As an international student stepping into the professional world, the journey to becoming a practicing music therapist has been both exciting and daunting. Starting out as a new graduate music therapist in a community setting has brought challenges, growth, and a deeper understanding of what it means to do this meaningful work.
The Weight of Responsibility
During my studies and placements as a Master’s student, I had a safe and supportive environment to explore the practical aspects of music therapy, which contrasts sharply with the responsibilities of professional practice. The responsibility I now carry extends beyond achieving financial independence to deeply impacting the lives of my clients. This responsibility has made me realize the importance of our work, but it also brought a lot of pressure.
In my first few months of work, I was highly sensitive to every detail of each client. If there was no immediate measurable progress, I placed immense pressure on myself. This pressure clouded my judgment and dimmed my original passion for therapy. As an expat, I set an internal standard that I had to do better than the locals to survive here. This mindset, combined with constant self-reflection and language barriers, led me to overthink, hindering my ability to identify my needs and articulate them during supervisions.
Despite these challenges, I sought support through supervision because I knew it was the right step to ensure the sustainability of my work. I chatted with experienced music therapists and music therapy peers. I even sought help from a psychologist. Talking to trustworthy MT peers became one of the most memorable and impactful ways to better understand myself. Through these conversations, I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles as a new graduate. Many of my peers also held idealistic visions of therapy, dreaming of creating life-changing moments and dramatic progress for clients. The reality, however, can be much more nuanced. Therapy takes time. Building strong therapeutic relationships and refining my skills is a gradual, patient process.
I’ve learned to embrace the subtlety of our work. Not every session will bring immediate, visible change, and that’s okay. The unpredictability of working with people – their emotions, chemistry, and relationships – is what makes this work both challenging and deeply meaningful. The small, incremental changes often hold the most significance, and this understanding has helped me find fulfillment in the journey rather than focusing solely on the outcomes.
Community Work vs. Hospital Systems
Working in a community setting can bring additional challenges. Unlike hospital or corporate systems, where your role is often confined to the boundaries of the organization, community-based work involves building broader connections across society.
Since community work requires collaboration with allied health professionals from different clinics and settings, this flexibility comes with its own complexities, but it also presents rewarding opportunities to build meaningful connections. The scope of what I manage and consider is much wider, and the level of self-discipline required is significant. Balancing these responsibilities while ensuring the best outcomes for my clients has been an ongoing learning process.
Adapting to a New Environment
Coming from Hong Kong, a densely populated city where human activities are highly concentrated, working in Melbourne’s community settings has been a whole new experience. In Hong Kong, connections were built naturally within a smaller, more centralised environment, shaped by the years I spent living there.
In Melbourne, the independence and geographical spread of work have taken time to adjust to, especially as I’ve had to navigate this journey largely on my own. While I anticipated this independence, living and working in a different culture has added layers of growth and adaptation that continue to shape me both personally and professionally.
Closing Thoughts
Being a new graduate music therapist in a community setting has been a journey of growth, adaptation, and self-discovery, not to mention the unique experiences and challenges faced by graduates coming from other countries. I would say, many of us would have to navigate cultural adjustments, language barriers, and the need to establish new professional networks while adapting to various healthcare and community systems. These layers of complexity can make the journey both demanding and rewarding, as they foster resilience and a broader perspective. While the challenges can feel overwhelming at times, the rewards of making a difference, no matter how subtle, are greatly incomparable.
To anyone considering this path, I’d say: embrace the uncertainties, give yourself grace, and trust the process—a reminder that I am still constantly reminding myself all the time. The journey is long, but it’s worth taking.
Disclaimer
“This post is based solely on my personal experiences and perspectives. It may not reflect everyone’s views or situations. Please consider this as a personal account rather than universal advice.“
