Assessment and Communication in Music Therapy: Building Confidence in Difficult Conversations

Looking to strengthen your assessment skills and communicate more effectively with families? Whether you're navigating complex client needs or seeking clearer ways to share clinical observations, this comprehensive tutorial from Dr. Stine Lindahl Jacobsen offers practical strategies to enhance your assessment practice—and your confidence in those challenging conversations.

Dr. Jacobsen, an experienced clinician and researcher, presents an inspiring exploration of ethical assessment and compassionate communication. She begins with the foundational understanding of why quality assessment matters and how it can transform both your clinical clarity and your clients' engagement in the therapeutic process.

You'll learn:

• Ethical assessment principles and how to gather meaningful, individualized client data
• Effective communication strategies for sharing clinical observations with families and clients
• How to use assessment findings to create more specific, relevant, and motivating goals
• Techniques for managing difficult conversations with sensitivity and professionalism
• An in-depth look at the Assessment of Parent-Child Interaction (APCI) as a model for meaningful music therapy assessment

This tutorial is ideal for music therapists who want to build confidence in their assessment skills, develop better communication with families, or create more targeted therapeutic goals based on solid clinical observations.

It also includes case studies from Dr. Jacobsen's clinical practice and practical strategies for turning assessment data into clear, actionable information that supports both therapeutic progress and family understanding. The tutorial features optional bonus homework activities designed to deepen your learning and earn you additional CMTE/CPD credits.

Whether you're new to formal assessment or looking to refine your approach to complex family dynamics, this tutorial will inspire new ways to use assessment and communication with purpose, ethics, and therapeutic impact.