| dc.description.abstract | Music therapy services and positions are quite rare in Norwegian healthcare settings, despite research showing great potential. This thesis investigates how music therapy services in somatic contexts in Norway are created, expanded and maintained; and thereby how music therapy positions in somatic contexts are increased. Data has been collected through semi structured, qualitative interviews with six informants from two healthcare settings: three music therapists, two administrators in leadership positions, and one chief physician. Through thematic analysis five main themes emerged: visibility and understanding, being supported and a part of a professional community, the social currents and zeitgeist of the time, leadership and power, and personal driving force/impetus. Furthermore, project and research positions can succeed over time if conditions are sufficient, particularly when internally anchored or internally financed. An ambivalence exists between the need for external financing and the sense of insecurity it creates. Through increased visibility, it is possible to counteract skepticism towards music therapy. Visibility and adaptability contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration. The findings suggest that music therapy service development is complex like a jigsaw: the themes and subthemes are interconnected, and no one theme/factor alone is sufficient when trying to create, expand or maintain music therapy services and positions. | |
