What is Analytical Music Therapy?
Analytical Music Therapy (AMT) is an approach to music therapy developed by Mary Priestley in the early 1970’s in England. Priestley characterizes AMT as the analytically-informed symbolic use of improvised music by the therapist and client. Music is used as a creative tool with which to explore the client’s inner life, so as to provide the way for greater self-knowledge and growth. AMT is influenced by the theories of Sigmund Freud and Melanie Klein. In the AMT approach, the relationship between therapist and client is an integral part of the therapeutic process. Aspects of the relationship, such as transference, counter-transference, and resistance are identified to foster client insight and client growth. Music plays the primary role in establishing the therapeutic relationship. Both the music therapist and the music are used in therapy to facilitate the client’s exploration of fundamental relationships, situations, life patterns, as well as specific current issues. Therefore, music
