The existing music therapy literature acknowledges that a deeper sense of self can better inform music therapists professional identity as well as help with recognising which music therapy techniques and methods resonate with them (Bell, 2018; Hadley, 2013; Hadley & Norris, 2016; Jun, 2018; Mahoney, 2015; Warren & Rickson, 2016). Additionally, the literature discusses how music therapists can engage in problematic practices when they focus on attaining cultural knowledge and culturally relevant music(al) skills before working on self-awareness and socio-political awareness with respect to culture (Hadley & Norris, 2016; Miller & Garran, 2017). However, there is a scarce amount of literature on how music therapists can engage in a praxis of self-awareness to support their cultural-centred practice.

This presentation hopes to address this gap in the literature by first examining the evolution of discourse on "cultural competency" in music therapy practice and research. Then the term "cultural reflexivity" will be proposed and explored as the subsequent conceptualisation thereof. Cultural reflexivity will encourage practitioners and researchers to shift the focal point to self-first so that they have a richer perspective of the ways their cultural identities inform their truths and realities, and vice versa.

This presentation will position self-identity exploration as a simultaneous journey to being a culturally reflexive practitioner. The presenter will use the "dynamic ripple" practice model that emerged from the findings of her master's research as an example to identify the need for the intentional inclusion of self-identity exploration in music therapy training and early career development to improve safety for practitioners and participants, especially for those who identify with minority and marginalised communities.