Effects of professional music therapy supervision on clinical outcomes and therapist competency: a systematic review involving narrative synthesis

Supervision for music therapists is often regarded as useful for professional development, and for processing clinical and non-clinical issues, which arise from practice. However, little is known about the research evidence, which informs this practice and its links to improved professional competency and clinical outcomes. A narrative synthesis was conducted to map the types of supervision literature, identify corresponding research evidence and examine effective models of music therapy supervision. Relevant databases were searched and the authors identified a considerable body of literature relating to professional supervision (n = 48), with only five, mostly qualitative, research studies identified. Review results show that supervision is useful for assisting a therapist’s professional and personal insight into clinical practice although the effects of the intervention remain unknown. Two core interactive ingredients constitute professional supervision: (1) flexible and creative approaches towards practice and learning, including the use of music as a supervision tool; (2) a supervisory relationship, which is fundamental to the process. These ingredients are shaped by three underlying concepts: (1) shared experience between supervisor and supervisee; (2) improved insights; and (3) qualities of an effective supervisory relationship. Results revealed an overall lack of evaluation studies and an over-reliance on qualitative design. The discipline would now benefit from research that measures the effects of professional supervision on patient outcomes and professional competencies.