Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a lifelong disorder impacting quality of life for approximately 1% of the population, with standard treatment offering clinically significant improvement for approximately 50% of those receiving care. On-going research indicates a need for additional approaches to caring for individuals with OCD. The purpose of this study was to consolidate evidence and knowledge from scholarly literature to formulate a clear rationale as to why a resource-oriented music therapy approach would be an ideal means of support for adults living with severe OCD when integrated within an interprofessional intensive treatment setting. A philosophical inquiry methodology was employed. Key psychosocial needs of adults living with OCD were identified and organized within three overarching categories: affective, sense of self, and relational. Standard and emerging treatments for OCD were reviewed, identifying affordances and gaps and/or drawbacks within each. Rationale for the integration of additional approaches into current OCD treatments was provided. Subsequently, ways in which the four characteristics of Rolvsjord’s resource-oriented music therapy approach may be realized and integrated within an intensive treatment setting for adults living with severe OCD were described. These include: (a) nurturing strengths, resources and potentials; (b) collaboration rather than intervention; (c) viewing the individual within their context; and (d) viewing music as a health resource. Finally, limitations of the study are presented along with implications for practice and future research.