Individual vs. Group Music Therapy

Music therapy can be conducted one-on-one, in small groups, or even in large community workshops. But what clinical factors do therapists consider when planning individual or group music therapy? And what should parents take into account when choosing the right format?

Clinical Factors in Individual vs. Group Music Therapy

Individual music therapy involves a one-on-one session between a therapist and a client. This format allows the therapist to provide highly personalized interventions that specifically target the client’s therapeutic goals and can be adjusted in real time based on the client’s needs. In fact, some clients—particularly those with high needs—require individual therapy to receive appropriate support.

For example, some children with autism experience sensory sensitivities. In an individual session, the therapist can closely observe their reactions and adjust the intensity or structure of the music to help regulate their emotions. Similarly, clients undergoing neurological music therapy (NMT) for brain injury rehabilitation require highly tailored interventions, making one-on-one therapy essential. Additionally, individuals with attention difficulties or limited awareness of their surroundings may benefit from personalized music activities in individual sessions before transitioning to group settings. Those with trauma histories, complex emotional challenges, or severe mental health conditions may also be better suited for individual therapy, where the therapist can provide deeper, personalized support.

Building a therapeutic relationship is another key consideration. Clients with social difficulties, low trust levels, or severe anxiety often need to first establish a sense of safety with the therapist in an individual setting before gradually working on their therapeutic goals.

However, individual therapy has its limitations. While it provides focused intervention and helps clients develop basic social skills through interactions with the therapist, it does not offer opportunities for broader teamwork or peer interaction. Therefore, after some time in individual therapy, a therapist may recommend transitioning to a group setting based on the client’s progress.

For example, a five-year-old boy with social difficulties initially participated in individual music therapy. Using his favorite music, the therapist helped him gradually break through social barriers and build rapport. After about a year, his social skills had improved significantly, and the therapist recommended that he join a small group with another child. At first, he was hesitant and anxious, but with guidance from the therapist and the familiarity of music, he slowly began interacting with the other participant. Over time, he learned to share instruments, play in an ensemble, take turns, and listen—greatly enhancing his social skills.

Some music therapy groups involve a larger number of participants and focus on enhancing cognitive development, emotional expression, and connection through musical interaction. For example, in aged care facilities, group music therapy sessions may involve singing, playing instruments, or improvising together. By sharing music tied to common memories, participants can improve memory, boost motivation, regulate emotions, and reduce feelings of loneliness.

However, music therapy groups differ from general social groups or music interest classes because they are based on therapeutic goals. To ensure each participant's needs are met, therapists must consider behavioral challenges that may arise due to specific conditions. As a result, group sizes are generally small. Therapists cannot simply place participants of different needs, ages, and abilities into the same group. This is why the previous NDIS proposal for a one-therapist-to-four-clients model in music therapy was deemed clinically inappropriate.

In some cases, to ensure quality interaction, a group may be co-led by two therapists or supported by a therapy assistant. The preparation, administration, costs, and resources involved in music therapy groups are significant, which is why fees are typically higher than those of general social groups or music classes.

When deciding between individual, group, or larger-scale music therapy programs, participants and families should consult with a therapist to receive professional clinical advice.

(This article was written originally in Chinese for online magazine Sameway Issue 725, It is translated to English with aid of ChatGPT)