Survey of Current Music Therapy Practices for Clients with Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders

The application of music therapy with individuals with eating disorders and substance abuse disorders is existent, though there is a limited amount of research that exists in the current literature. Symptoms that are addressed in individual and group sessions for both populations are presented in this study. The purpose of this study was to examine goals and interventions implemented by music therapists working with these populations. This study is also aimed at examining the transition from the DSM-IV-TR to the DSM-5 and whether this has created any changes in music therapy sessions. Data for this study was collected in the form of an online survey. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) provided contact information for music therapists who work with individuals with eating disorders and substance abuse (N = 128); however, one contact information provided was marked undeliverable. The researcher also asked professionals not registered with the AMTA who were known to have worked with the populations (N=11). Forty-seven individuals responded to the survey, creating a response rate of 34%. Of the 47 individuals who responded to this survey, 95.74% held the MT-BC certification; however only 63.89% held a job with a title of "Music Therapist." Only 11.63% of respondents (n = 5) reported working in a facility that specializes in eating disorders, while 34.88% of respondents (n = 15) indicate working in a facility specializing in substance abuse. Fourteen individuals (32.56%) indicated working with individuals diagnosed with eating and substance abuse disorders. Suggestions for future research are made, as well as limitations of the study are presented.