Abstract: Arns, Bronte; Thompson, Grace A Music therapists are often members of teams within multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary frameworks, and occasionally, also form discipline-specific teams. Whilst research literature on collaboration between music therapists and other professions is growing, there is a lack of understanding around the varied experiences of music therapists in transdisciplinary teams. It is vital that music therapists are aware of the challenges and benefits of collaborative practice to promote professional growth and develop practice alongside colleagues. This study is set at a transdisciplinary, specialist school for students with autism. To explore the lived experience of the music therapy team and the factors informing their practice, a qualitative, phenomenological approach was taken, with data collected through semi-structured interviews. Results revealed three professional issues for music therapists in transdisciplinary teams: 1) supporting students in non-music therapy programs, 2) building collaborative and trusting relationships with support staff, and 3) the benefits and challenges of working in both group and individual programs. Implications for transdisciplinary team leaders were: 1) the preferred styles of professional learning, 2) the importance of peer support in building resilience, and 3) the value of diversity and creativity in the collaborative team space. Viewing these themes through a systems theory lens revealed interactive, yearly practice cycles, highlighting the professional responsibilities of each group necessary to ensuring an innovative, collaborative and supportive team culture. The findings of this study begin to illuminate the experience of music therapy teaming and learning, and how music therapists may make positive contributions within a transdisciplinary school setting.
Abstract: Fuller, Allison M; McLeod, Roxanne G The use of real-time video conferencing platforms in providing health and therapeutic services is increasing, bringing potential access, financial, and time advantages. Music therapy services are beginning to enter this space and are exploring the efficacy of interventions delivered through these platforms. Due to an opportunity to undertake a collaborative teleintervention project with children with hearing loss and their families, a need was identified to consider how this technology could be used in group settings. This led to the development of the Connected Music Therapy Teleintervention Approach (CoMTTA) which incorporates the following four areas: 1) delivery models; 2) session plan framework; 3) technology practice features and 4) additional considerations. In this paper, the features of CoMTTA are detailed and explored through the description of implemented delivery models, the author practitioners' observations, and evaluative feedback received from participating families and collaborating service provider staff. Benefits highlighted by this initial implementation of CoMTTA include accessibility to services not available to families in their location, reduced isolation experienced by families in rural and remote areas, and an observed high level of parent/carer-child interaction and parental skill development. Challenges range from technological issues encountered by service providers and families, through to potential obstacles in the development of the therapeutic relationship caused by communication difficulties, further impeded by the hearing difficulties experienced by the children. It is recommended that further practitioner research be undertaken within this field, particularly focused toward group work in order to develop this approach.
Abstract: Bower, Janeen; Sham, Fiona; Gentle, Ellen Functional areas addressed within a best practice multidisciplinary rehabilitation framework typically encapsulate mobility, communication and activities of daily living for stroke survivors. Traditionally reported rehabilitative music therapy interventions contribute to this functional model. This retrospective clinical case describes the retention of musical skills following a severe diffuse bilateral stroke and explores the value of rehabilitating musical skills as a target for functional rehabilitation, in an individual with pre-morbid musical expertise. This case illuminates the concept of a musical recovery bias in a stroke survivor and presents an argument for the consideration of musical skills as an important focus for individuals with pre-morbid musical expertise.
Abstract: Williams, Evan T Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological chronic condition that is more prevalent among older adults. Pharmacological therapies are used with varying success and there are many known adverse side-effects. Studies involving mindfulness-based interventions for PD have reported positive outcomes in alleviating PD-related symptoms, as have music therapy interventions. Regulative Music Therapy is a receptive music therapy method based on the principles of mindfulness, but little is known about its potential as a therapy for treating people with PD. This paper proposes a flexible Regulative Music Therapy guideline for further investigation, adaptation and possible pilot testing by music therapists in the treatment of people with PD. Information from an expert interview was analysed using qualitative content analysis and compared with evidence from the literature on mindfulness as a treatment mode for PD. Key components of this guideline include enabling independent flexible Regulative Music Therapy in the home and facilitating conditions under which participants feel safe, secure and supported in all aspects of the therapy.
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