What are some reasons I might consider receiving clinical supervision?
Music therapists seek professional clinical supervision for a number of reasons. Some wish to deepen their work, moving to a more process-focused approach, some feel stuck in their current ways of working and may be struggling with burnout, and others find themselves experiencing strong countertransference reactions in relation to service users. Many music therapists work in systems that are oppressive, and they feel dismissed as “entertainment” and unsupported in doing the work they do; or they may be overly relied upon and burdened with caseloads that feel overwhelming.
How can you help me, Roia?
I have over 30 years of experience as a music therapist, and I continue to be a humble learner, attending various classes, receiving my own supervision, and incorporating new knowledge, new awareness and understandings into my practice. Most of my time as a clinician has been spent learning about and from nonspeaking autistic people and others who are labelled as having intellectual disabilities, many of whom have experienced various forms of trauma. I continue to engage in the work of becoming aware of and actively confronting my unconscious biases as well as reflecting on ways I have participated in and upheld oppressive practices as a music therapist.
I identify as a white-appearing, bi-cultural (Iranian/American), cis woman (she/her). My approach is to invite self-awareness by processing sessions through dialogue and music-making. Most of the supervision work I’ve done has been online. Some people work with me briefly, and others commit to a longer term arrangement. Feel free to contact me with questions: mindfulmusictherapist@gmail.com.
