Clinical Experience |
| Type of Facility: Published Journal Article, The Harp Therapy Journal, Fall 2000 Location of Research: Silva Vocat Music Gallery , Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Date/Year of Research: Concluded 1999 Contact Information: Sarajane Williams, M.A. Licensed Psychologist Silva Vocat Music Gallery 9 East 3rd Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 Phone: 610-317-8700 Fax: 610-317-8720 www.silvavocat.com www.harptherapy.com This research was carried out by the author, Sarajane Williams, a psychologist who uses her harp in her practice. Ms. Williams wanted to look at the effects of combining the already beneficial effects of harp music with the vibrotactile sensations experienced via a Somatron. Specifically, she allowed patients to experience her harp music vibrotactily by playing it through a portable Somatron table. Twenty five patients aged between 13 and 85 years participated as subjects in this research. Five of the 25 patients were male and 20 were female. Each patient was given the opportunity to receive 30 minutes of live harp music amplified through the Somatron table. The author lists 13 responses provided by the various participants in the study after their experience with vibrotactile harp music. These responses were as follows: localized tension / pain reduction; overall relaxation; increased body awareness / sensation / tingling; “flushed” feeling; floating sensation; feeling energized; sinus drainage; felt like they were dancing; felt restored / nurtured / indulged / protected; positive imagery / associations; affective release; myolclonic release. The author reports that her findings were consistent with the findings reported in other vibroacoustic literature and suggests that more research be conducted in this area. |