A phenomenological investigation of the experience of graduate-level music therapists with dual certification in counseling

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the academic and professional experiences of graduate-level music therapists with dual licensure in counseling. The intent was to identify similarities and differences within and across therapists’ experiences, to denote emerging themes, and to provide insight into the phenomena of dual certification in music therapy and counseling. This study had five participants. Based on the results, attaining dual certification may improve various areas of the clinician’s lived experiences, including their employability, compensation, sense of competency, self-worth, and future outlook. The interlocking model of three domains—academic experiences, professional experiences, and personal development—was developed to illustrate how these areas affect the quality of client care. Implications for future research include scope of practice between dual-certified and single-credentialed therapists, university program design, and addressing potential consequences of music therapy advocacy efforts.