Reflections of receiving music therapy in Thailand: A phenomenological case study of an adult with chronic mental illness

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of a Thai adult living with chronic mental illness who receives music therapy from a music therapist in Thailand. Purposive sampling and an online semi-structured interview were conducted for this study. The participant (Nam) is a Thai female adult who was diagnosed with depression. Music therapy was very helpful for Nam in many areas, such as being an emotional outlet and a channel for self-reflection. Music was like a friend to Nam that embraced her in every situation and made her relationship with the therapist grow stronger. On the other hand, the music therapist was an influential person who supported her from the very beginning until Nam found her self-worth and could be independent again.