Shaping the digital space: Exploring relationships in online music therapy session delivery

ABSTRACT Introduction COVID-19 challenged music therapists to provide services in a range of virtual formats, including synchronous and asynchronous session delivery. While models of telehealth delivery and essential technology skills have been discussed in recent literature and professional development courses, the ways in which the client--therapist relationship has been impacted have not been fully explored. Method Reflective vignettes shaped by the author’s lived experience explore this impact in the context of collaboration with two therapy participants in different formats: (a) live Zoom music therapy sessions with a neurodivergent child, and (b) pre-recorded music therapy sessions focused on recreating improvisational experiences for/with an autistic child. Results Narrative storytelling highlights the author’s experience navigating three phases of deepening virtual connections over time, which include exploration of online delivery challenges such as technological problems, development of skills for video creation, and translating in-person experiences into online formats. Discussion Vignettes contextualize session events within the author’s practice of telehealth and the ways these practices compare with pre-COVID sessions. Throughout this narrative, the power of technology to expand and limit the author’s ability to co-construct meaningful therapeutic musical encounters is discussed.