Background: The study explores intersubjective processes in therapeutic disciplines, particularly in music therapy. It focuses on how intersubjective relationships develop through dyadic improvisation, analyzing six music therapy studies that emphasize relational dynamics.
Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using six selected studies. A four-step methodological process was followed: identifying a research question, gathering relevant qualitative and mixed-methods studies, conducting a thematic analysis to uncover themes of intersubjectivity in dyadic improvisation, and organizing the findings into a conceptual framework of “thirdness” in clinical improvisation.
Results: The analysis identified two key themes: (1) the emergence of musical recognition (“one in the third”) and (2) the recognition of musical separateness (“third in the one”).
Discussion: Grounded in Jessica Benjamin’s intersubjective theory, this talk explores “thirdness” in clinical improvisation, its impact on music therapy daily practice, and how diverse musical genres globally create unique intersubjective spaces, fostering mutual recognition in therapy.
