“Everybody heals in their own way”

While furthering her clinical education, Music Therapist Tianna Ireland acquired a greater understanding of her clients who live with mental health challenges, and has gained greater insight into the healing process itself.

“I now have more patience, knowing that everyone heals in their own way,” Tianna reflected, after attending the Canadian Association of Music Therapists Annual Conference held in Vancouver, in May.

In fact, conference attendance — made possible through funding from the Kronier Family Education Fund — gave Tianna the confidence to try an approach she had never considered previously.

“With one client I felt the need to take a step back and remove all music to better meet this person where they were in their personal healing process,” she said. “Music has always been a big part of this individual’s life, but now it is a reminder of all that has been lost. I have changed my goals/objectives and my approach with this client to allow space for expression in alternative ways so this client feels most comfortable.”

Continued learning equals improved patient care

The annual conference brings together music therapists from all across Canada for a weekend, to connect, share and learn from one-another. In addition to providing a hearty dose of inspiration, Tianna said it’s also helpful to hear about new techniques, interventions and research that clinicians are embarking upon in the field.

The conference also offered an education stream about MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying). To this end, Tianna now knows how her role as a music therapist can support individuals and their families if they choose to have a medically assisted death, and is sharing her new learnings and knowledge with colleagues and music therapy students.

Now supporting staff learning AND post-secondary education

In addition to supporting staff learning and education to strengthen clinical practice and improve patient care, the Kronier Family Education Fund is now offering scholarships/bursaries for post-secondary Certification/Diploma, Bachelor, Master or Doctorate degree for Leaders, Care Aides, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals and Physicians within the Richmond Community of Care.

Application deadline is March 31.

For more information: http://www.vch.ca/for-health-professionals/education/kronier-family-education-fund

Link to guidelines: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Kronier-family-education-fund-guidelines-bursaries.pdf

Link to Application: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Kronier-family-education-fund-bursary-application.pdf

If you have any questions, contact us at richmondeducation@vch.ca.