What term describes a personal belief system that influences how one views reality?

The term that describes a personal belief system influencing how an individual views reality is ontology. Ontology refers to the study of being and existence, focusing on what entities exist and how they can be categorized and related. It encompasses a person’s beliefs about the nature of reality, such as the existence of certain phenomena, the relationships among different entities, and the understanding of one's own existence within the broader reality.

In the context of music therapy and therapeutic practices, one's ontological beliefs can significantly impact the approach taken towards therapy, including the selection of techniques and the interpretation of clients' experiences. Understanding ontology allows practitioners to reflect on their foundational beliefs, which ultimately influence their therapeutic relationships and methodologies.

Other concepts such as epistemology, methodology, and logos relate to knowledge, methods of inquiry, and reasoned discourse but do not directly address the belief system specifically associated with one's worldview or understanding of existence.