A Research-based Map of Music Therapy in the Czech Republic: Comparisons with Other Arts Therapies

Introduction:
The development of music therapy in the Czech Republic is closely connected with the development of other arts therapies (AsTs). This cross-sectional study aimed to provide a research-based description of the current state of Czech music therapy and offer comparisons with other AsTs.
Method:
Data were obtained through a modified version of ‘The Practice in Arts Therapies’ questionnaire, which was distributed to arts therapists registered with professional associations in the Czech Republic. From the total sample (N=144), there were 50 music therapists. The remainder of the sample were drama, dance movement, art therapists, and combinations of these therapies (N=94). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed relating to work environment, client groups, and preferred therapeutic trends.
Results:
Czech music therapy is closely connected to working with special needs populations in social care and educational environments. Practitioners follow humanistic, active/directive and artistic/creative trends. Significant differences were found between music therapists and other arts therapists with regard to the client populations (in their age and type of needs), and therapeutic trends.
Discussion:
Czech music therapy has strengths in the area of special needs, but it will be important to achieve further growth, especially in health care. This may have a crucial impact on the formation of a common legislative framework for arts therapists. We recommend repeating this survey in the future to see how the university-based program for music therapy will have influenced the profession.