Music therapy works…but how do music therapists assess it? Experiences from practitioners.

Abstract

The interest in music therapy assessment arises out of the profession’s need to evidence effectiveness, a priority that has become even more relevant in today’s economic climate. Considerable debate surrounds how best to conduct assessments, reflecting differing epistemological orientations within music therapy. A review of the literature on assessments in the fields of music therapy, research methodology, psychology and international development reveals varying perspectives on what constitutes credible knowledge.

Given the author’s background in monitoring and evaluation in international development, this trainee research project seeks to document practitioners’ experience with using or developing assessment measures. Three music therapists with an experience of developing or adapting assessment measures were interviewed, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. It was found that a wide range of criteria beyond notions of reliability and validity were considered to ensure the tool’s credibility. Faced with pragmatic concerns, therapists were acutely aware that information can be lost during assessment, yet they navigated this creatively to develop a “good enough” tool that aligns with the important values in music therapy. Therapists also reported benefiting from the process, gaining clarity around their work and reflexivity around evidence. This highlights the need for more documentation of practitioners’ experiences with assessment in the field.