An exploration of a transpersonal psychological model and its applicability to all aspects of music therapy practice. Transpersonal therapy encompasses extraordinary and transcendent experiences, modes of spirituality, and human development to states of wholeness and “super sanity.” The book presents basic principles and assumptions of this model and explores in depth the three elements of a transpersonal therapy practice — transpersonal context, content, and method. These elements are applied to music therapy in an effort to deepen practice. Topics covered include: developing the transpersonal music therapist through mindfulness training; music generated transcendent experiences; and special ethical considerations in transpersonal work. Existing music therapy practices are considered from a transpersonal perspective and applied to a wide spectrum of clients, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, developmental delay, and mental health condition (i.e., eating disorders, addictions, trauma victims). The book is a thorough introduction to the transpersonal model and music therapy practice within it, and adds to the skills and knowledge now required in the official documents of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Available in print and electronic versions. Table of Contents Acknowledgements Contents of the Book Chapter One Introduction Models Theory Overview Chapter Two The Transpersonal Psychology Model History of the Transpersonal Psychology Model Transpersonal Psychology Theories Dynamic-Dialectical Theory of Transpersonal Psychology Client’s Dynamic-Dialectical Therapy Process Regression in service of transformation Regeneration into Spirit The Integrated Self Assumptions of the Transpersonal Model Transcendent experiences Three Dimensions of Transpersonal Therapy Chapter Three Transpersonal Context – The Transpersonal Way of Being Shifting Motivation Transformation of Emotions Fear/anxiety Anger/irritation Control Advanced Training in Ethics Ethical Thinking Special Ethical Concerns Vulnerabilities to Unethical Behavior Competence Mindfulness Mindfulness Training Self-regulate attention Quieting the mind Focusing in the present moment Contemplation/deep observation Benefits of mindfulness Cultivating Wisdom Developing discernment Trusting intuition Developing empathy and compassion Chapter Four Transpersonal Content –Client Experiences The Transpersonal Experience The Transcendent State Altered state of consciousness (ASC) Altered sense of time Ineffable quality Noetic quality Intense, positive emotion. Sense of “presence” Experiencing flow Appreciation for unity Content of Transpersonal Therapy Imaginal Realm Images and imagery Forms of transpersonal imagery Symbols and metaphors Symbolic Healing Intense Emotion Myths Ritual/Ceremony Themes and Issues in Transpersonal Therapy Memories and subconscious material Seeking and searching Chapter Five Transpersonal Music Therapy Approaches and Techniques Introduction. Music as a Transpersonal Healing Technique Music and transcendent experiences Musical elements as disrupting force Drone tones Regularity in rhythm Complex rhythm Melodic subtlety and contour Harmony Timbre Ear-based auditory phenomena Dynamics Aesthetic response as a transpersonal event Music and Deep Healing Transpersonal Music Therapy Techniques and Interventions Clinical Musical Improvisation Therapist’s Improvisation Techniques Empathetic therapist improvisation Nordoff-Robbins Creative Music Therapy (N-RCMT) Client Musical Improvisation Spontaneous client therapeutic musical improvisation Music-Evoked Imagery Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) 1:1 Unguided Music Imagery Group Music and Imagery Music and Creative Problem Solving Music with Other Art Expressions Music and visual art Storytelling and narrative Music to illustrate a story Improvised musical response to a story Stories based on music-generated image Music Production as Narrative Expression Expressive Movement Music and Relaxation Vocal Expression Toning Chanting Singing Songwriting. Receptive Listening Music Making as Ritual/Ceremony Direct Spiritual Experiences Chapter Six Clinical Transpersonal Music Therapy Therapeutic Outcomes Calm Agitation/Restlessness Aid in Transitions Elicit Behavioral Changes Mood Change Strengthening Capacities Opening to the Spiritual Dimension Clients Traditionally Served Transpersonal Therapy Levels for Psychiatric Clients Substance abuse and addiction Trauma/post traumatic stress disorder Eating disorders Prisons Sexual offenders in treatment Medical hospitals/rehabilitation centers Hospice/palliative care Individuals seeking wellbeing/wellness Non-traditional Clients for Transpersonal Music Therapy Developmental Delay Severe Brain Disorders Chapter Seven Transpersonal Music Therapy Practice Assessment Considerations in Transpersonal Assessment Areas of Assessment Transpersonal Assessment Tools/Approaches Components of Transpersonal Assessment Observation of client Interview of Client/family members Review of client records Standardized assessment tests Therapist’s intuitive impressions Music Therapy Interventions as Assessment Tools Use of songs |