Music Therapy: An Evidence-based Allied Health Service Applicable Through the Life Span

Abstract

In music therapy the complexity of music meets the complexity of the patient or client with fluidity, grace, and inspiration. The therapist plays many roles during music therapy including as a responder in music making, and as the person who reflects upon and processes what is happening for themselves and between themselves and the client as the music therapy sessions evolve. The music therapist is responsible for devising the music therapy procedures in consultation with the client where possible, engaging the process of therapy, and evaluating and reporting the outcomes of the therapy to other members of the team, to the client, and to the family and carers where applicable. The skills of the music therapist in communicating and relating with the client in therapy practice, and advising and reporting the outcomes is key to developing and maintaining practice competence.