Current trends in music therapy and pain management

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine music therapy (MT) as it is currently used in the treatment of individuals who are coping with pain. A 36-question survey, offering both multiple choice and short answer questions, was offered to professional music therapists (MT-BC) with clinical experience living and working within the United States (U.S.). Potential survey participants were identified through their membership with the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). A total of 246 music therapists participated in this survey. The majority of respondents (36%) reported utilizing a combination of methods from a variety of MT theoretical perspectives. Fifty-eight percent of respondents indicated that they use music in sessions for the purpose of pain management at least "sometimes," and 93% perceive that the client-therapist relationship, otherwise referred to as the therapeutic relationship, is an extremely important factor in whether MT treatment will be successful in pain management. Ninety-four percent of all respondents admit to collaborating with at least one other type of helping professional, and 91% of respondents believe that interdisciplinary teamwork is very important when working with clients and pain management. Results of this survey indicate that Board-Certified Music Therapists in the U.S. are conducting therapeutic sessions utilizing various MT techniques for pain management, and believe in the necessity of an optimal client-therapist relationship. Implications of the results for clinical practice and future direction of music therapy research are discussed.