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Private Practice Blog, started in 2013

PIEDMONT MUSIC THERAPY, LLC

Written by music therapists - board certified.

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Work Care, Self Care: A Perspective from a First Month Intern

7/28/2021

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WRITTEN BY:

Matrisha Stafford, Music Therapy  Intern

via GIPHY

 During my first month as an intern I've realized work care is just as important as self care if you want to maintain a healthy work life balance and put your best foot forward in all that you do. To do that, during my first month at Piedmont Music Therapy communication, hydration, and flexibility have allowed me to take extra care in my work during internship. I’ll explain further:
  • Communication: Life is life. We all have things, and we all need grace from one another. I have realized being here daily that communication can take you places. Honest and frequent communication allows others to know what I need and ensure that my voice is heard. Don’t be afraid to speak up, you may get more than you thought you needed!
  • Hydration: While this can seem like a self-care tip, drink water during the work day! Not only will it keep you hydrated, which does take care of you, it will keep you energized as you invest your time into your work as you return to the office.
  • Flexibility: We all changed the way we planned, our schedules, and our ways ofmeeting, and now it may be all changing again. Well, that’s okay! As I get further into the journey as an intern the theme is always remembering to be flexible. Being flexible in life is a huge way to continue to keep yourself calm and open to the ways in which things can ebb and flow.

Self-Care is really a personal journey and looks different for everyone. A good and
consistent self-care routine allows me to continue to be my best and put my best into my work.

As I return to work, concerts, weekend festivals, active therapies, and more, always remembering to take time for myself is top priority. A few ways I’ve done that are good sleep habits, a good diet/exercise routine, and doing something I love that is just for me. I’ll explain further:
  • Sleep Habits: This one seems simple but is often overlooked. Sleeping is critical
to good brain and heart health. Allowing your body an adequate and sound night’s
sleep will keep you fresh during your workday task, and aid in mental wellness,
and physical wellbeing. Month one has taught me all the late nights in quarantine
aren’t sustainable. Sleep is a very healthy way to ensure we take care of ourselves.
  • Diet/Exercise: I have found that at least 30 minutes of concentrated activity a day
has improved my mental wellness and helps me keep healthy heart functions. The
old saying is, “you are what you eat.” As my days get longer, and my activity
increases, remembering that what I feed my belly will feed my mind! Putting good
things in will only increase the positive that comes out.
  • Do it for you: Finding something that is just for me, has been the best part of my
self care routine! I personally love having time all to myself, and having a balance
in my busy schedule as an intern for time to serve myself and my wellbeing has
been crucial to keeping me happy with what I do on a day to day basis. This can be
anything, but making sure it is personal for myself, to do good things for myself,
and will allow me a reprise from my daily work routine.

As we all continue to journey into the rest of this year, and back into an in-person life, I
really do hope these six keys I’ve come to learn in my first month as an intern to are a
springboard for ways to take care of yourself during the rest of your 2021! Here’s to wellness in all that we do!
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Tips I’ve Learned During My First Month as a Music Therapy Intern, Expressed in Song Titles

7/2/2021

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By: GABRIELLE JONES

Music Therapy Intern 

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Image Caption: Me, on my very first day of internship, excited and energized.
Image Description:Female with long, straight year displaying an elated smile while holding up right hand showing "thumbs up!"

  • "Jingle Jangle" by The Archies - Always triple check your shoulders for bags full of materials and instruments you need for a session. The easiest thing to do is to listen and see if you’re jingling.
  • “Write It Down” by Banner Pilot  - Clients and groups and meetings will start running together. I’ve learned to use a journal to jot notes down immediately after sessions and meetings so I don’t forget what happened during the experiences I have each day.
  • “Nobody’s Perfect” by Hannah Montana - We all make mistakes, especially when we’re beginning something new and scary. I’ve learned to brush things off and remember that I’m never alone when I mess something up.
  • “Asleep” by The Smiths - Sleep is important. Don’t sacrifice it. 
  • “Relax” by The Vacations - A stressed out therapist is unable to provide the best treatment for the people they serve. We must remember to practice self-care and not allow ourselves to become overworked. The start of something new can be stressful and overwhelming. I’ve learned to do things that help relax me, even during the small breaks of my day, so that I stay centered and focused. 
  • "You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray - The world around us is going to keep moving. Music therapy is fast paced, especially in private practice. I’ve learned to simply move with the excitement, recognizing that there is a common drive within me and my colleagues to make a difference and connect everyone around us (our clients, our families, our fellow mental health providers) to the rhythm of life. We all have an inner beat that can’t be stopped; we are all made of music. ​​

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