Side by Side: Partnering with Parents in Early Childhood Music Therapy
Dr. Kirsi Tuomi shares her rich experience as a music therapist, researcher, and attachment-focused family therapist, highlighting the essential role of parents in early childhood music therapy. She reflects on attunement, secure relationships, and empowering parents as co-experts. Dr. Tuomi emphasizes culturally sensitive practices, metallization, and collaborative partnerships that extend beyond the therapy room. Through real-life stories and clinical insights, she offers strategies for including both parents in the therapeutic process, supporting lasting change for children and families.
Resources
Tuomi, K. (2018). Intervention for foster families with young children. imagine, 9(1), 66–68. https://doi.org/ISSN 2153-7879
Tuomi, K. (2021). Nurture and play with foster families. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, 25(4), 20–32. https://doi.org/100028.987.10
Tuomi, K., Ala-Ruona, E., & Oldfield, A. (2017). Literature review of early childhood music therapy between 1990-2012. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v17i2.888
Tuomi, K., Thompson, G., Gottfried, T., & Ala-Ruona, E. (2021). Theoretical perspectives and therapeutic approaches in music therapy with families. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v21i2.2952
About The Interviewee
Dr. Kirsi Tuomi is a board-certified music therapist, attachment-focused family therapist, and researcher based in Finland. With over 25 years of clinical and academic experience, she specializes in early childhood and family music therapy, including the development of the “Nurture and Play” intervention for foster families. Contact: kirsi@wanhankoulunrauha.fi
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2025, May 1). Side by side: Partnering with parents in Early Childhood Music Therapy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz