Lived experiences of music therapist-mothers: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological analysis was to learn more about how music therapist-parents experience their dual roles, how these roles might influence one another, and to identify key issues associated with successfully maintaining them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three practicing music therapist-parents, in which participants shared their experiences of their dual roles. The results of these interviews suggest that the roles of music therapist and parent are intertwined and reciprocally influential; both deepening and enriching one another, but also introducing conflict and complication. A total of 11 themes emerged from the data. Themes surrounding the effects on parenting included a) mindful musical parenting, b) strengths-based resource-oriented parenting, c) socially aware parenting, and d) use of therapeutic skill and knowledge in the parenting role. Themes related to effects on the therapist role included a) strengthening of the therapist-client relationship, b) increased perspective and empathy for the client experience, and c) use of parenting skill and knowledge in the clinical space. Themes related to the challenges of managing dual roles included a) logistical challenges, b) financial challenges, c) psychological challenges, and d) ethical challenges.