Abstract
This case study outlines five sessions with patient BA1. BA1 is a 14-year-old female admitted into a partial hospitalization program for mental health issues. Her presenting diagnosis upon admission into the program was Bipolar Disorder, not otherwise specified. However, she also presented with symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa. The goals for BA1 were to moderate mood swings and to decrease self-injurious behavior. For our five sessions, the behaviors of self-harm through cutting and self-induced vomiting were targeted through the creation and listening of several playlists. The literature supports the idea of using preferred music when working with adolescents in a mental health setting. This case study will start with the initial assessment of AB1, followed by how the treatment plan was formed. Outcomes of the treatment plan, stressing the importance of the client-therapist relationship will later be discussed as well as insights formed throughout the process of working with this particular patient.
Keywords: Music Therapy, mental illness, anorexia nervosa, adolescence, preferred music, iso principle
