Music Therapy And Expressive Arts To Promote Self-Awareness And Self-Care In Direct Care Staff: A Phenomenological Inquiry

Direct care staff members who work with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities face a variety of work stressors. Through semi-structured interviews, the purpose of this study was to share the experiences of direct staff members who participated in a series of arts-based trainings focusing on self-care practices. The focus of the intervention was on increasing awareness of self and others, increasing compassionate self-talk, providing information about burnout and resiliency through a balanced model of self-care, connecting with personal values, and self-expression. The results of the phenomenological analysis identified five global meaning units regarding staff’s perspective of direct care work, understanding of self-care, experience in the self-care trainings, and recommendations for future offerings. Limitations of the study were the length of time from participation in the classes to interviews, the small sample size, and difficulties with initial recruitment for interviews. Recommendations are made for music therapists and healthcare facilities for providing self-care training for staff in the workplace. From the findings of this study, the arts can foster connections, create a relaxing atmosphere, provide feelings of relief and calmness, provide unforeseen results, and provide a way for everyone to participate.