The Illinois Association for Music Therapists strongly condemns the violent attack on January 6, 2021 on our US Capitol, our public servants, and the attempted assault on our democratic system. We recognize that this was not an isolated incident but rather an act of domestic terrorism brought about from years of white supremacy, institutional racism, as well as the widespread use of falsehoods used to incite hatred and harm. This, as well as the stark discrepancy in police force utilized at this event, underscores the work that still must be done to ensure equality and justice for all.
We can, as music therapists, be a part of this ongoing work.
As board certified music therapists we can remind ourselves daily of the Code of Ethics and the behavior to which we have agreed to adhere, including to:
1.1 provide quality client care regardless of the client’s race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, ethnic or national origin, disability, health status, socioeconomic status, marital status, or political affiliation.
1.2 identify and recognize their personal biases, avoiding discrimination in relationships with clients, colleagues, and others in all settings.
1.3 respect, acknowledge, and protect the rights of all clients, including the rights to safety, treatment, respect, dignity, and self-determination, as well as the rights to choose a provider, to exercise legal and civil rights, and to participate in treatment decisions.
We understand that our country still maintains institutions of oppression that cannot be fixed overnight with a statement. We as a non-profit organization will continue to stand committed to our antiracism work by calling out acts of racism, admitting our mistakes, learning, acknowledging complacency, and continuing to donate to and support organizations that support black and brown persons and other marginalized communities, all of whom we serve.
Finally, it is crucial to acknowledge the extraordinary circumstances that have and continue to affect our personal and professional lives across the past year; between a global pandemic, economic stress, social unrest, and a highly contentious political climate, we have been navigating through an unprecedented amount of stress. IAMT will continue to offer resources, training, continuing education, and support for our clients, our colleagues, and our fellow music therapists as we navigate these challenges together.
If you have any questions or a need that we can support, please visit our website at musictherapyillinois.org or email public_relations@musictherapyillinois.org.
To continue to support those impacted by COVID-19, the IAMT has compiled a list of resources, ranging from financial, to professional, to emotional support, that can be used by Illinois MT-BCs and their families.
SPREADSHEET OF RESOURCES: click here
The IAMT has also recently compiled information for those MT-BCs now navigating telehealth services. This document offers insight into the many platforms available for telehealth and specific tips on how to utilize them to deliver music therapy services in a way that works best for you.
TELEHEALTH TIPS AND RESOURCES: click here
Hello! We’re glad you found us!
Whether you are a board certified music therapist (MT-BC), a student or professional interested in entering the field, an individual seeking music therapy services or you just want to learn more about the music therapy profession in Illinois, we are here to help!
Browse our web pages to learn more about upcoming continuing education opportunities (CMTEs) in Illinois, Find a Therapist in your area, get updates on news and advocacy efforts for music therapy in our state, or become a member of IAMT. All IAMT members have access to our list of current job opportunities in Illinois, an active network of fellow MT-BCs, discounts at every CMTE sponsored by IAMT, and more!
Please use the CONTACT US link at the bottom of the page to ask questions, share your experiences with music therapy, or let us know about a new job opportunity.
Deborah Soszko, MT-BC
Neurologic Music Therapist
President of the Illinois Association for Music Therapy