Not Your Average Music Therapist

Just a little update on how things are going, some chat about time and space, and ideas moving forward. I always love your thoughts and input, so after you’ve listened to the episode, feel free to share them! Grateful for every one of you who share this space together with me. Thank you for being here!

Mentioned in the podcast: Oprah’s podcast Super Soul and the opener “I believe that one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself is time, taking time to be fully present. Your journey to become more inspired and connected to the deeper world around us starts right now.”

I learn something so much better when I spend time with it. Growth happens when I sit with it. The action I take is more genuine, honest, and real when I’ve let something work its way into my everyday. This conversation is about all of that.

Here is a link of action steps to take along your journey of education, growth, and sitting with all of it: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

We have heard from other music therapists, but what about looking at music therapy from a client’s perspective. We don’t often have this opportunity because we are so focused on the work at hand, and we also don’t follow our clients after music therapy has ended. Get an inside look (and some inspiration for your work) at music therapy from a client’s perspective with my brother, Tim. 

Follow him on instagram: @tmiller95

Check out his photography at his website: tim-miller-photo.com

Life is heavy AF. Let’s talk about it.

The end of this episode features the song "Letting Go" by Greg Best as a meditation. You can stream it anywhere you listen to music. Hear more at Greg's Spotify Artist Page.

Proceeds from streaming any of Greg's music goes to Haven: a collective of BIPOC womxn rooted towards abolition, liberation and healing through art and storytelling. Visit havenmedia.org to find out more.

We go on this journey through music therapy study being excited and expectant for the road ahead. But what happens when we get there? Tara O’Brien shares her story about transitioning from student to intern to professional and the challenges that she faced along the way. There’s so much more to being a music therapist beyond landing the dream job.

Follow Tara on instagram: @taraobri

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

You know the ones… those music therapists who get under your skin. They bug you, annoy you, and you never want to be like them. But there’s a sneaking suspicion that you are like them, in little ways, maybe. So let’s talk about what things we can do to care for our own souls, so we can grow into the healthiest, most authentic and loving people we can be.

 

Referenced in the show:

psychologytoday.com

betterhelp.com

therapyforblackgirls.com

blackfemaletherapists.com

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

I texted my friend, Brandy, to see if she’d record a spontaneous conversation with me, and here it is! I knew this one would be full of wisdom, and it sure is. Enjoy our chat around balance, American culture, peace and contentment, and beautiful chaos.

 

Follow her on Instagram: @thebrandyjenkins

Check out her website: http://brandyjenkins.com

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

17 is my favorite number, so why not, on this 17th episode, share a little bonus in between our weekly episodes. So often we’re in a rush and onto the next things. But how often do we spend time reflecting? Take a minute right now and notice the beautiful small moments that happen, in and out of your music therapy sessions.

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

Imposter syndrome, comparisonitis, jealousy. These are big things that we feel and have to work through, but what I think it really comes down to is identity. Let’s not lose ourselves in the title and profession of “music therapist.”

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

If you don’t already know Hayley, I am so excited for you to get to know her here. She is a delight! Hayley shares with us the steps she took to get into music therapy, her first job, and a few inspiring creative projects. And the best part, she’s not done yet. Hayley talks about the feelings around burnout, imposter syndrome, and how she creatively finds her way through. I cannot wait to see what new thing Hayley does in her life and career as a music therapist. Enjoy the conversation!

 

Follow her on instagram: @mtahayley

Listen to her joint podcast: Able Voice Podcast

Peruse her website: https://mtahayley.com

And while you’re at it, check out her Anti-Oppressive Practices Resource.