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What are common workplaces for music therapists? Is your job stressful? What is your favorite part about your job?

I am 21 years old and I am thinking of going into music therapy because I love music and helping people. I want to do something in the health field, hopefully mental health. What places do you work/used to work? Is the job overall stressful? What do you like most about it?

music therapy counseling-psychology musical-therapist
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Annah’s Answer

Mercedes, while I am not a music therapist (and the licensing is a bit different), I am an art therapist and have worked alongside music therapists! Music therapy is amazing, particularly because it elicits emotion in a way that other creative formats do not. I'm sure there is a more scientific way to talk about it, but music attaches to memories like nothing else. It automatically takes us back to a time and an emotion in a way that art making cannot. Of course, there is more to it than this. Living in an urban area, what I have noticed is that music therapy positions tend to be with children/youth or in geriatrics. You can also enter into private practice. Like any position in mental health, there will be a toll on your own mental health. But this is something that even as a student, you learn to mitigate with very good self-care. The level of stress may depend on the specific environment where you work; it may also affect you more significantly if you are an empath- someone who is sensitive to energy and the emotions of others. This said, many people (including myself) who enter into this field are extremely compassionate and may consider themselves empaths. A hospital is likely more stressful than others as you will be working with acute situations. It can also be incredibly rewarding. As a student you will have a chance to intern in different places; this will give you a better idea for yourself about where you hope to direct your career. Everyone defines stress differently, so I hesitate to say what may be stressful or not for you. Some people even thrive in more fast-paced environments and utilize the stress in a positive way- as a motivator to work efficiently and effectively. I have learned I enjoy a bit of both- slow and fast time; this is a pace that challenges my brain and keeps me interested. Check out the American Music Therapy Association for more information. You may also look at expressive arts therapies, dance therapy, yoga therapy, drama therapy, and let us not forget, art therapy! Many ways to go. Because of licensing, I suggest looking at graduate programs with a dual degree- for instance mine is clinical counseling with art therapy. The clinical degree is required for state licensure and opens up many more job opportunities. Great luck to you!
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