This book invites readers to rediscover the guitar and its therapeutic power. It explores the experience of vibrations, materials, postures, and the movements of strumming and plucking – as well as the guitar’s special resonance in the therapeutic relationship.
The focus is on questions about the symbolic meaning of the guitar, its role as an (self-) object in therapy, and its function in the process of mentalization. Numerous case examples from music therapy practice illustrate the theory and show how the guitar can be effectively used in therapy.
This book opens a dialogue with the guitar in the psychotherapeutic context. The guitar is not only seen as a musical instrument, but as a psychodynamically effective object – an instrument that resonates with vibrations, postures, and emotions, reflects inner states, and enables genuine encounters.
The author explores the various dimensions of the guitar: from its historical development and the sensory, physical experience of its vibrations to its emotional and symbolic significance. She combines psychodynamic theories and the concept of mentalization with concrete case examples from music therapy practice. These vivid illustrations bring the theoretical content to life and show the guitar’s therapeutic potential in all its complexity.
The book is aimed at professionals in psychotherapy and psychosocial fields who work with creative, body-oriented, and symbolic approaches. It also addresses anyone interested in the connection between musical instruments, the body, and the psyche.
The guitar is presented as a powerful, sensory-symbolic medium in therapeutic work. The book offers well-founded insights for deepening therapeutic practice – and invites readers to encounter the guitar as a bridge between inner and outer experience, between body and soul, and between therapist and client.
„Il y a un mystère de la guitare! Si l’on sait l’apprivoiser on peut tout faire avec elle ... Guérir des malades, tuer des bienportants, sauver des pécheurs. [...] La guitare détient un secret. On peut tout lui faire dire. On peut raconter son amour, pleurer son angoisse ou rire sa joie. Tout le monde comprend la guitare. Elle convainc.“
(Michel del Castillo)
Prof. Dr. phil. Heike Plitt
Jg. 1977, Gitarristin (Musikstudium Folkwang Hochschule), analytische Musikpsychotherapeutin und Lehrmusiktherapeutin (DMtG), systemische (Familien)-Therapeutin und zertifizierte Paartherapeutin (DGFS), sowie Paar- und Familienberaterin (BAG-EFL/ Master of Counseling). Sie ist Mitglied der Ethikkommission (DMtG) und Sprecherin der Interessensgruppe MBT-Paare im Berufsverband Mentalisierungsbasierte-Therapie (MBT D-A-CH). Sie leitet die psychologische EFL-Beratungsstelle für Paar-, Familien und Lebensfragen in Ahaus und ist seit 04/25 Professorin an der International University am Standort Münster.
Link zum Praxis- und Forschungsprojekt:
Startseite - Forschungs- und Praxisprojekt: music - relations
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