The importance of being diverse: Exploring the journey from Brexit to Belonging

Abstract

In this position paper, I use auto-ethnographic approaches and case studies to explore the findings from the 2020 British Association for Music Therapy Diversity Report which highlighted the disturbing gaps in the diversity of music therapy in the United Kingdom. I focus specifically on racial issues in music therapy and the impact of Brexit as a cultural demarcation landmark in the political landscape of the United Kingdom. Throughout this article, challenging terminology and language are used to explore the systemic nature of prejudice and oppression. In the clinical examples, I attempt to denote when elements of therapeutic intervention framed by a prejudicial, Western lens can result in therapy which can be damaging. This article involves the critical discussion and use of some offensive language, including the explicit spelling of derogatory terms.