There is a growing need for collaborative and systems-based approaches to supporting children impacted by trauma (Dorado, Martinez, McArthur & Leibovitz, 2016). The benefits of targeted therapeutic input in this space are well supported, however there are challenges around aligning and integrating external supports and therapeutic approaches around the child, both during the therapy journey and following closure.
Research indicates that ecological approaches contribute to better long-term outcomes for children (Edwards & Karnilowicz, 2013; Obasaiu & LiVecchi, 2018), however there is limited music therapy research exploring organic and collaborative skill sharing to influence the systems the child is a part of.

This paper will detail an innovative transdisciplinary approach that centres the sustainability of long-term outcomes for children impacted by trauma, by adapting music therapy approaches to support and transform the broader systems around the child. In expanding the lens of traditional music therapy practice to work in an integrative way with other creative arts therapists, trauma informed education consultants, teachers, families, and wider school relationships, we are actively working towards sustainable support for an entire community, and working towards sustainable systemic change through building a trauma-informed culture.

We will share practical learnings and reflections from our different roles within community and school-based partnerships, in particular, looking at how the core qualities of music and the inherent capabilities within musical-relational experiences are foundational to our various roles. We will consider how this positioning and experience shapes the way we engage with the communities of which we are a part, for the benefit of accessible, sustainable and integrated long-term outcomes.