The environmental conditions that support or constrain the therapeutic songwriting process

Understanding the impact of the environment on the therapeutic songwriting process, and indeed music therapy in general is both important for efficacious practice and in need of detailed investigation. The purpose of this study was to identify the environmental conditions that support or constrain the therapeutic songwriting process. Forty-five music therapists from 11 countries were interviewed about their perspectives on the factors impacting on the songwriting process, including environmental factors. Drawing on grounded theory methods from a constructivist paradigm, interview transcripts were coded and after prolonged immersion with the data, factors constructed to explain how different aspects of the environment influence the therapeutic songwriting process. Four main factors were identified as impacting the environment: organisational structures, the physical space, the private space and the organisational culture. To ensure best practices, music therapy practitioners should be aware of the environmental factors that support or constrain the therapy process. Where possible, the music therapist can modify the environment through simple strategies and staff education. It is important to recognise that some environmental factors such as some organisational systems are not possible to change and the practitioner must accommodate this in designing songwriting programs.

► First study to identify the environmental factors that impact the songwriting process.
► Data obtained from a large international study of expert music therapists.
► Findings highlight the impact of organisational hierarchy, culture, and policy on therapeutic songwriting practice.
► Clinicians need to be aware of how their songwriting practice fits within an organisation's orientation.