By Psychology Arts
Mike Kelliher, MS, MT-BC, is a professionally credentialed, board certified music therapist at the Rebecca Center for Music Therapy at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, New York. Mike works with people of various backgrounds and abilities with the premise that all people have innate musical capabilities which foster growth, development, and health. Music has offered him amazing and grandiose experiences in his life. He is honored to share these kinds of experiences with others on their journeys.
What do you do? Who do you help?
In a regular work week, I am a full-time clinician working with children, adolescents, and young adults. These individuals come to our music therapy facility to create and discover new connections through active music making.
I am also an adjunct instructor at Molloy College teaching undergraduate music and music therapy courses. I've also had the privilege to travel to Jamaica with a collaborative mental health team. We work with girls who have been affected by trauma. We work with an amazing team of creative arts therapists and mental health professionals. This work has been monumental in my shaping as a music therapist.
List your favorite therapeutic tools.
As a music therapist, having our instruments is essential. We need to have a variety of instruments to offer as therapeutic tools. Our most important instrument is our voice. I primarily work within the method of improvisation and song recreation. I also enjoy songwriting and recording/remixing with clients. Having good software is important as well as access to a quality sound system for playback.
What is a good course, website or book you would recommend and why?
As a Nordoff-Robbins music therapist, I recommend anything from the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Monograph Series. Also, Stanley Greenspan's Web Radio Shows are a great resource for conceptualizing child development, especially those living with developmental disorders. A captivating, yet easy read is Irvin Yalom's, The Gift of Therapy.
What makes your practice unique?
I am always willing to venture outside of my perceived limits to access the music that each client needs. Music experiences can be lively, fun, energetic, sorrowful, cathartic, embracing, revealing, courageous. That's what music has always done, and as long as we are open to those possibilities, music therapy can be a transformative experience.
"I am always willing to venture outside of my perceived limits to access the music that each client needs."
What advice would you give to other creative arts therapists?
Your own relationship to your art is much more vital in the process than you may think. Nurture and tend to your creativity. Take time to think about how your authentic creativity can have an impact on others.
What is your self-care routine?
I love to make music outside of my clinical practice. I love to be outdoors with my dog and spend time with friends and family. I also enjoy philosophical discussions, listening to an album the whole way through, and road trips.
List the products or items that are indispensable in your life.
Music
Instruments
Coffee
Sheet music.
Who influences your work and why?
Paul Nordoff & Clive Robbins, the pioneers of creative music therapy, who made it their goal to reach the most inward children.
My colleagues at the Rebecca Center for Music Therapy are always the best soundboards.
Where can readers learn more about you and your work?
Visit the Rebecca Center for Music Therapy website at: www.therebeccacenter.org
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