A Transpersonal Model of Music Therapy: Deepening Practice

An exploration of a transpersonal psychological model and its applicability to all aspects of music therapy practice. Transpersonal therapy encompasses extraordinary and transcendent experiences, modes of spirituality, and human development to states of wholeness and “super sanity.” The book presents basic principles and assumptions of this model and explores in depth the three elements of a transpersonal therapy practice — transpersonal context, content, and method. These elements are applied to music therapy in an effort to deepen practice. Topics covered include:: developing the transpersonal music therapist through mindfulness training; music generated transcendent experiences; and special ethical considerations in transpersonal work. Existing music therapy practices are considered from a transpersonal perspective and applied to a wide spectrum of clients, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, developmental delay, and mental health condition (i.e., eating disorders, addictions, trauma victims). The book is a thorough introduction to the transpersonal model and music therapy practice within it, and adds to the skills and knowledge now required in the official documents of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).