Music therapy in Portugal from the perspective associations

Abstract

This interview proposes to reflect on the place that the associative movement currently occupies and on its participation in the growth of Music Therapy in Portugal. The historical antecedents and relevant aspects of associativism in the process of making Music Therapy a profession are exposed, with the intention of identifying and recognizing collective and individual efforts in this process. An interview was conducted with current President of the Portuguese Association of Music Therapy - APMT assigning her the role of key informant. Ana Esperança has a degree in Early Childhood Education, specialized in Special Education and a Master in Music Therapy. Since 2015 she has presided over the Portuguese Association of Music Therapy – (APMT) re-elected in 2017 and 2019, besides being Coordinator of the therapeutic team "Em Laços" and certified Music Therapist since 2019. In this interview, she highlights the associative work for the development of music therapy in Portugal and the proposals for future challenges.