文/ Anita
（English below）
最近幾年，隨著音樂治療在台灣的推廣，越來越多人開始對其產生興趣、想多暸解這個行業。敲敲音樂治療也常常接到讀者私訊諮詢自己是否適合成為一位音樂治療師。敲敲在這裡為大家整理了7個重要『判斷要點』讓大家自我檢測自己是否準備好成為一位音樂治療師。
1. 你為什麼想成為治療師?
每個人想成為治療師的契機都不同，不論是基於自我實現、現況考量或只是單純的想嘗試新的機會，在做決定之前，再三確認自己的心意是非常重要的！音樂治療師可以是一生的職業，但也需要長久並持續的體力及精神投入。對於治療師而言，過度的內耗或給予都是在療程中可能會發生的事。在踏入此行業之前，先問問自己支持我的究竟是什麼--只是一時情緒的衝動又或是已準備好的決心？
2. 你是否已對音樂治療有一定的認識？
踏入音樂治療之前，你是否嘗試了解過音樂治療？在身邊的朋友裡，有些在踏入音療之後發現和自己所想像的全然不同而放棄--只因當初在申請時沒有對音樂治療有一定的先備了解。因此，在開始申請前，搜尋音樂治療相關資料（例如：敲敲音樂治療）或去參加一些音樂治療師所舉辦的講座，專題演講都會是很好的資源。
3. 你是否有迎接挑戰和跳脫舒適圈的準備？
在接觸音樂治療後你會發現、經歷、學習、聽到許多在平常生活中較少看到的人事物。不管是個案及個案家長的需求、困難，又或是被現實處境、情緒淹沒的各個年齡層需要幫助的人。你會有更開闊的眼光，但有時也會被世界的現實震懾，更會有許多跳脫舒適圈並嘗試未知事物的挑戰。你會看到世界的美好和破碎，而這也是讓治療師的工作與其他人不一樣的地方。
4. 你是否對『跨領域』的學習有所準備?
音樂治療涵蓋的知識跨越了多種領域，從科學到心理到腦、從音樂到研究到實際演練。對一個治療師而言，不斷地進修和學習是必然且重要的！
5. 你能否依據情境轉換適合當下的角色及整理情緒?
像演員一樣流暢的角色轉換，在身為治療師的同時，面對不同個案或情境，你也可能需要是一位聆聽者、老師、同事或是同儕。你會接收到各方的訊息和各樣的情緒。身為治療師，如何在混亂中保持穩定、彈性、回應和畫下必要的界線會是重要且必要的一環。
6. 你是否有基本的音樂背景?
音樂治療師最親密的治療夥伴即是音樂本身。學習並能彈奏鋼琴、吉他及基本聽寫樂理和即興能力會是成為治療師的路上的重要關鍵 （以美國為例）。
7. 你是否已經下定決心？是的話，開始行動吧！
讓我們知道你的決定如何 😊
Am I Ready to be a Music Therapist?
In recent years, with the promotion of music therapy in Taiwan, more and more people have become interested and want to learn more about this field. Music Therapy Taptalk©️ often receives messages from readers asking if they are suitable to become a music therapist. Here, Music Therapy Taptalk©️ has compiled 7 important "criteria" for self-evaluation to determine if you are ready to become a music therapist.
1. Why do you want to become a therapist?
Everyone has different reasons for wanting to become a therapist. Whether it's based on self-fulfillment, current circumstances, or simply wanting to explore new opportunities, it is important to confirm your intentions before making a decision. Being a music therapist can be a lifelong career, but it also requires long-term physical and mental commitment. Overthinking and giving are both possibilities that may arise during therapy. Before entering this profession, ask yourself what exactly motivates and supports you—is it just a momentary emotional impulse or a well-prepared determination?
2. Do you have a certain understanding of music therapy?
Before stepping into music therapy, have you tried to learn about it? Among friends, some have discovered that music therapy is completely different from what they imagined and gave up because they didn't have a certain level of prior understanding when applying. Therefore, before starting the application process, it is beneficial to search for music therapy-related information (such as Music Therapy Taptalk©️ ) or attend lectures and workshops organized by music therapists.
3. Are you prepared to embrace challenges and step out of your comfort zone?
After getting involved in music therapy, you will encounter, experience, learn, and hear about many things that are less common in everyday life. Whether it's the needs and difficulties of clients and their parents, or people of all ages who require help due to real-life situations and overwhelmed emotions. You will have a broader perspective, but at times, you may also be shocked by the realities of the world and face the challenge of trying unfamiliar things. You will see both the beauty and brokenness of the world, and that is what sets the work of a therapist apart from others.
4. Are you prepared for "interdisciplinary" learning?
Music therapy encompasses knowledge from various fields, ranging from science and psychology to neuroscience, from music and research to practical application. For a therapist, continuous learning and professional development are inevitable and essential.
5. Can you adapt to different roles and manage emotions according to the situation?
Like actors smoothly transitioning between roles, as a therapist, you may need to be a listener, teacher, colleague, or peer depending on the different clients or situations. You will receive messages and encounter various emotions from different sources. As a therapist, it is important and necessary to maintain stability, flexibility, responsiveness, and establish appropriate boundaries amidst the chaos.
6. Do you have a basic music background?
The closest therapeutic companion for a music therapist is music itself. Learning to play the piano, guitar, and having basic music theory and improvisation skills are crucial on the path to becoming a therapist (based on the example of the United States).
7. Have you made a firm decision? If so, take action!
Let us know what's your decision!
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