Applying Integral Thinking to Music Therapy Education

Abstract

Educating music therapy students is a complex task as a result of laws and regulations, professional biases, and a desire to produce students who will be competent and thoughtful music therapists. The purpose, or outcome, of this article is to outline a curriculum re-design implementing Integral Thinking in Music Therapy (ITMT) as applied to the academic and clinical aspects of two university music therapy training programs in the United States. The history and philosophy of ITMT are explained to give context to this approach. An overview of the innovative curriculum design and teaching resources are included for direct implementation of experiences into the classroom. Recommendations include the uses of ITMT in music therapy education as well as possible limitations to this pedagogical approach.

Keywords

• music therapy education; integral thinking in music therapy