Critical Humanism in Music Therapy: Imagining the Possibilities

Abstract

In this article, we take the reader on a journey with us as we imagine the terrain and possibilities of critical humanism as an approach to engaging in music therapy practice. We begin by providing descriptions of critical theory and humanism, followed by critiques of traditional humanism from a critical theory perspective. From this, we describe our understanding of critical humanism as a therapeutic approach. Drawing from existing critical approaches to music therapy, we imagine possibilities for critical humanistic practice in music therapy. We draw from critical theories of race, feminism, feminist theories, and disability studies as foundations for exploring how critical humanism would be engaged in music therapy practice. Thus, we explore what we have termed critical race humanism, feminist humanism, queer humanism, and critical disability humanism. The commonalities each share are the emphases on exploring how historical and contemporary marginalization of various categories of human are experienced by therapy participants; honoring sociocultural political issues as legitimate topics in therapy; navigating difficult dialogues around sociocultural political issues; engaging in advocacy for individuals and groups; and working toward systemic social change. Each of the outlined perspectives brings nuance to how we understand each other within the therapeutic relationship.