FAQ

The program was designed by Chantal Desmoulins and Doctor Alain Amouyal. Their research was initiated by spontaneous observations on the distinct impact this contemporary music provoked using the Catharsis technique and the Catharsis Application Program.

After compiling the spontaneous and informal observations from medical colleagues of Dr. Amouyal, they began to collaborate with some of these specialists to define a preliminary protocol for the receptive method with and without drawing.

Doctor Michel G. Mouret, Chief of Infantile Psychiatry at Limoux Hospital, was the first to draw attention to the unique ability of this music to set in motion the unconscious, thereby creating a momentum for change conducive to psychotherapy. Thanks to his original approach in the realm of the symbolic function, he helped them with creating a coding system to analyze and interpret drawings. Through his teaching, they were able to build an original approach in the way analyze and interpret the drawings associated with the receptive music.

From their collaboration with neurobiologist Doctor David Feldman, who developed the audio-psychological treatment for children ages 2 to 6, they were able to build a standard for the listening environment as well as the first research protocol.

They were fortunate to work with Doctor Jacqueline Verdeau-Pailles, whose professional background includes Head of the University of Bordeaux Clinic & Doctor in Chief of the Mental Health Sector of Carcassone, music therapist, lecturer at the University of Paris 5 René Descartes, and Vice President of the French Association for Music Therapy. They worked together on the tests for musical receptivity and verbal response to music listening. Their protocols were enriched with her use of the Catharsis Technique music with some of her psychiatric patients.

For over 25 years their continued collaboration with Dr. Duclaud at his outpatient psychiatric clinic for women allowed them to refine our understanding of the effects of this music and reinforced the importance and necessary rigor needed to be applied to the framework of the sessions.

The protocol is based on an original music that has been tested for years in a variety of therapeutic settings. In traditional music therapy, one chooses a type of music that seems appropriate for the Patient's current mental/emotional state. To accomplish this one must have a broad musical knowledge in the fields of classical, modern, jazz, pop and world music as well as knowing the effects generally associated with each musical genre. The practitioner determines whether the person needs to be relaxed or energized or secured etc. to achieve a therapeutic effect. This process requires a lot of work!

With the graphic expression under musical induction method, the process is different from the conventional music therapy practice. We provide a psychotherapeutic framework where the practitioner follows the programmatic music with associated resonating themes while allowing the patient to express their relationship with the music through art. The interest and uniqueness of this method lies in the hypothesis that music allows the establishment of the first element of communication, plays a revealing role as a catalyst for emotions, and stimulates creative imagination.

In summary, the clients undergo a process of drawing while listening to uniquely inspired musical selections designed to take them on a journey through their inner terrain. Resonating with one’s inner music prompts the emergence of repressed personal experiences. The action of drawing allows participants to express what they otherwise may not be able to put into words.

The data gathered through this program will be analyzed with respect to the rule of confidentiality. From the final assessment, you'll be able to enhance the therapeutic process based on your own clinical orientation. We recommend that you share your observations with your patients allowing them to gain insight into their process.

If you are interested in contributing to our ongoing research, we ask that you agree to allow us access to your data for academic and educational research purposes only. In all cases, the data received will be anonymous and contain no personally identifying information.

The music used in the program is original musical compositions designed by Dr. Alain Amouyal from France. This music has been used for three decades by many practitioners such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and speech therapists, with the purpose to encourage the emergence of repressed experiences and the healing of emotional wounds.

The method can be applied and is beneficial for children 6 years old through adulthood.

CAP Fundamental training
Module A
The curriculum covers basic principles, protocols and procedures for the implementation of CAP in a therapeutic setting while exploring the benefits associated with artistic mediation in psychotherapy, counseling or speech therapy.

CAP Advanced training
Module B, C, D
You will be able to master the criteria needed for the analysis and interpretation of data collected during the graphic expression under musical induction sessions. This training is open to practitioners who have initiated the program with patients since the emphasis of the training is to sharpen your ability in identifying numerous criteria on a set of drawings completed by your own patients.

CAP Training of CAP Trainers
The goal of this training is to strengthen the theoretical and practical skills of a certified CAP facilitator to become a Certified CAP Trainer. Those interested in becoming a trainer must express a desire and commitment to share their knowledge with fellow practitioners through teaching.