Resources & references

Informed by personal experiences, queer autoethnographic research, and literature from the fields of speech-language pathology, vocal pedagogy and music therapy, this paper is an introduction to gender affirming voicework in music therapy, the training that it might involve, and several questions/issues that need further exploration. As a new holistic method grounded in a queer theoretical framework, the author envisions this work to be a therapeutic space focused on accessing and embodying affirming gender expressions by working with the intersections of the physical voice, the psychological voice, and the body as these each become relevant to an individual.

Jim Borling, a renowned practitioner and leading trainer of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), explains how this approach has profoundly shaped his life and the lives of others through its influence on the psychosocial, emotional, biological, and spiritual dimensions of therapy.

The discipline of music therapy is practiced differently across the globe and over the years, in all regions of the world, the number of music therapy training programs has expanded. This article focuses on the challenges and issues faced by the discipline of music therapy and health in general, based on the analysis of systemic issues in education and training, social issues, and significant issues such as multiculturalism, equity, and race around the world.

Read a study exploring the experiences of new music therapists using the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery in Music (GIM) as a form of supervision. A central theme of emerging professional identity was identified, and results indicated that GIM can be a supportive form of professional supervision for new music therapists.

This article describes the development and implementation of the Grief Song-Writing Process (GSWP) with bereaved adolescents. Details of this protocol are shared, along with five original songs composed for and during the song-writing process.

This qualitative study explored the experiences of informal caregivers of older adults who took part in group telehealth music therapy. Semi-structured interviews with 5 women caregivers were conducted. Through a thematic analysis process, the following themes were identified: (a) affordances of group telehealth music therapy, (b) challenges of group telehealth music therapy, and (c) music as a health resource. Telehealth considerations, clinical implications, as well as ways to support caregiver agency are discussed.

Read an article exploring the use of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music with blind/visually impaired individuals, including the adaptations required for employing this method within this population. 

This book offers a solid foundation for music therapy work with infants and children in pediatric medical settings, combining expert practice insights with a critical review of the existing literature.

This book presents knowledge on medical music therapy, covering work with adult patients across medical units and procedures, including various diseases and disorders.

Read a thesis paper exploring the use of music therapy to target gross motor skills in young children with congenital blindness/visual impairments. Two case studies are presented, and five common themes are explained.

This chapter in the book Therapeutic Uses of Rap and Hip-Hop, details a unique music therapy songwriting program, Hear Our Voices, and the songwriting process of the Little Saints, a group of “at-risk” fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The authors, who were also the music therapists working with this group, discuss the relevance of Hip-Hop culture, and its musical framework, to the music therapy process, and to the success of the program. 
 

Read a study investigating the impact of different music therapy session frequencies on stress, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction in psychiatric inpatients. Results found positive effects in both the lower frequency and the higher frequency groups, with a greater benefit on stress reduction for the higher frequency group.