[book review]. Polen, D. W., Shultis, C. L., & Wheeler, B. L. (2017). Clinical training guide for the student music therapist (2nd ed.)

Training music therapy students is a complex task that is approached differently around the world. The music therapy profession is broad in its application, with qualified music therapists working in diverse contexts with diverse populations to meet diverse needs. Different countries emphasise different skills in their training programs and offer either undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications. Clinical training is at the heart of music therapy degree courses. Placements (also knowns as practicums or internships) offer students the opportunity to gain experience with real people, and therefore students are required to put theory into practice and apply their academic knowledge. In this sense, what happens on placements integrates all aspects of course work and professional knowledge. The second edition of “Clinical Training Guide for the Student Music Therapist” could be seen as a compendium for students on placement. Within each chapter, there is an emphasis on professional competencies and developing skills in various aspects of music therapy program development; from planning, assessment and goal writing, to implementing music therapy techniques. At the end of each chapter, there are learning tasks to help scaffold student learning and support them to engage in personal reflection..