As a music therapist in a medical setting, our main role is to support patients’ psychosocial needs during recovery. It’s similar to being a counselor, but we use music as the intervention.
At the start of COVID, it was an emotional time. I remember my first shift after the city shut down. The hospital was eerily quiet. As time went on, I settled into my role and now I’m feeling quite grounded. Music therapy took on a bigger role in supporting not only the patients but also the staff.
I had a lot of staff members asking me questions about music therapy and even asking me to play a song for them.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far is using PPE. When we wear our masks, the patient can’t see our faces or hear the words we are singing. We really have to use our body language and eyes to connect with the patient to let them know that we are here for them.
During COVID, the majority of the population experienced isolation. Music therapy has the unique power of moving us from isolation into connection.
Medicine looks at all the symptoms, but there is no pill or procedure for the human spirit.
Music is that bridge that brings connection, motivation, and healing to the spirit.
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