So, after much preparation, nervous fits, and rush-hour traffic, I have finally completed the first week of my internship, and of my Senior Research Project. And let me tell you: it's been a wild ride. I mean, I even dreamed about observing sessions for some of the patients at the clinic the night after my first day there! I never knew it was possible to become so immersed into something so quickly, but apparently it is.
From the beginning, I was prepared for the worst, for confusion, for incompetence, for awkwardness, for practically anything. The reality was far from that, actually; I faced little, if any, of those things. Adjusting to the environment of the clinic took no more than a few hours, at most. Sure, at first, the sudden screams from patients would startle me, the lack of a strictly controlled environment would leave me wondering if I was in anyone's way, and the physical closeness between me and the patients as I did my observation would make me feel a bit awkward. Yet, before I knew it, I was addressing patients by their names, introducing myself to parents, and fist-bumping therapists... well, not in that exact order.
I spent three days at the clinic this week: two eight-hour days, Tuesday and Thursday, and one four-hour day, Friday. My time was split between observing group sessions, led by one therapist and with multiple patients present, taking part in individual sessions between one therapist and one client, and watching patients as they attended the ACT school offered at NMTSA for students to gain an education while their needs would be kept in mind. I've marked my observations of many patients, following their individual appointments, group sessions, and school activities, so the next week or two will be spent on narrowing down which clients to further study for my case studies.
As of now, my research question remains quite broad, and I'm still working on my particular boundaries and conditions that I'll take into consideration. Particularly, while I was previously considering studying onto patients with autism, I've found quite a few interesting cases in those either diagnosed with something else, or not diagnosed at all. Hopefully, I'll be able to specify all of that soon, in the next few weeks.
What I've Learned
Now this is a little corner I decided to introduce to each one of my weekly blog posts because, well, an internship, like anything else, is a place to learn. Why not mark what those things are, then?
So this week, I have learned...
1. That I know little to no medical terms.
2. That layout of the building is extremely important in the music therapy practice.
3. The lyrics to Elsa's part in "For the First Time in Forever" from Frozen.
4. That music therapy is far more wide-reaching than simply "using music to treat mental illnesses."
5. That there are three-year-olds sharper and wittier than I'll probably ever be.
Five seems like a good number to stop at, so I'll leave it at here this week. I hope next week I'll have more and more exciting updates to bring you all.
Until then, this is Aarthi Ganapathi, BASIS Scottsdale Senior and amateur yoga-ball-bouncer, signing out.
3:08 PM
Sounds like you're doing well! Your ability to acclimatize quickly may come in handy in the near future/reality that is university. What kinds of music are used in musical therapy? I imagine some songs might be used at certain times for certain things while others might not be.
ReplyDeleteWhile there's no particular style set for music therapy, often songs will be quite simple, similar to many children's jingles, or, occasionally, the tunes will be parodies of some popular songs at the moment. The tune of the songs don't matter so much as the rhythm does; having a stable, continuous rhythm, that's not too fast or too slow, is key in music therapy, as it allows to brain to anticipate the beat coming next, which allows the body to fall into their own rhythm.
DeleteHope that answered your question!
Aarthi: When you started to describe your first SRP experience, I thought you were doing research on 7th grade lunch period at BASIS: screams, lack of a controlled environment and physical closeness. Then I realized you were talking about the clinic! I think you are right keeping an open mind with respect to what exactly you are going to focus on. Give yourself a bit more time to assess the environment and how you can direct some research. I am sure when you do finally decide, you are going to have a fascinating SRP to relate to all of us.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite similar, isn't it? Though I must say, being at the clinic is much more enjoyable than listening to the 7th graders during their lunch period. ;)
DeleteThank you so much for all your supportive words!
Aarthi it seems like your first week was exciting! If you could adapt at BASIS, then you're sure to adapt at the clinic! I understand what music therapy could accomplish for individuals with autism or other mental disorders, but could you explain what music therapy could accomplish for individuals not diagnosed with anything? I'm thinking it would still help to better express emotion, but I want to know what you think?
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly it Julius! Music therapy plays quite a bit into emotion, and can often be a means of expression for patients who struggle with their own sentimental feelings. For example, one of the patients, the three-year-old I mentioned before, isn't diagnosed with anything, but one of the main goals his therapist and family have for him is to work on his physical awareness (as he tends to shy away from too much action) and, as you though, emotional control. At times, he's simply shut down emotionally, which will completely bring the rest of him-- mind, body, and all-- down. Music can often help bring him back up to his feet and get him ready to move on, fascinatingly enough!
DeleteHope that answered your question!
I really like your "What I've Learned" corner! Did you learn Elsa's part to the second time they sing "For the First Time in Forever"? Because that's the one with the beautiful key change. Keep us updated on the patients you will be focusing on!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And no, not yet, though maybe I'll have to suggest that to the patient (my Anna, of course) next week, if my mentor doesn't go crazy from hearing that song so many times ;)
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