Bad Bunny’s historic halftime show celebrated many aspects of Puerto Rican culture. As music therapists, it is important to understand cultural values and their impact on our clinical approaches to best support the therapeutic alliance with both the client and the client’s family.             In Melisa de León’s article “Mexican American Values and Therapeutic Alliance in Music Therapy: Composite Vignettes from the Rio Grande Valley”, she accounts her personal experience as

The increased ICE presence in Minneapolis has left many people feeling scared, overwhelmed, and stressed. If you find yourself feeling this way, know that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to you. The following is a list of resources that provide legal support, mental health care, and community support. These resources offer services that you can access and/or ways that you can get involved in the community. Many websites on this list also have more re

Books are a common tool music therapists use in sessions to bring a story to song, or a song to life in a different way. For music therapists working with children or vulnerable people facing the stress and fear of separation, deportation, or detention, check out this book list compiled in collaboration by the MN Department of Health and UMN Extension. The document also has helpful tips for using these books sensitively. Below are a few considerations for music therapists. A

With Thanksgiving in our rearview mirror, now is the time we look ahead to the rest of the holiday season. December is a busy month full of opportunities to celebrate. In this post, we will dive a bit deeper into three of the major holidays that will be observed this month, along with some songs you can incorporate into music therapy sessions to honor each of them!  Hanukkah: Evening of December 14-December 22, 2025 Origins Coming up first this month is Hanukkah, a Jewish ho

One thing that I have always loved about being a music therapist is the way I get to blend many of my skills together.  I am a musician. I blend both technique and precision with self-expression and creativity. I am flexible, adaptable and often play in collaboration with others (hello orchestra people!) I am a therapist. I care for people, and can understand their needs through assessment. I can listen, engage, guide and support.  I am an allied health professional. I work i