Defining music therapy: integrating the Chinese perspective and the United States-influenced model of music therapy

Abstract

This present study stems from my interest in the definition of music therapy in China, resulting from both my seven years of training in the United States and my personal Chinese background. While initially investigating the development of music therapy in China, a clear dissonance emerged between the Chinese perspective and the actual model of practice, which is influenced by practice in the United States. The core of this conflict is the philosophical argument of how exactly music therapy is defined. This fundamental disagreement may negatively impact further development of our profession. Thus, in an effort to make suggestions about solving this problem and resolving the discord between these perspectives, the purpose of this paper is to 1) analyze the existing definitions of music therapy in China to determine common principles, and 2) to subsequently suggest a model integrating the Five-element theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the preexisting definitions of music therapy in China. Through investigation and discussion, five essential elements in music therapy are identified, including the therapist, the client, the music, the intervention outcome, and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). Specific suggestions are made based on these elements in an attempt to combine strengths from both the TCM philosophy and the U.S.-influenced Chinese model, which will potentially promote the continued development of music therapy in China.