There was (and is) always something that made me feel like I didn’t belong in the profession of music therapy. I can always improve my musical skills, I am learning everyday how to effectively support clients through verbal processing, I am constantly wondering if I’m documenting right, and how do I write a goal again?
These things have caused me to question my place here. And on top of that, I’ve had music therapists who have been so unkind to the point where I’ve had to leave jobs. Yes, you read that right, more than one. And on that note, I’ve also experienced many an interview that did not turn into a job.
Am I just a bad music therapist? I’ll let you be the judge. But what I can say is that the people I work with have the most reassuring words. Unsolicited I’ve had clients tell me how much music therapy means to them, I’ve read cards from family members of patients I've cared for, and I’ve received the most amazing testimonials from other healthcare professionals. And still, it’s been really hard.
I’ve walked away from music therapy work because of bad experiences, and then I came right back because I missed it so much. I’ve questioned a lot about music therapy and continue to learn about the history and methods I was not taught in school.
But what’s helped the most is the support of other music therapists.
Talking with safe music therapists* has been the most supportive things on my journey. I have had to tread lightly, but when I find another music therapist who has questioned things like I have, or has a horror story to share, I know I can speak freely without being seen as a terrible music therapist.
To put it simply, we are stronger together.
That’s why I’ve created this space. I want music therapists to feel like there’s a place to go when they feel like a bad music therapist. I want you to know that it’s safe to share your story and find support when you need it most. I want you to have a sort of guide as you face challenges and obstacles in your music therapy career.
And I want you to feel comfortable exploring what’s beyond music therapy with no judgement, if that’s what you feel pulled towards. You are safe to feel, question, think, share, and be.
I am not the average music therapist, and you are too.
Besides talking all things music therapy, I enjoy calligraphizing a pretty envelope with an equally pretty card inside, having a moment with steamy tea, going for long walks through flowering trees, listening to the tracks my genius-music producer husband Greg Best is working on, and proving to people that I’m originally from New Jersey by imitating the accent that I know so well.
Pull up a cozy chair, pick up your favorite drink, and take a step inside of this of this story with me.
*music therapists who will not judge or try to teach me, but will listen with a gentle ear, validate the feelings I have, and support me because they’ve been through it too.
Follow along on Instagram!
One of my favorite things is connecting with other music therapists on Instagram. So, don’t be afraid to just slide into my DMs and say hi. You will definitely get a response back from me and only me. Let’s chat! :)
