Author Archives: Erin Seibert, MA, MT-BC

Let’s Talk About Iso-Principle: Part 2 – The Questions

Last week I introduced and reviewed the topic of iso-principle. If you missed that post, you might want to head back to it here so that you are on the same page with me. I broke down my thoughts and opinions on the topic because I wanted to discuss something even more important: all of myContinue reading “Let’s Talk About Iso-Principle: Part 2 – The Questions”

Let’s Talk About Iso-Principle: The Introduction

First off, an explanation of iso-principle is needed. The phrase “iso-principle” is specific to music therapy and was coined by a music therapist pioneer in the 1950’s. The most straightforward definition I have found is this: “[Iso-principle is] a technique by which music is matched with the mood of a client, then gradually altered to affectContinue reading “Let’s Talk About Iso-Principle: The Introduction”

Accepting Defeat

How do you practice self-care during the days when you feel defeated? This used to be in easier answer when I was younger and I could answer in a heartbeat: music. Duh. Music was my strongest outlet of emotional expression, social connection, and way to analyze the confusion of growing up. Now, however, music is my professional life. ThisContinue reading “Accepting Defeat”

Some Original Intervention Ideas

During the past month, I’ve really been trying to create at least one original intervention/song for my sessions with my adults with IDD. Mostly, this is due to the fact that I’ve been trying to revamp my sessions and work on appropriate goals with these particular clients (which I’ve already hashed out in this blog post). WhenContinue reading “Some Original Intervention Ideas”

The Truth About Session Planning

I must admit, before this winter, I had not session planned the old fashioned way in quite some time. Meaning, I actually planned ahead in advance what I was going to do moment-to-moment in my session. I had not done this in a long time as I had been in the medical and hospice settingContinue reading “The Truth About Session Planning”

About Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy? The short answer?: Using music as the medium in evidenced-based way to make people feel better. The long answer?: Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. [FromContinue reading “About Music Therapy”

Balancing Our Thoughts

Every so often, it’s exciting to reflect on how my skills as a music therapist have changed from student, to intern, to new professional. Luckily, I can clearly see progress and improvement throughout the years. Today was one of those days where I was both proud of, and discouraged by, my abilities to conduct a successful groupContinue reading “Balancing Our Thoughts”

Getting Started…

Music therapy can often be a lonely setting for a music therapist. No matter how many clients or patients you may work with in a day, sometimes you come home and feel like you haven’t spoken to anyone all day. Often this is because you’re always “on” while working, and never have the opportunity toContinue reading “Getting Started…”