Music therapists in Australia work with an increasing number of people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. This can present music therapists with opportunities to innovate our practice, understanding and learning as we discover how we can work together with these clients musically and respectfully.
But how do we respond when a person’s religion and culture are given as a reason not to have music therapy?
The music therapy team at an acute tertiary hospital were noticing that more families of the Islamic faith were declining music therapy based on their religious beliefs. Working respectfully means asking questions instead of making assumptions and we wanted to have a clearer understanding for working with families of the Islamic faith going forward. Acknowledging that we as a team do not come from a Muslim background or religious faith, but wanting to continue supporting these families, we consulted the hospital’s Muslim Chaplin.
This presentation aims to discuss the challenges that can arise when introducing music therapy to people of the Islamic faith. Orchestrating a deeper understanding through communication, navigating our own thoughts and feelings as music therapists ethically and how we can adapt and innovate our practice is important. We have previously and will continue to have many meaningful music therapy encounters with people of the Islamic faith as demonstrated in a case study. Being adequately equipped with knowledge will help ensure that our work with people is respectful, person centred and culturally sensitive.