MU 509

MPT Diversity & Soc Justice

This course explores equity, diversity, and inclusion as related to the practice of music psychotherapy in a variety of contexts. Through investigation of intersectionality theory and anti-oppressive frameworks, students learn how systemic forces of oppression, power, privilege, and social injustice impact clients’ and communities’ health and wellbeing and affect the therapeutic process. Students learn to integrate knowledge of human diversity into their practice and adapt their clinical approach to best serve clients from diverse backgrounds. Students explore the barriers that affect access to therapeutic services and explore frameworks of cultural competency and cultural humility, applying these to their developing perspectives on music psychotherapy. Students engage in critical reflection surrounding personal experiences, identities, values, worldviews, and attitudes and learn how these factors influence the psychotherapeutic relationship and musicking practices. The musical medium is explored as an ecological artform that is always embedded in context and culture. Through identifying and interrogating structures in psychotherapy practice that may contribute to oppression towards marginalized clients, students explore the ways in which music psychotherapy can be interconnected with social justice.