Israel

In Israel, music therapy is considered as creative & expressive therapy. This title refers to a group of six professions which employ creative and expressive processes within therapeutic context. The promotion of music therapy in Israel is carried out primarily by the Israeli Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies Association – I.C.E.T (YAHAT). Besides music therapy, this association endorses the following professions: Visual and Plastic Art Therapy; Movement and Dance Therapy; Drama Therapy; Psychodrama; andBiblio Therapy

I.C.E.T was founded in 1971, and was registered as a non-profit organization. It functions as a voluntary organization with no governmental or public support since its inception. The sole income of the association consists of yearly membership dues. The association sponsors regional and national workshops, seminars and other professional development activities.

A Newsletter containing information about the various activities in Israel and abroad is published quarterly. The newsletter is a platform for members to share information, review new literature, and advertise job opportunities and clinical supervision for members. The various committees use this platform to report on negotiations with various government offices for the promotion of the field of the Creative Arts Therapies. In addition, the association maintains a website: http://yahat.org/ (currently only in Hebrew), and a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/E.C.Th.Association/.

I.C.E.T is governed by an elected board, which includes a Chairperson, two Vice-Chairs, General Secretary and the heads of the six professional sections (elected every four years). The association numbers over 1500 members in all six professional groups, 120 members are music therapists. Since I.C.E.T is the largest association for creative and expressive arts therapists, it is certified to represent and lobby for the profession. It is not, however, a union, and therefore is not allowed to negotiate collective pay settlements.

MUSIC THERAPY IN ISRAEL THROUGHOUT 2014-2016:

§ In 2014, Israel returned as a member to the EMTC after aperiod of five years without a delegate. Democratic voting took place among the members of the I.C.E.T, electing Tali Gottfried as the Israeli representative. Israel is proud to be back to the table, and contribute to the development of the music therapy profession around Europe! § In 2014, two new Heads of the music therapy unit in our association have been elected – Shirley Zamir-Elbaz and Vered Simhon. These ladies lead the music therapy unit with much enthusiasm and energy, and initiated several events to contribute to the Israeli music therapy community. § One of the most essential happening in the field of music therapy in Israel this year is the current development related to the registration of creative & expressive therapy professions. Our struggle to receive recognition from the Israeli government has been going on for the last 15 years. Unfortunately, the unstable political situation in our region have influenced also the course of our achievements, as when a war outbreaks or governments are changed, the contacts stop and need to start all over again as the situation is stabilized. This year, the I.C.E.T arranged several demonstrations in front of the Health Ministry Office in Jerusalem, protesting against the tarrying of the recognition process. In addition, the I.C.E.T initiated several interviews in the media in order to raise the public awareness for the situation. We hope that the process would come to its’ end soon, as no reasonable reason exists for the delay. § November, 2014 – The first European Music therapy Day celebrated in Israel together with all countries of the EMTC. An exciting and moving event for the music therapy community.
§ February, 2015 – “At the living room of…” Music therapy experts host the music therapy community in their studios and private practices, and share their experience. For example: “Tibetan bowls as a therapeutic tool” – Ayala Gerber Snapir. § February, 2015 – publication of a list of businesses which give discounts for musical instruments and other products for music therapist. § March, 2015 – publication of a list of supervisors who are willing to provide supervision in reduced price for music therapist. § May, 2015 – the first national happening for music therapists, focusing on enriching and experiencing music making. § August, 2015 – “Starting-up treatment” – an enriching meeting in preparation for the new school year. § November, 2015 – The second European Music Therapy Day. § December, 2015 – the first music therapy conference which was mutually planned by the five training programs, held in David-Yellin College in Jerusalem. § December, 2015 – call for proposal for therapeutic songs, created by music therapists in various subjects, such as: feelings, family, pets, everyday tasks, friendship and more. At the end of the process, a disk with a booklet will be produced. § May, 2016 – The second national happening for music therapists, hosting leading musicians for workshops, and music therapists who shared vignettes from treatment room.

Music Therapy is the beneficial use of a client-therapist’s interaction through music, in order to preserve healthy qualities, to promote development and change, and to achieve a better quality of life. The term music, includes both its basic components (frequency, duration, intensity and timbre), and music as a complex art form. The studies of music therapy consists of integration of theory, personal development and supervised practice. The theoretical studies are the basis of therapeutic thinking, consideration and assessment. The dynamic workshops are meant for self-development and emotional maturity, and the supervised work in clinical setting encourages the integration of professional skills. The music therapist is a professional who employs skills and an integrated knowledge derived from specific interdisciplinary training, combining a thorough knowledge of music and of therapeutic theories and methods.

Historical Background 1971 – Official establishment of the I.C.E.T. by 10 members. 1980/2 – 3 post graduate training programs. 1981/2 – Central professional library + 3 libraries attached to the training programs. 2005 – 1330 members out of which 260 are music therapists.

Five Training programs with MA degree

A. Music Therapy at the The David Yellin College of Education, Institute of Art Therapies. Founded in 1981 and directed till 2002 by Dr. Chava Sekeles. Since 2011 directed by Dr. Chava Wiess.
Entry requirements B.A. in music or psychology/ special education/social work (500 hours of music, grade average 85%) + an academic year in developmental psychology, introduction to psychology, theory of personality and psychopathology. In some cases: B.A. in a therapeutic profession + thorough knowledge of music Personal interview A written examination A dynamic oral examination (vocal & instrumental, individual and group) * Appropriate personality. Approach Developmental-Integrative model in music therapy/ Psycho-dynamic orientation/humanistic (Eclectic) Accentuation and integration of : Complementary studies in music; psychology; medicine; special education; ethno-cultural aspects of music; research methods; integrative studies in music therapy (theory, workshops, group dynamics, internship, supervision); dance-movement & visual arts for self-development; 2 written research projects; final exams (total hours: 2430). The third year of study includes advanced internship + supervision, which concludes a total of 1560 internship hours. Degree: MAAT

B. Music Therapy at Bar-Ilan University. Founded (1982) and directed ever since by Prof. Dorit Amir. Beginning 2017 – will be directed by Dr. Avi Gilboa Approach: Eclectic: humanistic, psycho-dynamic
Entry requirements B.A. in music and psychology (grade average 80 %) or: B.Mus. and completion of studies in psychology or: B.A. in special Education and completion of studies in musicology & psychology Personal interview & audition Piano skills (at least 5 years) *An additional instrument (at least 3 years)
Accentuation and integration of: Music therapy; psychology; movement therapy; psychology of music; vocal improvisations; internship; supervision; 3 written projects; final examination. A third year of study includes advanced internship + supervision, which concludes a total of 1560 internship hours.
There is a partial track for music therapists with a diploma who are interested in completing their MA degree in music therapy. This track includes more advanced courses and does not include field work. Degree: MA.

C. Music & Movement Therapy, Academy of Music at The Levinsky College of Education. founded by Mrs. Dalia Razin – 1982. Since 2006 directed by Dr. Miriam Druks. Approach: Psycho-dynamic orientation, developmental (Eclectic)
Entry requirements B.A. – Grade average 85. in music (musicology, music education) or: * B.A. in psychology or other therapeutic studies + at least 500 hours of music studies. If the B.A. is not in psychology, the applicant should accomplish the following courses: Introduction to psychology, Developmental psychology, psychopathology, personality theories, neuropsychology, statistics and research methods, Verbal interview and Music audition.
Accentuation and integration of: Music: improvisation, vocal improvisation, music therapy, CoMT; movement therapy; psychology; medical subjects; internship; supervision; -2 written projects (1 case analysis; 1 research) Degree: MAAT

D. Music Therapy at the Graduate School of Creative Arts Therapies at the University of Haifa. Founded in 2011, directed by Dr. Cocahvit Elefant. Since 2014, directed by Dr. Dikla Kerem. Approach: Developmental and psychodynamic orientation Entry Requirements An undergraduate degree (grade average-85) in the visual arts or social sciences from an accredited institution of higher education in Israel or abroad. Students with accredited undergraduate degrees from other disciplines will also be considered provided they complete the following academic prerequisites (courses of 18 credits):

• Introduction to psychology, physio-psychology, personality theories, developmental psychology, psychopathology/Abnormal Psychology, research methods, and Statistics.

Each pre-requisite course that was not completed during BA degree studies must receive a final grade of 80 or higher. -A minimum score of 85% on the university’s English exam. -Art-Based Prerequisites: 500 hours of music training. Each candidate will be evaluated on a case by case basis of the completion of 500 hours of music training. -Curriculum Vitae/Résumé; -Personal statement; -Personal interview and audition (playing main and secondary music instrument; improvisation) -Academic recommendations.

Accentuation and integration of:

• Theoretical topics;
• Clinical improvisation;
• Evaluation;
• Professional and personal development;

Internship: 600 hours of practicum plus 960 hours of internship (total of 1560 hours). Degree: MA

Mutual features: Recognition The 5 Programs are accredited by I.C.E.T., the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and/or the Committee of Higher Education. B.A. (Post graduate programs) Since 1988 the regulation of the I.C.E.T and the ministry of Health fixed an entry requirement of a bachelor degree for all programs (see variations) + pre-studies in psychology (see page 2). The use and importance of music All 5 programs accentuate the Being Process as well as the Doing Process; Music as Therapy and/or Music in Therapy, depending on the therapeutic situation. Clinical improvisation is considered to be as a central therapeutic tool.

Music therapy research in Israel is gradually growing by programs and individuals cooperating nationally as well as internationally. Areas of research include: music in medicine, music therapy for people with special needs, community music therapy, the ancients roots of music therapy, therapeutic music analysis, music therapy assessments, music therapy for people with Alzheimer, cultural contexts in music therapy, and more.

Membership: Colleague (Graduate member), Registered member, Registered supervisor.

Organization and Committees: Chairperson, secretary, treasurer, registration, ethics, public relationship, regional, professional. Study days and conferences are being held both for all sections of I.C.E.T as well as for each specific section.

Population: Children with special needs (kindergartens, schools, clinics); Psychiatric patients (clinics, hospitals); Varied patients in general hospitals; Patients in day care or day hospitalization; Elderly in geriatric and psycho-geriatric facilities; Prisoners; People in hostels and “Homes for Life”; Patients in Child Developmental Centers; Patients in Neurological Rehabilitation Centers

In addition music therapist work with normal-neurotics and others who choose to experience therapy, overcome crisis and improve the quality of life. I.C.E.T includes 1500 therapists from the six sections, in which 200 are music therapists. I.C.E.T. helps new professional immigrants to find their way in the new country and the programs encourage new immigrants-students to integrate and overcome the difficulties. I.C.E.T is a non-profitable and non-political association which believes in peace, in ethical attitude toward each human being and in the positive influence of the therapeutic arts on life and on wellbeing. Many therapists were busy during and after the last war in helping traumatized people, using techniques from our profession according to experience developed during years of war and terror.