Dr. Petra Kern celebrates being a board-certified music therapist in the USA for 20 years—and in good standing for another 5! She says “Growing up in a different cultural context, speaking English as a second language, and studying music therapy out of the country did not make it easy to pass this exam. Yet, it was doable and I appreciate the value that it brings to me, my clients, and employers.”

Board-certified music therapists are able to practice music therapy with the highest level of proven, current music therapy knowledge using clinical and evidence-based music interventions. These interventions are utilized to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. This knowledge is enhanced by a program of required continuing education and renewal every five years (CBMT, 2021).

Did you know that Dr. Kern is also a board-certified music therapist in Canada and Germany?