"We have music, why would we need visuals in music therapy?" : overview of the music therapy visual schedule approach (MT-ViSA)

Scant literature exists on the use of visual supports within music therapy practice, and some may question if these tools are even necessary. Drawing from practice experience, existing literature and research data, this presentation explains the development of the Music Therapy Visual Schedule Approach (MT- ViSA). This approach provides knowledge about practical visual design and production considerations for music therapists utilising a visual schedule within their work, addressing detailed questions related to the four components of assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating. In developing this model, the presenter outlines their professional journey in using visual schedules, starting with initially rejecting their use within their practice, to eventually researching these tools at doctoral level. Results of the research study incorporate participant perspectives gained from two focus group meetings (n=12) across both face-to-face and telehealth settings further informing the use of visual schedules in music therapy practice. This presentation expands the evidence-base via cross modality practices and supports music therapists in using visual schedules within multiple areas of music therapy service delivery.