Integration of Musical Monodrama and Empty Chair Technique: A Multidimensional Intervention Approach for Depression

Jialu Qin

doi:10.54254/2753-7048/2025.NS29342

Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public MediaOpen access

Integration of Musical Monodrama and Empty Chair Technique: A Multidimensional Intervention Approach for Depression

Research Article

Open Access

Integration of Musical Monodrama and Empty Chair Technique: A Multidimensional Intervention Approach for Depression

Jialu Qin ^1*

¹ Chongqing University

^*Corresponding author: 240319540@qq.com

Published on 11 November 2025

LNEP Vol.114

ISSN (Print): 2753-7056

ISSN (Online): 2753-7048

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-511-0

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-512-7

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Abstract

Depression is a complex disorder triggered by biological, neurological, social, and psychological factors. Traditional treatments such as pharmacotherapy (e.g., SSRIs) and psychotherapy (e.g., CBT) face limitations including side effects, resistance, and reliance on verbal expression. Music therapy, as a non-pharmacological intervention, offers novel potential by modulating brain function through soundwave vibrations and emotional resonance. This paper proposes integrating musical monodrama, a psychodrama technique, with the empty chair method from Gestalt therapy to create a multidimensional intervention for depression. The study addresses three questions: (1) how to externalize emotional conflicts through musical role-dialogue; (2) the mechanisms in improving cognition and behavior; and (3) clinical feasibility. The three-phase design includes pre-treatment assessment, four-step intervention, and continuity interventions. Advantages include bypassing defenses, externalizing self-aggressive emotions, and forming a therapeutic chain from catharsis to cognitive-behavioral change. The approach also reduces stigma in East Asian contexts. Future research should validate neural mechanisms and explore digital personalization.

Keywords:

Depression, music therapy, psychodrama, empty chair technique, cognitive restructuring

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References

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[2]. World Health Organization. (2019) International classification of diseases for mortality and morbidity statistics (11th Revision). World Health Organization. https: //icd.who.int/

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[5]. Kletter, H., Matlow, R., Tanovic, S., & Carrion, V. (2021) Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 8(3): 125140.

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[9]. Cai, F. (2022) The Application of the Gestalt Theory in Music Psychotherapy for Piano. Occupational Therapy International, 2022(1): 2119111.

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References

[1]. American Psychiatric Association. (2013) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

[2]. World Health Organization. (2019) International classification of diseases for mortality and morbidity statistics (11th Revision). World Health Organization. https: //icd.who.int/

[3]. De Bellis, M. D., & Thomas, L. A. (2003) Biologic findings of post-traumatic stress disorder and child maltreatment. Current psychiatry reports, 5(2): 108-117.

[4]. Nakagawa, Y., & Chiba, K. (2014) Role of microglial m1/m2 polarization in relapse and remission of psychiatric disorders and diseases. Pharmaceuticals, 7(12): 1028-1048.

[5]. Kletter, H., Matlow, R., Tanovic, S., & Carrion, V. (2021) Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 8(3): 125140.

[9]. Cai, F. (2022) The Application of the Gestalt Theory in Music Psychotherapy for Piano. Occupational Therapy International, 2022(1): 2119111.

Cite this article

Qin,J. (2025). Integration of Musical Monodrama and Empty Chair Technique: A Multidimensional Intervention Approach for Depression. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,114,27-34.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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Volume title: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on International Law and Legal Policy

ISBN: 978-1-80590-511-0(Print) / 978-1-80590-512-7(Online)

Editor: Renuka Thakore, Abdullah Laghari

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Conference date: 17 October 2025

Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media

Volume number: Vol.114

ISSN: 2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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