The processes around identifying therapeutic goals with your client are at the centre of ethical music therapy practice.
A combination of primary qualitative research with existing literature allows for a thorough understanding of how goal setting is influenced by both the therapist and the person with whom they work, and the levels of collaboration possible between client and therapist in different settings. Downloadable worksheets, reflective tasks, case examples and guidelines on goal writing puts the theory into action.
Providing a detailed model and set of principles that you can apply to any context and strengthen your practice; this book makes essential reading for music therapy students and practitioners looking to hone and update their skills.

Thompson's vital text demonstrates her own ability to achieve the goals we set by providing clear guidance to help music therapists identify a therapeutic focus that is responsive, flexible and helps them face real-life professional challenges with confidence. -- Prof Katrina Skewes McFerran, The University of Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
Thompson provides readers with a rigorous exploration of goal processes in music therapy that is constructed from her comprehensive ground theory research. She provides a thorough and nuanced examination of the interplay of the myriad factors in this new framework. Her client-in-context theory provides a fresh perspective for informing and shaping goal processes in music therapy practice. -- Annie Heiderscheit, PhD., MT-BC, LMFT, Director of Music Therapy & Associate Professor at Augsburg University
An innovative and revolutionary proposal for goal processes and goal writing in music therapy based on the client-in-context theory. The book directly applies to the music therapist's practice and is crucial for educators and supervisors. -- Gustavo Schulz Gattino, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark

Grace Thompson, PhD is a registered music therapist, researcher and senior lecturer in Music Therapy at The University of Melbourne. Grace has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and is co-editor of the book Music Therapy with Families.