I enjoyed reading Jenny's description of her musical experience. The interaction she described is really the crux of what music therapy is about. This is what makes music therapy so challenging - music therapists must not only be able to work in the client's music - but they must be able to use their own as well. We are sharing a part of ourselves each time we delve into these musical interactions. We sometimes see ourselves in the music making; at other times, it brings up things for us that might be difficult. This interconnectedness between two souls - This dancing of two minds - This is why we do what we do!
I challenge Jenny and the other readers to think of yourself not as a co-performer, but as a music therapist. This model of music therapy requires you to be as much a part of the music as the client. If you think about verbal models of therapy, you are questioning, reassuring, and challenging your client through music instead of words. On the same token, the therapist must not use the situation for their own benefit, but rather contribute their musical reactions and responses to assist the client in reaching the place that they want to be. For Jenny's client, it was confronting feelings that he had avoided. For other clients, it might be understanding, knowledge, or peace.
About Kristen M. Chase
Biography
MM, MT-BC, Director of Music Therapy, Mississippi University for Women.
I enjoyed reading Jenny's description of her musical experience. The interaction she described is really the crux of what music therapy is about. This is what makes music therapy so challenging - music therapists must not only be able to work in the client's music - but they must be able to use their own as well. We are sharing a part of ourselves each time we delve into these musical interactions. We sometimes see ourselves in the music making; at other times, it brings up things for us that might be difficult. This interconnectedness between two souls - This dancing of two minds - This is why we do what we do!
I challenge Jenny and the other readers to think of yourself not as a co-performer, but as a music therapist. This model of music therapy requires you to be as much a part of the music as the client. If you think about verbal models of therapy, you are questioning, reassuring, and challenging your client through music instead of words. On the same token, the therapist must not use the situation for their own benefit, but rather contribute their musical reactions and responses to assist the client in reaching the place that they want to be. For Jenny's client, it was confronting feelings that he had avoided. For other clients, it might be understanding, knowledge, or peace.