Opportunities for continued:
growth, network & community building, collaboration, & resource sharing
On-Line via Zoom
6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time - Educational Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Suggested donation $20 per event.
EVENT RECORDINGS AVAILABLE UNDER "LEARN MORE" UNLESS NOTED ON MAIN PAGE.
If there any topics that you would like to learn more about or specific individuals you think would make great presenters please feel free to contact melissa@livingspirittherapy.com.
Discussions on Actions Towards Increasing Antiracism & Increased Equity
NO EVENT RECORDING
September 21rd: 6:00 – 8:00 pm Central Time Presentation
* The full time will be spent on this topic
Facilitator: Melissa Spiess, M.M., MT-BC, NMT Fellow
Description:This is clearly a critical topic throughout our country and world, and the field of music therapy is in no way immune.
Antiracism is not only not acting in a racist way, but acting in a way that counteracts racism. Those of us in educational, business, and leadership positions in particular, must take an active role in actively dismantling policies, cultures, routines, and standards that have led to the norms of racism and inequity in our society, especially in healthcare and education. Every one of us, regardless of our position or stage in our career however, has the power to increase antiracism.
There are several fantastic books, that we can use as starting points to review definitions, concepts, issues, and actions we can take as music therapists, businesses leaders, and professionals to improve equity and increase antiracism. Choose the book(s)/resource(s) that speak the most to you. Share your favorite book(s) and other resource(s) on antiracism and equity and share them in the event discussion so we can check them out as well before the event. These are available in audiobook format as well as print!
Don’t have time to read/listen or prepare anything? That’s ok! Come with an open mind and your own personal experiences! The more people who respectfully take part in these difficult, yet critical conversations the better!
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR BEING PART OF THIS IMPORTANT CONVERSATION!!
The Zoom link will be sent the week of the event.
Disabilities & Injuries Among Music Therapists & Increasing Accessibility of Our Field
Date to be Determined: 6:00 – 8:00 pm Central Time Presentation
* The full time will be spent on this topic
Presenters: Melissa Spiess, M.M., MT-BC, NMT Fellow & Brianna Larsen, M.A., MT-BC, NMT Fellow
Description: Accessibility of our profession is one aspect of diversity, equity, and inclusion that has long been overlooked. It is difficult to increase accessibility without understanding the prevalence of injuries and disabilities that our peers are facing and the impact that our individual actions have on them. The presenters received responses from 53 music therapists who have experienced injuries or disabilities, and shared their perspective and thoughts on how to improve accessibility. We will review these responses together, process key takeaways, and identify ways we can advocate for increased accessibility of our profession. This evening will be a combination of sharing survey results; and public forum to discuss actions we can take to be better advocates for our colleagues.
Most of the presentations have been recorded and are shared under "Click to Learn More" along with any accompanying handouts
Financial Considerations & Planning with Disabilities
NO EVENT RECORDING
October 24:
6:00 – 7:30 pm Central Time Presentation
7:30 - 8:00 Networking
Presenters:
Todd Myers – Investment Adviser Representative at Primerica Advisors
David Sherman – Disability Consultant at Disability Consulting Solutions
David Wick – Attorney at Wick Law
Description:
Helping loved ones or clients with disabilities navigate personal and financial challenges can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. We know that there is a potential for higher independence and quality of life with more supports, but it is often hard to find the right people to provide them or ways to pay for services or support individuals in the short term, or find ways to sustain them long-term.
Join us for a one-hour informational session on special needs planning followed by an optional time for networking and community building. We will hear from a panel of professionals who will explain several funding and planning options that are available to access therapies, adaptive equipment, and other relevant services.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Considerations for Music Therapists
November 18th: 6:00 – 8:00 pm Central Time Presentation.
- Note, the full time will be spent for the presentation this month.
Presenter: Eric Ringgenberg, M.A. Autism Society of MN
Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neuro-developmental disorder. In this session we will talk about different ways that neurological differences associated with ASD can impact how someone thinks, behaves, and interacts, and strategies to promote success across environments. Specific considerations for music therapists will be discussed to understand how individuals with ASD can benefit from music therapy and build meaningful skills.
Reframing Music Therapy: Our Work in the Context of Trauma and Healing.
NO EVENT RECORDING
October 21st: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenter: Jennifer Sokira, MMT, LCAT, MT-BC
Description: The Covid-19 pandemic and other traumas have reshaped the way we understand how our bodies and brains respond to adversity. Music therapy may be a powerful resource to many who are healing, and as a baseline, this calls us to expand our understanding of how to hold space and create systems which are not harmful to survivors. Considerations for therapist awareness and development will be discussed.
Evidence Based Practice: Meaningful Change Now and For the Future
August 19th: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenter: Suzanne E. Oliver, MT-BC, NMT Fellow. Founder and Executive Director of Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Arizona
Description: This presentation will focus on understanding evidence-based practice both within and outside of an evidence-based treatment model (Neurologic Music Therapy). Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of the evidence-based model of NMT and how to communicate this model to funders and regulators in order to help consumers access treatment. Additionally, they will be able to make informed decisions about how they communicate the work they do and how they make choices, from objective writing to meaningful work/job positions throughout their careers.
Vocal and Physical Injury Among Music Therapists
July 15th: 6:00 – 7:30 pm Central Time Presentation
7:30 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenters: Brianna Larsen, M.A., MT-BC, NMT Fellow; Melissa Spiess, M.M., MT-BC, NMT Fellow
Description: Vocal and physical injuries are common for music therapists yet rarely talked about. Most music therapists were not educated on how to properly prepare their bodies and voices for the athletic demands of their jobs. Consequently, many MT-BCs experience acute and chronic injuries. Learn what common repetitive use injuries music therapists can have and strategies to prevent and recover from them.
Building Resiliency
June 17th: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenter: Russ Turner, MA, MA, is the Director of the People Incorporated Training Institute.
Description: Resiliency refers to the ability to withstand the stresses and strains of life and work and have a strong capacity for adaptation. Resilient people tend to display certain personality traits, but in addition have robust daily practices that keep them mentally and physically strong. This presentation explores the problem of chronic unremitting stress on our overactive and distracted brains and offers a set of different skill sets for robust mental health that can be learned and practiced by anyone.
Common Speech and Language Disorders, Approaches, and Collaborative Treatment Ideas
NO EVENT RECORDING
May
20th: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenters: Abbe Simon, M.A., CCC-SLP and music therapist Alie Chandler, M.M., MT- BC, NMT
Description: Join speech pathologist Abbe Simon, M.A., CCC-SLP and music therapist Alie Chandler, M.M., MT-BC, NMT to learn about common speech and language disorders, approaches such as the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia, and collaborative treatment ideas. Presenters will provide evidence-based techniques and case examples to demonstrate how collaborative work can impact the lives of individuals with different communication impairments.
Self-Care: Not All Bubble Baths and Ice Cream
April 15th: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenter: Kelsey Lownds, MM, MT-BC, NICU Music Therapist
Description: True self-care is not all about bubble baths and ice cream, it is making the choice to build a life you don't regularly need to escape from. During this presentation we will reframe what it means to care for ourselves, understand the importance of self-care, and start the process of truly caring for ourselves! A packet will be provided that includes a self-care assessment along with other resources to begin developing an individualized self-care plan, all while increasing understanding of true self-care.
March 6th : 7:30 - 9:30 GLR/MWR Conference! (note, special day and time to accommodate conference.):
NO EVENT RECORDING
Is one of your favorite things about conference sitting around the lounge or bar and networking? Our Gather and Grow session, hosted by Living Spirit Therapy Services, is for you! Grab your favorite beverage and join us for networking, community building, resource sharing, and support. We will also share favorite presentations and take aways from conference, as we will have the amazing opportunity to to catch up on additional presentations for a month following conference.
So you want to songwrite! Tips and tricks for different uses of songwriting in therapy
February 18th: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenter: Ginny Anderson Caldwell, M.M., MT-BC
Description: In this presentation, we will discuss various tips for writing original songs to address needs in various populations. Some specific areas we will cover include; ADL songwriting for rehab as a therapeutic tool, legacy songwriting for hospice care, and different styles of Hip-hop/rap beat making. In Hip Hop, we will review culture and simple technology through the iPad and Garageband to help you make beats that you are confident in.
Effective Communication & Understanding Challenging Behaviors in Dementia
January 21st: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenter: Laura DeLoye, MT-BC; Alzheimer's Association, CA Central Coast-San Luis Obispo Program & Education Manager
Description: Explore how communication changes when someone is living with dementia, learn how to interpret verbal and behavioral communication and identify strategies to help connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Social Media Marketing for the Therapy Professional
December 17th: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Central Time Presentation
7:00 – 8:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenter: Jaycie Voorhees, MM, SCMT, MT-BC; Director, Music Therapy Mastermind, LLC
Description: This presentation will outline essential tools & concepts for social media marketing. In a discussion-based format, participants will discover concrete ideas on how to use social media platforms to:
- Increase awareness of your brand & offering
- Discover your audience & attract prospects
- Engage with your audience in meaningful ways
- Convert your audience into loyal customers
Experiences of and Practical Tips for Working in Multicultural Clinical Settings
October 15th: 6:00 – 8:00 pm Central Time Presentation
Presenters: Carolyn Koebel, M.M., MT-BC, HPC, David Melbye, MT-BC, and Ginny Anderson Caldwell, M.M., MT-BC
Description:
This powerhouse team is together Again!! Join Virginia Caldwell, Carolyn Koebel, and David Melbye for an evening conversation around Multicultural practices in music therapy. Through musical vignettes and clinical reflections, they will share personal accounts of meeting diverse client needs through deep listening and culturalhumility. Bring a frame drum if you have one, as they will add a few get up and go musical skills during our time together...
Helping Skills and Alliance Building
NO EVENT RECORDING
September 17th: 7:00 – 8:00 pm Central Time Presentation
8:00 – 9:00 pm - Networking, resource sharing, and community building
Presenter:Kara M. Johnson, LMFT, MSE, MEd, oncology psychotherapist at the Park Nicollet Frauenshuh Cancer Center
Description: A primer on basic counseling and connecting skills for all in the helping professions, and information on how to develop a therapeutic alliance that leads to positive counseling outcomes and change for our patients.
- Apply essential counseling skills and self-attending skills to professional situations via cases provided by participants.
- Understand situations that call for advanced skills and understand how to develop these skills.
- Define“therapeutic alliance” and identify the important predictors of this relationship.
- Identify barriers to building a therapeutic alliance.
