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Perspectives on group music therapy encounters with people experiencing homelessness: A narrative inquiry
Shippen, Channing Mary
Shippen, Channing Mary
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2025-05
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Music Therapy
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https://doi.org/10.34944/98pc-6z38
Abstract
This study explores how individuals experiencing homelessness narrate their experiences of group music therapy and what these narratives reveal about their identity reconstruction and self-conception. Grounded in Intersectionality Theory, the research examines how intersecting identities—including race, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status—shape participants’ interactions and therapeutic experiences. Conducted at Room in The Inn (RITI) in Nashville, Tennessee, the study engaged participants in semi-structured interviews following their group music therapy experiences. Using narrative inquiry, the researcher prioritized participants’ voices, co-creating narratives, actively engaging participants within the editing process. Additionally employing in vivo coding to preserve their expressions in cross-case analysis. Thematic analysis revealed how music therapy facilitated identity exploration, within a temporal landscape. Themes of safety, relational connection, and identity reconstruction emerged, underscoring the transformative power of collaborative music-making.
Group music therapy within the shelter context emerged as a liminal space in which participants could reclaim agency, build community, and challenge systemic inequities. These insights advocate for person-centered, inclusive music experiences that align with the complex realities and aspirations of marginalized populations.
In terms of service provision and intervention development, this study highlights the potential of arts-based programming to address the psychological and social challenges people with homelessness face and provides a foundation for designing socially just, empathetic interventions that empower individuals and amplify their voices.
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