Seligman's PERMA model and hero's journey in music therapy

Abstract

The paper presents an application of Campbell's exploration of “monomyth” or hero's journey in music therapy, strongly connected with holistic perspective on the therapeutic pursuit of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment, as presented in Seligman’s model. The method combines the Music to facilitate the alignment with the hero's profound introspection and reconnection with a higher purpose, highlighting the role of positive and meaningful relationships, offering a sense of engagement. The hero experiences are translated in music, with the help of markers, guided by the therapist: the call, entering the unknown, challenges, confrontation, rebirth. The method uses graphical and musical elements, proposed by the therapist, and developed by the client, accompanied and encouraged to identify the stages of his/ her journey. This intervention encourages active participation, allowing the client to fully immerse themselves in each stage of the Hero’s Journey, using sound as both an expressive and healing tool.