices
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1504-1611
DOI - 10.15845/voices.v12i1.625
Subject(s) - natural disaster , music therapy , emergency management , stress relief , service (business) , relief work , public relations , psychology , history , medical education , political science , medical emergency , medicine , business , geography , psychotherapist , marketing , law , materials science , meteorology , composite material
The paper discusses required knowledge in preparation for a disaster relief. The author shares her experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake and reviews how she went through the post-disaster phase as a music therapist. The author has made three suggestions for change in music therapy as a disaster relief. First, specific topics on disaster relief should be included in music therapy educational courses. This should cover general information regarding natural and human-made disasters and disaster relief. Second, making connections with related organizations, both the individual and national level is also suggested. Third, the further accumulation of studies on music therapy as a disaster relief service is needed.