Professional identity development in music therapy: a phenomenological inquiry

Abstract

The following research study is a phenomenological inquiry exploring how music therapists develop their professional identities. Three board-certified music therapists were interviewed and asked to describe what has influenced and shaped their professional identity development. Data was analyzed according to the procedures of interpretive phenomenological analysis. The data revealed four emergent themes that music therapists’ described as playing a role in developing their professional identity. The themes are significant experiences, identities in music, intrapersonal skills, and journey of growth. Related literature is reviewed and implications for future research is discussed. The researcher hopes that this study will benefit music therapists by giving them insight into how they can develop and strengthen their own professional identity.