An integrative model for music therapy: Balancing reductionism and explanation

Although my own training was initially eclectic and then psychodynamically informed, I have committed to honouring multiple models of music therapy practice in my teaching and writings. Over several years I have experimented with the development of a diagrammatic model of music therapy practice. It first came about because some students found it challenging to think about which approach they were adhering to, and why, in their practicum work. Students often started by copying their supervisor’s actions – beginning with musical techniques – and then overlaid some theoFig. 1. The four quadrants of the integrative music therapy model. retical nuances when presenting the work for case reports or other university assignments. I frequently perceived a gap in students’ conceptualisation of some ofthe major models of work,and the link with practice. I have therefore drafted this model to help students place their work within a framework of practice relevant to major models of music therapy work.