Julie Lipson

MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I find my greatest accomplishments packaged as small moments during the music therapy sessions I lead in my private practice studio in West Philadelphia. Witnessing a client get in touch with a hidden part of their identity, watching a client’s face change as they listen to a song that perfectly expresses their emotions, accompanying a client as they try out original lyrics to explore their feelings — each of these moments feels like a huge accomplishment for me, the client, and music therapy as a field.

HOW DREXEL HELPED: Drexel’s Creative Arts Therapy professors were extremely encouraging when I started my private practice last winter. I was grateful that, even after I graduated, they showed the same attention and care for me that I had so appreciated as a student. Although working in private practice is rare in this field, they were enthusiastic, supportive and reminded me that my work would fill a need in our community.

MY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: Society is slowly beginning to better understand two of my passions: music therapy and gender equality. My hope is that both of these areas continue to gain support, and that my work contributes to a community where every individual can freely express all facets of who they are.