A cross-case narrative inquiry of board-certified music therapists' perceptions of therapeutic relationships with stroke patients and their caregivers

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between music therapists, stroke patients, and their caregivers. The researcher’s goal was to understand how board-certified music therapists describe these relationship dynamics and the different roles that they perceive caregivers play in the stroke patient’s recovery. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with two music therapists who had experience working in stroke rehabilitation. While results are limited due to the small sample size, they indicated that the relationships between music therapists, stroke patients, and their caregivers can be collaborative. Also, caregivers may be central to the stroke patient's recovery by providing both instrumental and emotional support. Lastly, the relationships between music therapists, stroke patients, and caregivers may be interconnected.