Considerations for Therapeutic Boundaries When Using the Intimate Medium of Music

Abstract

Conventional understanding of therapeutic boundaries is a common concept present across a range of health care practices. Many therapists in music and health care work adopt these ideals to govern their ethical behaviour in practice. For some therapists, these practices may still be extremely appropriate. However, music practitioners working in newer therapeutic models or more contemporary contexts, such as community music therapy, may value a much more intuitive and reflexive approach to boundaries. In addition, the influence of culture and context are also important, as well as the impact of music. Music practitioners experience powerful moments of connection through music making with people. Music is a medium that invites intimate and personal interactions, and should also be considered in the context of therapeutic boundaries. The new term musical intimacy may help therapists to be aware of the intimate nature of making music with people and the potential vulnerabilities that it can reveal. In addition, this may encourage therapists to explore and reflect upon the boundary complexities that can be present when using music in health and well-being work.