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An editorial is presented highlights the efforts of the Australian Journal of Music Therapy (AJMT) to increase accessibility and diversity, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the journal as the only academic publication for music therapists in Australia. The focus is on diversifying the journal's content, making processes accessible for a wide range of voices and introducing initiatives such as case reports, an Associate Editor role for practice-based articles.

Background: It is well known that mealtime is anxiety provoking for patients with Anorexia Nervosa. However, there is little research into effective interventions for reducing meal related anxiety in an inpatient setting. Methods: This study compared the levels of distress and anxiety of patients with Anorexia Nervosa pre and post music therapy, in comparison to standard post meal support therapy. Data was collected using the Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS) scale which was administered pre and post each condition. Results: A total of 89 intervention and 84 control sessions were recorded. Results from an unpaired t-test analysis indicated statistically significant differences between the music therapy and supported meal conditions. Conclusions: Results indicated that participation in music therapy significantly decreases post meal related anxiety and distress in comparison to standard post meal support therapy. This research provides support for the use of music therapy in this setting as an effective clinical intervention in reducing meal related anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealtimes are associated with feelings of anxiety and distress for people with anorexia nervosa. There is little research into specific therapeutic activities for reducing meal-related anxiety. The study reported here assessed the efficacy of post-meal music therapy in 18 adults with anorexia nervosa in hospital. We report here the qualitative data. Participants described music therapy as a way to take their mind off the meal they had eaten, get a break from anxiety and get to know other people. Music therapy offered an alternative distress tolerance technique during a time of heightened anxiety. This study provides support for the use of music therapy in managing post-meal related anxiety for consumers with anorexia nervosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its beginnings in the 1970s, the music therapy profession in Australia continues to grow and change. However, there is little literature about either the history or the continual growth of the profession in Australia. This study was the first historical research project which aimed to reflect on the growth of the music therapy profession in Australia over time. Qualitative data was obtained through interviews with three of Australia's most prominent figures in the field of music therapy. This article focuses on the establishment of the music therapy profession in Australia between 1970 and 1990 and Professor Denise Grocke's influence and contribution to the profession in these early years. The interview narrative provides invaluable insight into the establishment of the music therapy profession in Australia. This study brings to light the importance of developing the historical 'story' of the music therapy profession in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenges of 2020 but also on the stories of resilience and hope which have emerged, and this volume of AJMT highlights our resources as music therapists through two research articles. It mentions that the Allison Fuller and Alison Short present the results from a survey they conducted on visual supports such as ‘choice boards' or ‘first-then cards' used by Australian RMTs in their clinical practice.

An abstract of the article "Using music therapy as a resource for restoring healthy relationships with music during mental health recovery," by Jennifer Bibb is presented.