#MTAdvocacy: What We Are

The second definition for “identity” in the Merriam Webster dictionary reads:

the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different than others.

This month marks the 4th annual Social Media Advocacy month, a project whereby music therapy bloggers, podcasters, tweeters, Instagramers, and Facebook users flood the online airwaves with articles, likes, and shares about music therapy.

This year’s theme is “We are…” Throughout January, we are exploring and honoring music therapy as a distinct profession, separate and unique from other professions and professionals with which we work.

The articles and podcast episodes that have been generated this year are diverse, creative, and thought-provoking. They have gotten me thinking and pondering about our identity as music therapists. On the qualities and beliefs that make us different and unique from other therapy and creative arts professionals.

We commonly talk about the many “hats” music therapists wear. As I think about the many hats I have worn during my development as a music therapists, and the many hats I see my friends and colleagues wearing, this following list emerges of the identities we hold and the things we are:

We are…musicians.

We are…carers.

We are…helpers.

We are…healers.

We are…compassionate.

We are…readers.

We are…writers.

We are…scholars.

We are…researchers.

We are…clinicians.

We are…creators.

We are…improvisers.

We are…composers.

We are…singers.

We are…advocates.

We are…business owners.

We are…practitioners.

We are…scientists.

We are…presenters.

We are…connectors.

We are…networkers.

We are…explainers.

We are…questioners.

We are…nurturers.

We are…skeptics.

We are…thinkers.

We are…performers.

We are…rehabilitators.

We are…bloggers.

We are…habilitators.

We are…developmentalists.

We are…educators.

We are…human.

We are…MUSIC THERAPISTS!

Tagged as: Advocacy, definition, Music Therapy, social media, what is music therapy