Therapy as Empowerment: Clinical and Political Implications of Empowerment Philosophy in Mental Health Practises of Music Therapy

Abstract

In this article the clinical and political implications of empowerment philosophy are elaborated with music therapy practices in mental health services as the point of departure. The concept and the philosophy of empowerment are discussed through a review of literature from community psychology, sociology and feminist psychology. Empowerment is connected to a resource-oriented perspective on music therapy that implies a focus upon the client's strengths and potentials and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and equality in the relationship between therapist and client.