Before I step into a session with teens I feel a teeny, tiny twinge of nervousness in my stomach.

It’s brief, but noticeable.

After twelve years of working with teens as a music therapist, you would think the nerves would be gone. But here’s why I’m glad I still get a little bit nervous before I enter each session I have with teens:

  • It means I care. Simple as that.
  • It means I will double my preparations. I will double check that my iPod is charged and that I have enough lyric sheets for each member of my group. I will practice all the songs I’m using in that session to make sure I know them like the back of my hand.
  • It means I care about my clients’ responses. I care if my clients like my sessions. I do. Because I know that if they are enjoying themselves and are engaged, they are more likely to meet the therapeutic goals I have for them.
  • It means I constantly want to improve myself. I’m not okay with repeating the same activities over and over. I want to constantly be creating new musical experiences for my clients to keep them interested and engaged.

So that little twinge of nervousness? I’m glad I still have it. It keeps me on my toes, keeps me creating, and keeps me caring.

 

If you’re looking for even more creative ideas for working with teens, school age clients or adults, I’d love for you to check out the E-Course I created, Tune In To Teens. It’s approved by CBMT for 5 continuing education credits and is packed with creative session ideas and strategies for working with teen clients:

 

Image courtesy of dan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net