Meet Corinne Stypulkoski | Board-Certified Music Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Corinne Stypulkoski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Corinne, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I entered my career in music therapy filled with ambition and determination to take on new opportunities and achieve higher education, and consistently researched what else I could do to further my career quickly. Living in New York City, I matched my pace and expectation in scheduling to those around me. I started grad school part-time while working full-time as a music therapist, taught piano lessons on the side, and was still researching what educational programs I would apply for next. During this time, I was not considering my own well-being and taking the time to appreciate the present moment.

I recognized the emotional toll that education and work mixed with future-focused thought had taken on me and decided a change had to be made. After I completed my graduate program, I started a new job working in inpatient behavioral health and established a private practice. As I regularly encourage the practice of present-moment awareness and self-care with clients, I have made sure to incorporate this with importance into my daily routine as well. In order to best support my clients, I have to support myself through a balanced approach to work and personal time. My days now include mindfulness practice, free creativity hour, walks, and/or going to the beach. With my list of career goals written out, I plan to gradually accomplish them and enjoy life one day at a time.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Music therapy can provide beautiful opportunities during challenging, confusing, and emotional times. Music resonates with us differently and analyzing lyrics or substituting lyrics into an existing song can provide a structured way of expressing ourselves. Within the behavioral health setting, it can be a very vulnerable time for many clients. Live music facilitated for relaxation and thoughtfully adapted in the moment can provide an opportunity for stress/anxiety reduction and catharsis. Goals and treatment vary per population for music therapy, which can be found in a variety of settings.

Starting the process to become a music therapist was accompanied by some challenges. I battled my own health difficulties throughout college and was unsure whether graduation would be possible. I pushed myself a lot throughout my educational career despite my health and doctor recommendations. I learned that my work is worthless if I do not pay attention to my health. I eventually entered a position working with children and adults that I am extremely passionate about and look forward to each day. I now prioritize my well-being, listen to my body, and practice daily self-care. I believe we are all shaped by our experiences in some form, but we cannot step forward if we keep looking backward. My approach is focused on utilizing music within the therapeutic context to engage the whole person (mentally, physically, spiritually) without judgement. Areas of need differ with each client, so I develop individualized clinical goals and treatment plans for everyone I work with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am actually pretty new to my area now in Delray Beach, FL but there are some great live music spots on Atlantic Ave downtown! My favorite place to see live music is Johnny Brown’s, which is a classic rock bar. I’ve heard Deck 84 has some great brunch and Rocco’s Tacos is a must for happy hour. The Sandbar is the next stop you need to try for some snacks and margaritas before going for a dip in the ocean. Delray Beach has a lot of fun places and really nice people. There is live music 7 days a week at most places and there is always something fun going on!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my family and close friends who were supportive and encouraging through these life transitions. Without you, I would not have been able to accomplish my professional and personal goals.

Website: https://www.therapybythec.com/

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