Bruscia’s clinical techniques for improvisational music therapy in autism research: A scoping review

Abstract

This scoping review explores Bruscia’s (1987) clinical techniques for improvisational music therapy as they relate to music therapy in autism research to determine the most commonly used clinical techniques in music therapy with clients with autism. The work was undertaken as a preliminary step in a pilot study to explore how the techniques can be represented in terms of individual ways of playing, musical relationships; and how the use of the techniques impacts the participant’s experience of musical connection, influence, and expression. To be included in the screening, the research articles had to employ improvisational music therapy with clients with autism, and label the techniques used, or provide a clear description of them. In addition, it was required that articles were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Based on the qualitative thematic analysis, currently the most commonly used clinical improvisation techniques with autistic clients are as follows: imitating, reflecting, synchronising, extending, symbolising, holding, incorporating, and rhythmic grounding.