Affiliations: New York Institute of Technology, Occupational Therapy
Department, School of Health Professions, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000,
Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000, USA. Tel.: +1 516 686 3863; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: In this case study, a young women who has chronic verbal, emotional,
and physical abuse and was exposed to repetitive adult acts of abuse as a child
initially presented with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) marked by
constriction and disconnection, which resulted in her feeling passive and
tortured. As part of her occupational therapy intervention, based on the
occupational adaptation, psychoanalytic, and recovery frames of reference, she
was able to use her skills as a musician and lyricist to work through her
trauma by performing heavy metal music. She used work to express emotions and
tell and retell her story to audiences eager to hear her. Work helped her
develop an identity that allowed her to be active in the world and reach out to
others through her music. This case study focuses on the intervention – how
music and occupation functioned as a foundation for relieving her PTSD.
