The now: It turned out I never left the field. Conference is long over but that experience let me network with new people and earn continuing education credits. The e-book website is going strong. I still do online tasks for that private practice and have added several others to my caseload. I still work in music therapy- by naturally settling into a supportive service provider role.
The future: Will I return to clinical work? I don’ t know. Currently, it’ s not something I feel an urge to do. I’ ll always keep up my board certification credentials to stay connected with the field and keep my work options open. I am really enjoying my life right now – both the professional side and the personal side. I’ m where I’ m supposed to be. I know this, because my gut tells me so! I’ ve learned that it’ s the thing I should always be listening to anyway.
I’ ve also begun working for Strong Towns 4, a national media nonprofit that supports a model of development that allows America’ s towns and neighborhoods to become financially strong and resilient. Some of this is done through in-person lectures from the founder, Charles Marohn. I handle his calendar, contracts and event planning. It isn’ t music therapy related, but it’ s definitely information that is relevant to all people in our country.
4
Strong Towns( http:// www. strongtowns. org /)
The now: It turned out I never left the field. Conference is long over but that experience let me network with new people and earn continuing education credits. The e-book website is going strong. I still do online tasks for that private practice and have added several others to my caseload. I still work in music therapy- by naturally settling into a supportive service provider role.
My son and I stayed home together for about two years before he needed more socialization and I needed more alone time to work and be away from him. He goes to daycare full time. We are expecting our second son who is due at the end of October. I plan on taking a traditional maternity leave this time around. I work about 20 hours a week and have a lot of flexibility with my schedule since it’ s done online. After maternity leave, I’ m going to experiment with working from home while taking care of the baby before deciding how to handle childcare.
The future: Will I return to clinical work? I don’ t know. Currently, it’ s not something I feel an urge to do. I’ ll always keep up my board certification credentials to stay connected with the field and keep my work options open. I am really enjoying my life right now – both the professional side and the personal side. I’ m where I’ m supposed to be. I know this, because my gut tells me so! I’ ve learned that it’ s the thing I should always be listening to anyway.
Editor’ s Note: Michelle, Edward and Eddie welcomed baby Thomas in October, and we wish them all well! And, in case you were wondering, Michelle is officially on maternity leave.
In what ways has having children shifted your music therapy / life path? Start a dialogue: musictherapyclinician @ gmail. com / Facebook
10 | P a g e