Building the first music therapy programme… - a reflection on new music therapy in new place

Abstract

This story presents the reflections on building a music therapy programme in a new place. The description of the experiences of a young clinician who started music therapy programme in a facility for abused and neglected children in Poland is given. Both professional and personal challenges that were faced by the music therapist are discussed. The story of the author might not be different from those that happen to music therapists in similar situations all over the world. Therefore, the author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of being the one who builds a music therapy program as the first practitioner, and builds awareness of Music Therapy as a profession in a new place. The more general reflections on being in this situation follow. Dangers and benefits resulting from freedom as well as the importance of responsibility are also presented. The conclusion is that establishing social trust for MT as a profession and promoting this kind of therapy with success from the very beginning is an extremely rewarding work.