Connecting people and spaces through Environmental Music Therapy (EMT) in Integrative Oncology
Tracks
Stream Three
| Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| 2:40 PM - 2:50 PM |
| Terrace Room 1&2 |
Overview
Dr Lucy Forrest
Speaker
Dr Lucy Forrest
Senior Music Therapist
Alfred Health & Northern Health
Connecting people and spaces through Environmental Music Therapy (EMT) in Integrative Oncology
Abstract
Integrative Oncology combines conventional Western treatments with evidence-based therapies that support physical, social-emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing to optimise health and quality of life. Integrative Oncology may include mind-body practices such as art and music therapy (Witt et al, 2017).
This paper describes the introduction of music therapy, and specifically environmental music therapy (EMT) into an Integrative Oncology Program in a large cancer centre.
Environmental Music Therapy (EMT) (Rosetti, 2020) is a person-centred, trauma-informed approach that utilises live music to positively impact the feel of a space, and a person's experience of that space.
EMT was employed in various clinical spaces around the Centre, to support patients and their families as they underwent treatment, attended appointments or clinical reviews, or visited the Wellness Centre. EMT aimed to:
1) support and connect patients and families
2) provide education and music resources
3) provide relaxing, beautiful, creative and fun spaces for patients to engage with, alongside their treatment and care.
Program data illustrates the diversity of people who were supported by EMT, and the differing ways in which EMT could be used to connect people and spaces in positive and supportive ways. Data also shows that EMT could evolve into individual therapy as needed to support patients/family members at key transition points in their journey.
This paper outlines how EMT can offer a positive and supportive mind-body approach to support people in integrative oncology; and also offers considerations in using EMT in different clinical spaces, and explores factors such as repertoire, instrumentation, and adverse responses to music.
References:
Rosetti, A. (2020). Environmental Music Therapy (EMT): Music’s contribution to changing hospital atmospheres and perceptions of environments. Music and Medicine, 12(2), 130-141. https://doi.org.10.47513/mmd.v12i2.742
Witt, CM et al (2017). A comprehensive definition for Integrative Oncolgoy. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 1(52). Doi:10.1093/jncimonographs/lqx012.PIMD: 29140493
This paper describes the introduction of music therapy, and specifically environmental music therapy (EMT) into an Integrative Oncology Program in a large cancer centre.
Environmental Music Therapy (EMT) (Rosetti, 2020) is a person-centred, trauma-informed approach that utilises live music to positively impact the feel of a space, and a person's experience of that space.
EMT was employed in various clinical spaces around the Centre, to support patients and their families as they underwent treatment, attended appointments or clinical reviews, or visited the Wellness Centre. EMT aimed to:
1) support and connect patients and families
2) provide education and music resources
3) provide relaxing, beautiful, creative and fun spaces for patients to engage with, alongside their treatment and care.
Program data illustrates the diversity of people who were supported by EMT, and the differing ways in which EMT could be used to connect people and spaces in positive and supportive ways. Data also shows that EMT could evolve into individual therapy as needed to support patients/family members at key transition points in their journey.
This paper outlines how EMT can offer a positive and supportive mind-body approach to support people in integrative oncology; and also offers considerations in using EMT in different clinical spaces, and explores factors such as repertoire, instrumentation, and adverse responses to music.
References:
Rosetti, A. (2020). Environmental Music Therapy (EMT): Music’s contribution to changing hospital atmospheres and perceptions of environments. Music and Medicine, 12(2), 130-141. https://doi.org.10.47513/mmd.v12i2.742
Witt, CM et al (2017). A comprehensive definition for Integrative Oncolgoy. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 1(52). Doi:10.1093/jncimonographs/lqx012.PIMD: 29140493
Biography
Dr Lucy Forrest is a Registered Music Therapist with more than 30 years experience in palliative care and integrative oncology. Dr Forrest's research and clinical interests include paediatric palliative care, cultural issues in practice, and
