I didn’t know music therapy existed until I was a senior in high school. As practicing therapists, we are constantly advocating for our growing profession. It is the unofficial part of our job that requires continued inspiration, motivation, collaboration and challenges us to ask important questions. How do we inspire a new generation of therapists? How do we motivate more people to learn about music therapy? How can we, as a body of therapists, collaborate to make music therapy a more accessible topic of conversation in our communities? My starting point involved writing a children’s book about music therapy with accessible language and the hope of exposure to the concept of music therapy at a much younger age. This further evolved into hosting a podcast, utilizing social media, and starting important conversations around accessibility and equity in music therapy. In this presentation, let’s explore why accessible advocacy is important.
Learner Objectives:
- Assess areas for professional growth, prioritize, and establish plan of action. (V.A.1.)
- Develop and advance technology and interactive media skills. (V.A.7.)
- Adhere to the CBMT Code of Professional Practice (V.B.1.)
- Conduct oneself in an authentic, ethical, accountable, and culturally sensitive manner that respects privacy, dignity, and human rights in all settings including social media, marketing, and advertising. (V.B.2.).
- Serve as a representative, spokesperson, ambassador, or advocate for the profession of music therapy. (V.B.18.)
Presenter Biography:
Hayley Francis Cann, BMT, NMT, MScAH, MTA (she/her) is a certified music therapist, has released two children’s books, conducted several AOP workshops/courses, and is the serving Professional Developmental Chair for the CAMT.
