ABSTRACT
Since the first edition of this book my thoughts professionally and personally on our work have changed. Reflecting back now some 20 years later I understand the power of time to elucidate a deeper understanding of the music therapy process. That is not to say that I would in any way change my fundamental responses to Francis if I were to begin working with him today. Indeed my belief in a musiccentred perspective is now even stronger. The criticism that from a psychoanalytic viewpoint (Streeter 1999) my work with Francis was potentially unethical because it did not include verbal interpretations and an understanding of psychotherapeutic principles I believe is flawed. Insisting that one theoretical perspective is superior to another and then to denigrate the opposing view because it does not assume their clinical viewpoint is a dangerous stance to take. Even though at times my responses to Francis’s music and words may have been rather naïve and over romantic, the overriding music-centred principle of our work remained constant and clear. That being said, to have dramatically changed my responses in this updated text would, I believe, have detracted from the original vision of the book.
