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 .
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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
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