Community & Music Therapy
-What does “community” mean?
When you think of community, what do you picture? A park? A certain group of friends, people, or an organization? Do you see a community as a specific place, person, or event? Community is defined as “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” A community can have something broad and very general in common, like living in the same neighborhood. Or the common factor could be more specific, like a group of people who play instruments and come together to form a community band or choir. Community also doesn’t mean that the group of people is all the same or doesn’t have differences. While having a common interest or goal can be a defining characteristic of a community, one could also argue that coming together amidst differences is just as important a characteristic of a community.
-Why community?
This may go without saying, but communities are so important! Whether it’s a group of friends you can always count on, a parent support group you can vent to, or a network of like-minded people who share your values, community can help us feel connected. Communities can promote accountability, provide feedback and resources, and form friendships. Being a part of a community, regardless of the type, can remind us that we aren’t alone. If you’re struggling with mental health, parenting, or managing the complex needs of having a disability, you might feel isolated and like you have to have all the answers for all the problems. Connecting with others in similar situations can help you realize there are others who might be asking the same questions or finding helpful resources.
-How does community relate to music therapy?
Music is one of those things that bonds and connects people. For adults, you can probably think back to high school and remember that band you and your friends all loved to listen to. One of the most significant places I found community as a teenager was through making music with my friends. Music was a common thread between my group of friends, where we didn’t have to talk but would just sit and play instruments and sing songs for hours. Music unites people who may otherwise not be connected, providing new perspectives and learning moments about ourselves and others.
-Community at Empower
At Empower, we try to operate with community at the forefront of our minds. It’s important to acknowledge that music should be and is a socially uniting force. When you come to Empower, regardless of whether you are seeking individual services, group services, or pop-up services, we see you as part of a like-minded community that recognizes the powerful connection of music. Even as an individual community member who may not actively participate in music-making groups, you are still a part of our community!
Our approach to music therapy is informed by community-based perspectives, such as the community therapy model and Community Music Therapy. These perspectives don’t necessarily dictate what we do in the therapeutic space but how we show up: they are our guiding values. Both models view therapist-client collaboration as an important part of the therapeutic process to promote autonomy, self-esteem, and confidence. Additionally, these community models value not only what happens within the physical therapy space but also other resources, supports, and social factors that can contribute to one’s overall health. While community, collaboration, and connection are critical to our practice, ethics is of equal importance. We prioritize confidentiality and healthy boundary setting, and are always working to better ourselves, our practice, and our perspective by practicing reflexively.
For more information about the community model and Community Music Therapy, click on links here and here.
