Guidelines for Music Therapy Practice in Mental Health

Presents the current state of knowledge on the practice of music therapy with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health concerns. Practical guidelines are provided for implementing receptive, improvisational, re-creative, and compositional methods of music therapy with each client group. The guidelines are based on the clinical expertise and the experience of the authors.

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This volume presents the current state of knowledge on the practice of music therapy with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health concerns. This includes individuals with specific psychiatric diagnoses, individuals receiving mental health care in various settings, and individuals who may not have formal diagnoses. Chapters based on diagnostic categories include clients with schizophrenia, PTSD, depression and anxiety, dementias, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, substance use disorders, and juvenile sex offenders. Chapters that focus on particular settings include inpatient psychiatry, psychiatry in the recovery model, foster care children and adolescents, survivors of catastrophic event trauma, correctional and forensic facilities, and adjudicated adolescents. Chapters on clients without a formal psychiatric diagnoses include individuals who have experienced developmental trauma (not PTSD), health care professionals suffering from burnout, professional musicians with health concerns, individuals pursuing self-development and wellness, and individuals with spiritual needs or goals. Practical guidelines are provided for implementing receptive, improvisational, re-creative, and compositional methods of music therapy with each client group. The guidelines are based on the clinical expertise and experience of the authors, and a comprehensive and critical review of available literature. All chapters in the book follow the same outline, allowing for easier reading and study. Current resources, readings, and forms are presented.