Internship: week three.

My music therapy internship is fantastic! Or as my supervisor says a lot, fabulous! All the clients are so unique. I'm trying to soak everything, take lots of notes, and research all the disabilities so I'll have a good grasp before I start leading some sessions. I have one more week of observing and then I'll be co-leading with my supervisor. By November, I'll take it on by myself! My supervisor has been great. We think a lot alike in the sessions. As she's leading a session and I'm observing, I'll think of something that I might do in a session and then she implements that same thought the next minute. It's cool to think that I may actually have good ideas ;-)
There are a couple clients that intimidate me a bit. Mostly the ones that are non-verbal and very active physically. But in time I know that I'll learn their needs and structure the session accordingly. I've learned so much already and I've only begun! Here are a few things I've learned so far:

1. Age-appropriate hello and goodbye songs. For those of you who aren't familiar with music therapy, these songs are necessary for the opening and closing of the session. It creates structure and lets the clients know that the session is beginning or ending. The songs can also work on speech or social goals that the client might be making progress towards.

2. A diagnosis is SO very broad. You think you know what cerebral palsy is? Or how about autism? There's a reason they put it on a "spectrum." Every individual with a diagnosis is so different from another one with the same diagnosis!

3. Watch your toes. A lot of clients aren't aware of their body or surroundings, so watch your toes! (and face, head, arms, body...)

4. Let adults be adults and kids be kids. Just as in typically functioning adults, adults with disabilities may not like to be called things like "ma'am" or do they like to be bribed with things like a cookie or snack. Same thing for kids: a lot of these kids are struggling with the same things that typically functioning kids are, like puberty, social "dilemmas", parents, school, anything really! So, let them voice their opinions and be sensitive to their needs.

5. Take some time for yourself during the day. You need it, I need it. Get on facebook for 5 minutes, write a blog, get out of the office for lunch. Whatever works, take a break :)

Those are just a few. My break is over, but it's been nice to share a bit!

Until next time!