MUSIC THERAPY IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE

Book excerpt: In 1976, Donald Michel first published the classic text. Music Therapy, which became the standard textbook at many universities. Music Therapy in Principle and Practice followed in 2005 with coauthor Joseph Pinson and the authors offer here an important updated and expanded new edition. The book combines valuable information from research as a basis for principles along with the realities of hands-on experience as a basis for practice. The text approaches therapy from the position of assessing developmental skills in individuals served. While it includes a significant amount of information regarding diagnosis, the authors also focus on treatment that is based on the needs for habitation and/or rehabilitation that are apparent at the time of assessment. Major topics include philosophical concepts and historical perspectives, professional guidelines, motor skills, protocol planning, communication skills, cognitive skills, social-emotional skills, and an introduction to research. The chapters on managing and coping with anxiety-associated life situations as well as the various types of lifetime developmental skills have been expanded with regard to different populations served and the various strategies that have been found to be effective. The chapter on professional ethics has been expanded and a section on new trends in music therapy complements this new edition. Links to over 300 helpful websites are included. The text will have great appeal to music educators, rehabilitation professionals, practicing and student music therapists, including medical and mental health professionals.