Ethical issues arise daily in music therapy interactions with clients and colleagues and in multiple settings including clinical, academic, research and professional practice spaces. Some ethical situations prove particularly challenging to navigate. In response to colleagues looking for guidance, the WFMT has prepared a Responding to Ethical Issues Guidance document. In this session, participants will learn more about the resources and will hear panelists describe case examples of how to use the steps to navigate the situation. The issues presented are inspired by music therapists from the eight global regions and are shared to prompt further discussion among attendees as well as raising the awareness of ethical practices.
The WFMT Research and Ethics Commission “…promotes the integration of research and ethics into the practice of music therapy throughout the world” (WFMT, 2020). One of the key goals of the commission is to “…promote and assist music therapists, including researchers, clinicians, and/or academics, to work according to WFMT ethical guidelines and local cultural understandings of ethical and moral care” (WFMT, 2020). The commission took on several projects since 2020, including the publication of a WFMT Code of Ethics. The collaborative commission work on the Code of Ethics drew awareness to many ethical issues impacting not only the discipline of music therapy but also healthcare, education and training, and research at large. As a result the commission recently published a Responding to Ethical Issues Guidance document to promote ethical awareness and guide music therapists in their practice. The WFMT encourages members to engage with this guidance document as needed to support decisions surrounding ethical concerns with deference and reverence to their local policies/procedures and grievance guideline documents. The information in this guideline is not meant to be exhaustive but is offered as a means of supportive guidance.
In this presentation, hypothetical cases will be shared and discussed referring to how to navigate the ethical dilemma. In preparation for the presentation, panelists will ask their music therapy colleagues in the eight global regions to share examples of areas where they have had difficulty in navigating an ethical issue or concern. Several will be selected and presented demonstrating how to work through the challenge via the suggested steps including: gathering the facts, supporting resources, reflecting on intent, and acting.
1. Participants will identify ethical issues in at least one instance of music therapy practice. (CBMT BCD I. Safety 1-10.; V. Professional Development & Responsibilities B.1-18)
2. Participants will summarize the WFMT guidelines to address an ethical dilemma (CBMT BCD. V. Professional Development & Responsibilities A. 1, 4, 5 & B.1-6, 9-15)
3. Participants will apply a step-by-step approach to navigating ethical dilemmas in music therapy practice. (CBMT BCD. V. Professional Development & Responsibilities B.1-18)
4. Participants will identify resources to address an ethical dilemma in their country of practice. (CBMT BCD. V. Professional Development & Responsibilities A. 1,4, 5 & B.1-6, 9-15)
