A lot changes in a year!  Our music therapy department has changed drastically in the past year and a lot of us have experienced personal growth throughout these changes.  I want to use this post to reflect back on the craziness that this last year has been and present a bit of a challenge.  
    The music therapists have had many changes in their personal lives in which we celebrate!  New babies, new homes, weddings, and many other exciting events!  Some of our therapists have gone to further their experience or education in other areas and in other states.  Personal growth is always something to celebrate!  
    The last year here at our office has been full of highs and lows.  It often feels like a roller coaster.  We have experienced funding cuts and challenges across our different departments, new and varied funding sources, the addition of adaptive lessons, changes in employees, changes in paperwork and much more that I can't fit in this short blog!  One thing that has not changed is our dedication to our clients.  As I see each therapist interacting with their clients, I am so pleased and thankful to be working with such great people who are so focused on their clients. 
    All of these changes, personal and work related, effect each of us differently.  We often tell our clients that they need to be flexible and cope with change "appropriately."  Do you ever have a hard time with the need to be flexible?  I know I am not the only one!  One of our therapists ran a group focused on change for her grad class that involved a few employees here at LU.  She gave us some interesting information, we had some valuable conversation, and one thing really stuck with me, "You choose our own reactions to change."  Sometimes I choose to get frustrated, feel angry, smile, laugh, or just roll with it (or maybe that should be roll my eyes).  I have thought a lot about the changes I have experienced, my reactions to those changes, and how both have effected my relationships with others: my clients, my co-workers, my boss, my family, and my friends.  Those reactions have been good, bad, and downright ugly! 
    So now I am going to challenge any readers out there and the people here at Living Unlimited.  Take some time to reflect on the changes of your last year.  What changed in your personal life?  What changed where you work?  How did you react to these changes?  How do you think your reactions effected your clients, coworkers, and loved ones?  Looking forward, when you experience change in the upcoming year, remember you are the one choosing your reaction.  Good luck!
    

Lore Herzer, MT-BC, is our blogger this month.  After attending the MAR Music Therapy Conference, she felt that this would be vaulable piece of information that she could share with other therapists, families, and anyone else interested!

The idea of discharging from music therapy may feel overwhelming for clients, family, and therapists given each situation.  Even though discharging from a particular therapist or therapy can be difficult, discharge itself can lead to increased opportunities, new experiences, or independence.  

There are different reasons to consider discharge from both a therapist and a client’s perspective when the time is right.  Some general reasons for discharge may include a decrease in progress or if a client has not made forward progress for several months.  This may occur after attending therapy for a long period of time or over several months if the therapist or client feels that the service is no longer meeting the needs of the client.  Another important reason for discharge is if the client has met the majority of their goals and objectives and is ready to move on from the service.  They may be ready to interact independently within their community or be prepared to experience a different type of therapy or therapist.

If a client enjoys music therapy but consistently reaches their goals, it may be difficult to consider the idea of discharge.  Fortunately there are many opportunities after discharge that would continue to address musical interests.  Adapted lessons are a great way to continue the enjoyment of music making and could incorporate goals reached during music therapy outside of the therapy setting.  Other programs include Music Together, Kindermusik, or attending community music concerts.  If music therapy is not the most effective service, there are various other creative arts therapies that may be beneficial.  Theses include but are not limited to art therapy, dance/movement therapy, poetry therapy, or drama therapy.  Each has their own unique way of using a specific creative modality to address the individual needs of each client.  Other opportunities for clients who have discharged include using their developed skills in various social situations including community programs, social groups, or the development of skills throughout daily life. 

Communication with your therapist is key in determining the most effective interventions for your specific needs.  It is important to share specific thoughts or ideas related to each step during the process!