Feedback Friday: August 2015
by • August 28, 2015 • Feedback Friday • 0 Comments
Every day in our music therapy sessions there are spontaneous statements from clients, families, and staff that provide valuable feedback on the work we do. In an effort to capture those moments, we initiated Feedback Friday.
Music therapy is not for everyone. Yes, I know that may sound crazy, especially since I am the owner of a music therapy private practice, but it’s true. Not everyone benefits from, or likes, music therapy.
Several months ago, I was leading a group music therapy session at a facility that I visit monthly. The group is open to any residents that want to come. We have a core group that attends regularly, and we often have other residents drop by to “watch” what we’re doing. By the end of the session, most of them have joined in with us and are talking about coming back next time – but not always. In this particular session, one of the new participants was in the latter category. From what I could gather, this person was anticipating an experience similar to a concert or recital, and our group music therapy sessions definitely do not meet that criteria! (Our sessions are more interactive and interspersed with music-making and conversation compared to entertainment.)
While our groups are inclusive and we work to present interventions to address a variety or needs and expectations, we don’t meet everyone’s needs or expectations, all the time.
You can imagine my surprise when I arrived this week and saw that same resident sitting with the other participants waiting for our music therapy group! I almost pulled the Activity Director aside to let him know that I didn’t think this participant would be a good fit. Thankfully, I believe in second chances for our clients and for myself. All the residents remained engaged and actively participated in all the interventions presented – from therapeutic singing to music supported movement to playing instruments with peers. During this session, we had two new residents. They joined right in and were a welcome addition to the group. I hope to see them next time, but if I don’t, that’s okay too.
