Leaving the Profession

Published studies indicate that burnout and job satisfaction impact music therapists’ longevity in the profession in the United States. It is unclear whether these factors are related to clinical or professional factors. No studies have been published exploring the reasons that music therapists in the United States have left the profession. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a theoretical framework that describes the decisions and experiences of board-certified music therapists when leaving the profession. The specific aims were to (1) identify factors that influenced therapists’ decisions to leave the profession, and (2) identify any unmet needs in training and supervision that may contribute to these decisions. Thirteen participants participated in the study. Each participant obtained board certification in the United States, worked in a music therapy job, and remain in the workforce but are no longer working in the music therapy profession. Participants completed semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed to understand the experiences and decisions that led to their departure from the profession. Music therapists from the U.S. who participated in this study left the profession due to: (1) availability of sustainable jobs, (2) access to professional support or supervision, and (3) burden of advocacy. These results did not vary according to individual factors such as age, level of education, or the year the therapist entered the profession. Further exploration of this theory and music therapists’ experiences may point to opportunities for changes in training and development of support programs for new as well as experienced professionals.