Member of the Month: Louise Dimiceli-Mitran
1. What is your personal definition of music therapy?
My favorite is one I heard from Soozie Cotter-Schaufele: Music Therapy is the intentional and compassionate use of music to bring about change and enhance quality of life.
2. How long have you been practicing as a music therapist?
Since 1996.
3. Where did you receive your training (university/internship/etc.)?
BME – Drake University
Music Therapy Equivalency – Alverno College
MA in Community Counseling – Northeastern Illinois University
FAMI – The Bonny Foundation
4. What inspired you to become a music therapist?
A psychologist friend suggested I become a music therapist. I said, “What’s that?” I had an intense interest in psychology and combining this with music seemed a perfect blend. I’m still inspired!
5. Where do you currently work?
A. Private GIM/counseling practice in Chicago, adults, mostly with depression, grief/loss, anxiety, physical diagnoses such as cancer, and adjustment issues.
B. 20 hours a week at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital working with oncology inpatients and at the outpatient Center for Advanced Care(CAC). At the CAC I visit patients while they receive chemotherapy or waiting for radiation treatment and provide music, do lots of music relaxation paired with guided imagery, run a monthly breast cancer support group and also the 6-week psychoeducational Focus on Wellness Group which combines music & imagery, counseling and relaxation skill building. Inpatient work includes stem cell transplants, hospice and two hours a week in the children’s hospital cancer clinic. In March I won an educational grant from a pharmaceutical company to duplicate 2000 of my relaxation/guided imagery CD’s to give to patients to use at home. I’m passionate about educating patients to use music for stress reduction as it supports immune system function.
C. Since 2006 I’ve teamed up with Fran Goldberg to bring Bonny Method of GIM trainings to the Midwest while training to be a GIM Primary Trainer. We are currently training our first advanced group of students here!
6. What is a typical workday like for you?
Private practice days I go to my office and see clients using mostly recorded music.
At Lutheran General I work mostly with live music, seeing patients, running groups, sometimes working with our music therapy interns.
At other times I’m planning GIM trainings, supervising GIM students, facilitating drum circles or other types of workshops.
7. What is your primary instrument? Preferred instrument in therapy sessions?
Guitar and voice; use them both and love them both.
8. What is your favorite part of being a music therapist?
Witnessing transformation and the broadening of consciousness in my clients is a thrill and privilege for me constantly. I love it when they learn new skills or gain insight. Working with music every day? Priceless.