Cultural Humility in Music Therapy Practice
Jasmine Edwards
Abstract
Music therapy and other related professions are continuing to recognize and prioritize the importance of anti-oppressive work within the myriad of settings where clinicians practice. The ways in which both therapist and client experience oppression and privilege have an impact on the development and nature of the therapeutic relationship. This chapter seeks to demonstrate the importance of considering cultural dynamics within the scope of music therapy practice and works to define cultural humility, as well as the ways in which it may be implemented. The author explores how tenets of trauma-informed practice may be both integrated and challenged by clinicians to provide care that is based in empathic understanding, is equitable and justice-minded, and is inherently anti-racist and anti-oppressive. This chapter utilizes clinical vignettes and offers reflective questions to aid the reader in their investigation of the role of music in cultural identity, community building, social justice, and advocacy.