Reflections on (in)visibility and (in)audibility in music therapy: Who? How? To whom?

Abstract

This article grew from a consideration of perceived visibility; specifically how this might play a role in experiences of minoritisation. In this article, I reflect on the concepts of (in)visibility and (in)audibility, together with critical theories of bodymind literacy and Barthes’s theory of the grain of the voice to consider what fresh perspectives these might offer to music therapy. Examples are drawn from clinical work and my personal lived experience as a nonbinary, trans, White, disabled person, to demonstrate how these concepts can be applied together in the context of music therapy work. Links are made with contemporary politics and popular culture to situate the implications for music therapy within a broader context, and to acknowledge some of the experiences nonbinary, trans and disabled people might carry to therapy sessions with them. I conclude with reflections questioning who Music Therapists are willing to listen to, suggesting the use of different conceptual lenses to support inclusive practice relating to music therapy process and experience, and noting the potential relevance to discussions around therapist self-disclosure, especially implicit disclosure.