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Current Events: Thrive to Survive Workshop

Current Events: Thrive to Survive Workshop

by | Mar 22, 2022

Written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC

 

This month, Upstate Music Therapy Center employees Erin Triola, LCAT, MT-BC and Katie Pistilli, MT-BC met a wonderful group of people through the Thrive to Survive support group. Katie and Erin conducted a workshop for Thrive to Survive that included a few different creative arts experiences. Participants were cancer survivors, caregivers, family, and friends. Within moments it was clear that Thrive to Survive is a tight-knit group. In fact, Thrive to Survive just celebrated its 10-year anniversary and this meeting was their first in-person since the pandemic began. The positive energy reverberated throughout the room.

UMTC wanted to offer an experience that would relax, connect, and inspire the participants. Music therapy benefits cancer survivors in more ways than one. To name a few, music therapy offers:

  • Reduced anxiety; improved mood
  • Improved quality of life
  • Pain control
  • Decreased shortness of breath
  • Decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure
  • Increased positive immune response
  • Caregiver joy and empowerment

 

Mindfulness, Art, and Music

As a part of the workshop, the participants participated in a few different music therapy interventions such as mindfulness-based art and music activity. During this experience, the participants were encouraged to listen to soothing music, breathe deeply, and allow themselves to color, draw, or write whatever came to mind. There were a couple of participants who shared that they felt “relaxed and peaceful” afterwards. For some, the busy thoughts and worries in their mind slowed down.

 

The Power of Lyrics

Give me the beat boys and free my soul

I wanna get lost in your rock n’ roll

And drift away

Do those lyrics ring a bell for you? Every single participant knew the song “Drift Away” by Dobie Grey. The group had a conversation about what memories the song brings, what lines stand out, and what the song means to them. Where can music transport you? It was amazing to see how we can all be connected and feel the positivity of a song, but all have a different interpretation of the lyrics.

Music therapy interventions not only benefit the individual undergoing treatment but their caregivers as well. For those with a terminal illness, music therapy may act as a bonding experience. Participating in shared music experiences may bring patients and caregivers closer together, cultivating positive memories to look back on. To conclude the workshop, the participants grabbed a small shaker, drum, or percussion instrument to play along to the timeless classic “Lean on Me.” One thing is for certain, the survivors of this group all have each other to lean on!  

Connect with Thrive to Survive 

The Thrive to Survive group meets monthly, and workshops range from creative arts experiences, to resource events with social workers, or cheering at the Middle Finger 5k on Seneca Lake. If you or anyone you love is looking to be a part of this support group, you can email them at: support@thrivetosurvive.com  

Interested in having our therapists do a workshop or training for your organization? Learn more about our community education opportunities by clicking here.

Should I Become a Music Therapist?

Should I Become a Music Therapist?

Nov 30, 2021

Blog written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC Do you love music and want to make a career of it? It might seem like music education or performance degrees are the only majors out there, but that is far from the truth. Thankfully, there is the fulfilling profession of music...

Music Therapy for Children with Chronic Pain

Music Therapy for Children with Chronic Pain

Nov 2, 2021

Blog written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC Chronic pain impacts an individual's entire life. Not only are there physical symptoms to cope with, but there is the emotional struggle of accepting that the pain is indefinite. While chronic pain is a tragedy for anyone going...

What is That Instrument?

What is That Instrument?

Oct 3, 2021

Blog post written by Katie Pistilli. When you think of music therapy, what is the first instrument that comes to mind? For most, it is probably the guitar. Versatile, portable, and calming, guitars are a music therapist’s go-to instrument. Some therapists might have...

Book: My Voice is a Trumpet

Book: My Voice is a Trumpet

by | Feb 22, 2022

Blog post written and submitted by Kayla Davitt, MT-BC 

“Voices are powerful, and together they’re strong, like the musical notes of a beautiful song.”

Think about it. Each person has a voice. When voices come together, it can sometimes be chaos. But, it can oftentimes be powerful! Jimmie Allen’s new children’s book My Voice is a Trumpet describes in rhyming verse how all people have voices and voices are strong when brought together to support an important cause or idea. Together with illustrations by Cathy Ann Johnson, Allen’s storybook depicts how people of all ages can use their voices to “stand up for what’s right and know what feels wrong.”

 

One of the most important points (at least to me) that Allen makes in his new book is that no one’s voice is the same. Voices can be loud, quiet, young, or old. A person may need to use gestures, sign language, or a communication device in order to be heard. It’s important to celebrate our differences and treat each other with kindness and compassion.

As February is International Build Self-Esteem Month as well as Black History Month, I believe it’s extremely important to discuss with your child that it’s okay to be different from others. They may talk differently, walk differently, or look different compared to their peers or those around them. Jimmie Allen’s book makes it a point to state that we can all be brought together in spite of our differences.

When reading this book with your child, here are a few questions to keep in mind:

Comparing your voice to a trumpet

How can your voice sound like a trumpet? Should your voice always be loud? Trumpets can play music that is loud and powerful, but they can also play music that is soft and sweet. When should your voice be loud and powerful? When should your voice be quiet?

Recognizing differences in others

All of us have different voices, but we can all come together to stand up for what we believe in. Do you know someone who speaks a different language or uses a different way to communicate? Even though that person may have a voice different from yours, theirs is just as important!

How will you use your voice?

What can you use your voice for? Many people use their voices to stand up to bullies, to help save the planet, or to speak peace for all people. What is one way you can use your voice to make a difference in your community?

My Voice is a Trumpet is Jimmie Allen’s first book, but he made history as the first Black artist to have two consecutive number one hits on the country music charts! In addition to the creation of this book, Jimmie Allen also wrote a companion song of the same name: “My Voice is A Trumpet.” This song expresses the importance of being kind and also recognizing that “you’re beautiful the way that you are.” As you listen to this song with your child, discuss with them what makes them beautiful. Remind them they are beautiful the way they are, no matter what.

We hope you enjoy reading this book with your child during International Build Self-Esteem Month as well as Black History Month! If you wish to purchase this book on Amazon, you can do so here.

Happy reading!

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 2)

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 2)

by | Jan 31, 2022

Understanding ourselves, as parents, and being aware of how we respond to difficult situations, can greatly improve our parenting approach and by doing so increase healthy and helpful interactions with our children. When this happens both
the parents, children, and spousal relationship begin to notice a sense of calm even during the expected chaotic moments of raising children.

In Part 1 of this 2-part blog series, Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos, we focused on supporting parents by providing an adult inventory of potential triggers when parenting. If you did not get a chance to review that inventory, we encourage you to read the first blog and take a moment to reflect before attempting to implement the strategies we’ll be sharing with you today. 

No matter if your children have special needs, mental health challenges, or are typically developing, there are some helpful strategies we use as therapist, we believe are beneficial when implemented by parents as well. Keeping
in mind what you learned about your triggers and the things you can do to manage your needs, let’s now look at strategies to use with your children.

  • 5 Suggested Strategies to Use with Your Children:
    • Start the day with background music. Even before your children’s feet hit the floor have preselected music that you have noticed creates a calming environment for your family. This might be a playlist, nature-focused music, or a particular genre. Music can help instill calm, promote self-regulation, and impart a happy feeling. One idea for your
      family to try is this link of Disney Relaxing Piano.
    • Identify and communicate the allowed behaviors. Setting clear boundaries for children is vital. If they do not understand what is allowed and what is not, despite which adult is watching them, this can create confusion. For example, a parent can say the following: “Sitting at the table with feet on the floor and cleaning up your table space
      when finished eating will tell me that are ready for family game time.” Adopting the same style of communication as shown in this example is important for both parents to use as consistency creates calm. Notice how it was focused on the allowed behaviors.
    • Used planned-ignoring. There are times when your child wants attention and in some cases they will seek it anyway they can get it. Catching the child as soon as they stop a particular inappropriate attention seeking behavior and immediately giving them attention begins to shape their actions. They will learn that I do not have to be loud or
      doing something I am not supposed to be doing to get mom or dad’s attention.
    • Add fun perks for everyone working together. The idea of teaching a family to be a team increases the prospect of decreasing chaos. When children see that everyone is doing their part of the chores gets the work done quickly leaving time for movie night, they are much more apt to do their part without resistance. No child is too young to be
      involved. There are always simple tasks that can be completed by children as young as two and you will find that they really like having their own special role.
    • Consider a Safe or Sensory Space. Many of us were raised with the concept of time out. The point was to send a child to a separate location so that they are removed from the activity that is going on because they were misbehaving. We encourage coming at this from a more nurturing perspective. When we can identify the reason the child needs a change, such as your body does not look safe right now or you seem to need a quieter place to calm your thoughts you are letting the child know that you are paying attention and realize they are struggling. When a child is doing something that appears unsafe then helping them to understand the need to have them move to a safe chair or safe zone will make sure that no one gets hurt. The message is now coming from the focus of “Because I love you and your siblings, we want to be sure everyone stays safe”. When children notice their needs are being recognized, they calm much quicker. Many times, a child can learn to self-regulate on their own if provided with the most helpful environment. Below are examples to consider.

 

“Our greatest source of chaos can also be our greatest source of peace.

This is very true when it comes to parenting”.

– Amy Thomas

 

To reach out to a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist related to specific needs with a child click on our contact us link and one of our therapists will be in touch.

Current Events: Thrive to Survive Workshop

Current Events: Thrive to Survive Workshop

Mar 22, 2022

Written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC   This month, Upstate Music Therapy Center employees Erin Triola, LCAT, MT-BC and Katie Pistilli, MT-BC met a wonderful group of people through the Thrive to Survive support group. Katie and Erin conducted a workshop for Thrive to...

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 2)

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 2)

Jan 31, 2022

Understanding ourselves, as parents, and being aware of how we respond to difficult situations, can greatly improve our parenting approach and by doing so increase healthy and helpful interactions with our children. When this happens boththe parents, children, and...

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 1)

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 1)

Jan 25, 2022

Whether you are a parent or not, everyone appreciates calm. Life is full of noise, busyness, tension, and high energy activity and we often struggle to find space for relaxing and peaceful moments. It is for this reason that adults, teens, and children alike will need...

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 1)

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 1)

by | Jan 25, 2022

Whether you are a parent or not, everyone appreciates calm. Life is full of noise, busyness, tension, and high energy activity and we often struggle to find space for relaxing and peaceful moments. It is for this reason that adults, teens, and children alike will need to be intentional to find calm. In this first part of our two-part blog, we would like to focus on the needs of parents when life feels chaotic. 

When polling parents in 2021 many moms and dads reported that they needed more support, both emotional and hands on assistance so they could step away when feeling overwhelmed. Since the pandemic began in March 2020 parents have been faced with the reality of being not only parent, but also teacher and mental health supporter. These additional responsibilities have been challenging and, for most families, have caused parents to reach their breaking point. Parents frequently call our office asking for help because their child is melting down or isolating themselves in their room, angry or depressed when they can’t to be with friends, go to school, or participate in extracurricular events. How it is possible to find calm in these challenging situations?

Parenting, in normal circumstances, can certainly feel chaotic at times, however the pandemic has elevated the tension, especially with families of children who have struggled with big or unsteady emotions or difficulty with change. In Part 2 of this blog series, we will provide parents with a list of strategies they can use with their children. But first, we want to provide this quick self-inventory to equip parents in learning more about their triggers, as this is a key step is managing chaos.

  • Adult Inventory – What triggers you?
    • Strong emotions of others (Anger, Sadness, Fear, Apathy)
    • Arguments between those in the home
    • Screaming or excessive talking
    • Loud noises
    • Something getting broken
    • Using curse words or unacceptable language
    • Saying no or refusing to do something
    • Moving too slowly
    • Running or being physically active

Can you relate to one or more of these triggers? If you said yes, that is good news, because it means that you are aware of what makes you feel uneasy. Now that you recognize the things that cause you to trigger, let’s identify what you notice about yourself when this happens. Think about your body. Do you notice it tensing up, pressure in the chest, shaking, heart racing, or feeling the need to pace? Now notice what’s going on in your mind. Do your thoughts begin to race, turn extreme, or shutdown? And do these responses to the chaos build up slowly or happen very quickly? This information is very helpful in managing your response to these triggers. The key is to notice them and then find an effective way to decrease the response to the trigger so you can regain your composure. Whether children are simply playing with high energy or expressing big emotions they need the adults around them to model the best way to respond when challenges arise. This in no way means that parents will be perfect but instead do their best when times get tough. Children are watching the adults’ cues of how to respond to stressful situations.

 

“When little people are overwhelmed by emotions,

it’s our job to share our calm, not to join the chaos.”

L.R. Knost

 

  • Strategies for Parents to Manage their Own Needs
    • Be Compassionate with Yourself. You may not be able to do it all, but what you do accomplish, feel good about. Notice the signs your trigger is starting and coach yourself to recover by taking 2 -5 minutes away as able. This is a great example for children.
    • Find Mini Self Care Moments. Take a few minutes throughout your day to listen to a favorite song, watch an inspiring video, read something short and inspirational, breathe slowly, or do whatever makes you feel calmer.
    • Plan But be Flexible. Organization can decrease chaos so plan and prepare things ahead of time, however, also accept if it needs to change without judgement.
    • Look For Resources. Connect with other parents, community centers, churches, and schools to learn about free or low-cost resources for opportunities for outside family enrichment and support to parents.
    • Fun with Family Opportunities. Recognize the moments in the past when your family laughed and enjoyed being together. Remembering these moments is good for the soul. Try to replicate these, when possible, even on a smaller scale.

Keep an eye out for Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 2), which will release next month, to learn strategies
to use with children to help bring calm to the chaos.

To reach out to a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist related to specific needs with a child, contact us and one of our therapists will be in touch.

 

 

Finding Peace on Earth

Finding Peace on Earth

Dec 7, 2021

  Written by Amy Thomas, LCAT, MT-BC, C-DBT As we wind down 2021 with all its twists and turns we look toward a new year. Most people look forward with hope, that life might be easier, less chaotic, and filled with family, friends, good health and happiness....

Music Therapy for Children with Chronic Pain

Music Therapy for Children with Chronic Pain

Nov 2, 2021

Blog written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC Chronic pain impacts an individual's entire life. Not only are there physical symptoms to cope with, but there is the emotional struggle of accepting that the pain is indefinite. While chronic pain is a tragedy for anyone going...

Sounds That Scare Our Children

Sounds That Scare Our Children

Oct 24, 2021

,It can be common to see children plug their ears or show displeasure toward an unexpected, loud, high pitched or popping sound. However, how do we know when it is time to get professional help for our child whose responses appear severe?  A quick reaction to a sound...

5 Steps to Becoming a Board Certified Music Therapist

5 Steps to Becoming a Board Certified Music Therapist

by | Jan 4, 2022

Blog written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC

Has your passion for music and desire to help others have you leaning toward wanting to pursue a career in Music Therapy? 

Last month we released a blog called Should I Become a Music Therapist, where we talked about the different questions to asking yourself when deciding whether or not to become a music therapist.   

Now, we’re taking the next step in helping you achieve that career.  Here are 5 the steps you’ll need to take in order to become a Board Certified Music Therapist.

 

1) Find a School 

Whether you are just finishing up high school or already a professional in another field looking to change career paths, the first step is finding an AMTA-approved university. AMTA stands for the American Music Therapy Association. They set the standards for education and determine if a program is teaching what a music therapist really needs to know. Programs at these schools vary. You might be looking for a bachelor’s program or master’s equivalency if you already have a bachelor’s degree.  

AMTA outlines the different options for you. Find the path that best fits your life’s trajectory.

There are many colleges out there that claim to offer degrees or “concentrations” in music therapy. It is absolutely essential that you make sure these programs are AMTA-approved. If you do not complete your coursework at an accredited program, you will not qualify for necessary steps like internship or sitting for your board exam.  

To ensure you are pursuing a qualified program, make sure it is on this list: AMTA Approved Schools.

2) Audition 

As much as music therapy is an allied health profession, you are first and foremost a musician. During your time in college, you must cultivate your musical self as any music major would. An audition is part of the application process at any school. You will be asked to audition on your primary instrument or voice. Many instrumentalists choose the instrument they played in band or orchestra in high school. You can also audition on voice, classical guitar, or piano. If you are still in high school, ask your music teacher to help you with this process! Keep in mind, you will be working with your primary instrument for at least 4 years. Make sure playing it is something you like doing!  

3) Complete Your Coursework 

Once you audition and enter into a program, it will take 4 years to complete. If you are coming in with the pre-requisites or a music degree in a related field you may complete it in less time. During this time, you’ll learn a lot of information, from music history and theory to psychology, research methods, and music therapy approaches. It is all essential information that you will implement during internship. 

You’ll get a small taste of internship during your school years in the practicum setting. Practicums are wonderful opportunities to get your feet wet, practice some interventions, and therapeutic skills before internship. During practicum, you will learn about the steps and procedures behind writing music therapy goals, creating a treatment plan, and much more. Be sure to soak up as much of this experience as you can!  

4) Internship 

Internship is the capstone event of a music therapist’s educational journey. An internship consists of 1,200 clinical hours completed under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist. During your internship, you will cultivate the skills and competencies you’ll need to be a competent and confident clinician. Similar to applying for schools, internships require an audition process. Unlike your college audition, the skills are more practical for the profession. You may be asked to lead a group in a musical activity, showcase your piano, voice, and guitar skills, or answer situational questions applicable to the population you’ll be serving.  

You must seriously consider pursuing an internship with the population you see yourself working with. For example, if you want to work with children, consider a school-based internship setting. You can also find internships based in hospitals, schools, private practices, hospice and palliative care.  

There are two kinds of internships: National Roster and Affiliate. Affiliate internships are those only available to students of a particular academic program. National roster internships are available to anyone. Use this resource to find an AMTA approved internship site.

5) Become Board-Certified  

Did you know that a music therapist has credentials after their name? They are MT-BC and stand for Music-Therapist, Board Certified. Once you complete your internship clinical hours you are eligible to sit for the board-certification exam. All practicing music therapists must be board-certified. After all of your education and training, you will be more than prepared! This exam is taken entirely on a computer at a testing location. 

Music therapy is a rewarding career like no other. It is full of experiences spanning numerous professions, from medical care, education, mental health, and across the spectrum of ages. The possibilities are endless. We hope that your journey is as rewarding as ours at UMTC has been!  

 

Should I Become a Music Therapist?

Should I Become a Music Therapist?

Nov 30, 2021

Blog written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC Do you love music and want to make a career of it? It might seem like music education or performance degrees are the only majors out there, but that is far from the truth. Thankfully, there is the fulfilling profession of music...

Music Therapy for Children with Chronic Pain

Music Therapy for Children with Chronic Pain

Nov 2, 2021

Blog written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC Chronic pain impacts an individual's entire life. Not only are there physical symptoms to cope with, but there is the emotional struggle of accepting that the pain is indefinite. While chronic pain is a tragedy for anyone going...

What is That Instrument?

What is That Instrument?

Oct 3, 2021

Blog post written by Katie Pistilli. When you think of music therapy, what is the first instrument that comes to mind? For most, it is probably the guitar. Versatile, portable, and calming, guitars are a music therapist’s go-to instrument. Some therapists might have...