Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
in Music Therapy
"Never stop learning because life never stops teaching."
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"MT [music therapy] caters to a largely white, heteronormative and middle to upper middle class narrative. Expand MT services to communities in need that can't pay $50 per 30 min session and you'll force MT's to expand their viewpoints to better serve their clients. Until the MT field resembles the populace that needs the most service it will imitate the clientele that provides the most monetary gains."
-Anonymous Music Therapy Survey Participant
From The American Music Therapy Association's Code of Ethics:
Principle #1 Respect dignity and rights of all
1.1 provide quality client care regardless of the client's race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, ethnic or national origin, disability, health status, socioeconomic status, marital status, or political affiliation.
1.2 identify and recognize their personal biases, avoiding discrimination in relationships with clients, colleagues, and others in all settings.
1.8 acquire knowledge and information about the specific cultural group(s) with whom they work, seeking supervision and education as needed.
Principle #2 Act with compassion
2.3 be aware and accepting of client's individual factors and cultural differences in the treatment process.
Principle #5. Strive for excellence
5.1 achieve and maintain professional competence through learning and personal growth, and encourage colleagues to do the same.
5.2 strive to be self-aware and to continually improve skills and knowledge by integrating the best available evidence and findings from research to maintain best practices.
From The American Music Therapy Association's Professional Competencies:
17. Professional Role/Ethics
17.8 Demonstrate critical self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses.
17.9 Demonstrate knowledge of and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.
17.10 Treat all persons with dignity and respect, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, language, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation.
17.11 Demonstrate skill in working with culturally diverse populations.
17.12 Adhere to all laws and regulations regarding the human rights of clients, including confidentiality.
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