Possibilities and problems for evidence-based practice in music therapy

The profession of music therapy is increasingly called upon to demonstrate its necessity and effectiveness through the presentation of “evidence” from research findings (Edwards, 2002; Vink & Bruinsma, 2003). Music therapists need to bear in mind the issues that surround this requirement for evidence to assist in giving consideration to various kinds of research and their applications, as well as to inform the creation of new posts in clinical settings. This paper proposes to make a further contribution to the discussion about evidence. The paper: (a) provides an overview of evidence-based approaches, including types of evidence, (b) discusses current debates about the implementation of evidence-based practice that have concerned researchers, including music therapists, and (c) considers how music therapists working in medical contexts and related areas might thoughtfully address the principles of this approach when information is requested of them. It is hoped that other practitioners in the creative arts therapies can consider and use this information.