Professional Supervision Among Music Therapists: A Survey

Abstract

Abstract Following completion of formal clinical training, music therapists may choose to seek professional supervision to stimulate and support their professional development. The American Music Therapy Association and Certification Board for Music Therapists assert that music therapists are responsible for seeking supervision when needed. However, no means of accountability for music therapists or standard of training for music therapy supervisors exist. Little is known about the current rate of music therapists’ participation in professional supervision or their experiences therein. For this study, a 38-item survey was disseminated to credentialed music therapists. A total of 339 (39%) of 875 music therapist respondents participated in professional supervision; 231 (68%) of those were supervised by a music therapist; and about 100 (43%) of those supervisors used music in supervision. Most participants felt comfortable addressing cultural issues within supervision. Almost 75% of participants believed there should be a formalized training program to become a professional music therapy supervisor, 47% believed there should be a required credential to provide music therapy supervision, and 67% believed music therapists should be required to receive supervision. Concerns about standardizing the supervision process were shared. Recommendations include providing an incentive for participation in supervision, offering accessible options of supervision, and further research into music therapists’ needs and experiences in supervision.