Music therapy is a diverse, stimulating and challenging field of work that explores our experience of sound, emotion and behaviour. It is recognised as a unique intervention in which noticeable change and development occur, due to the importance of the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. As the music therapy profession has grown, the scientific and professional worlds have become increasingly interested in both the nature and process of music therapy, and in clear evidence of its outcomes and effectiveness. It has excited much interest and attention from the medical profession, paramedical professions, and education services, and from people in many other walks of life.

The twenty-two chapters of this international book (by leading professionals) reflect the breadth and scope of music therapy practice in the world today. Divided into two areas - clinical practice and research - sections have been ordered according to the chronological ages of the subjects rather than by the setting of the work, the dominant presenting problem of the client group, or the approach employed. Clinical areas presented include studies on autistic children, Rett Syndrome, schizophrenia, eating disorders, profound disabilities, psychogeriatrics, psychiatry, adolescents in secure care, challenging behaviour, developmental disability and special education. The research section includes a literature review and a selection of applied research, including issues of assessment, methodology, measurement and evaluation.