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 | 
