Research shows that systemic oppression negatively affects health outcomes for marginalized people (Baines, 2016; Williams & Cooper, 2020). Much of music therapy research, pedagogy, and practice has covertly and overtly participated in systemic oppression through embracing Eurocentric traditions that promote white supremacy. Anti-oppressive music therapy (AOMT) is a general theory that offers pathways forward in music therapy to dismantle systemic oppression and celebrate diversity and equity. AOMT is a way of working that requires deep critical reflection to recognize and acknowledge unearned privilege and commitment to address personal resistance to change. AOMT links critical music therapy theories to increase ethical practice and social justice in music therapy theory, education, research, and practice.

研究表明，系统性压迫会对边缘化人群的健康结果产生负面影响（Baines，2016 年；Williams & Cooper，2020 年）。许多音乐治疗研究、教学法和实践都通过接受促进白人至上的欧洲中心传统来暗中和公开地参与系统性压迫。反压迫音乐疗法 (AOMT) 是一种通用理论，它为音乐疗法提供了前进的途径，以消除系统性压迫并庆祝多样性和公平。AOMT 是一种需要深入批判性反思的工作方式，以识别和承认不劳而获的特权和承诺，以解决个人对变革的抵制。AOMT 将批判性音乐治疗理论与音乐治疗理论、教育、研究和实践中的伦理实践和社会正义联系起来。