What is My Why

My name is Megan Dillon, and I have been a Music Therapist at Georgetown for a little under two years. I relocated for this opportunity because mental health has always been a passion for me. I grew up a musician, and I have always been interested in mental health and the battle that some people fight every day.

Music has always been a passion for me, but a lot of people don’t realize what a tangible difference it can make. I have watched the music therapy program flourish by bringing people together. Whether they like the same songs or discuss the meaning behind lyrics, patients often find common ground during our sessions. CBH has been so supportive of me and the program since I started, and that means a lot when you are building a new position.

I was drawn to helping people with mental illnesses because I saw the stigma they faced. Because we can’t visualize these illnesses or put our finger on why they occur, many people don’t get the help they need. I wanted to do everything I could to help or change that, and because I also loved making music, I decided to combine those two interests in music therapy.

Some of my responsibilities involve running group and individual music therapy sessions. Music therapy has the same goals as a standard therapy group, but I use music to reach those goals.

During group sessions, we study lyrical analysis, discuss what the lyrics likely mean and how they make us feel. We also work on songwriting as an outlet for patients to get their feelings across. During individual sessions with my patients, we use music as self-expression to address anxiety, depression, and other conditions that are difficult to discuss.

Being a music therapist at CBH has been very rewarding for me. I enjoy helping my patients learn coping mechanisms and seeing their appreciation when they make progress. I really believe that I have the best job. I get to show the power of music to people who otherwise don’t have a way to utilize it.

Patient stories touch my heart almost every day on this job. Yes, the success stories are always uplifting, but some days I see people just doing their best in unfortunate circumstances. Other days I see people coming out for lunch and conversing with others when four days ago, they were unable to walk or speak. I have no specific stories, but I get to meet a lot of inspiring people. There is truly nowhere else I would rather be.

Start Your Path to Recovery Today

If you are struggling, reach out to get help. Contact Georgetown today for more information or to schedule your complimentary consultation at 1-740-204-5112.