Meet Bonnie Houpt of Rhythmic Roots Music Therapy, LLC in Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Houpt.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Bonnie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I moved to Colorado in late June 2018 from Georgia and after working for a couple of private practices, I decided to start my own business to serve the Denver community with music therapy and adapted lessons. I have a sister with autism that has affected a lot of my life, including my career decision to work with individuals with disabilities. I went to college for music education but quickly felt drawn to music therapy. Music therapy uses music to achieve non-musical goals such as communication, motor, or socialization goals. My love of music and helping others fit so well into the music therapy profession. It is truly an honor to work with every client and student I have had.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Moving to a new state where you don’t know anyone is difficult. On top of that, I faced imposter syndrome early on in my career, which led to some intense burnout. Burnout is something I never thought I would experience. The torn feeling of loving what you do but dreading work is exhausting and confusing. With support from my amazing friends and family, I have worked through my burnout. Imposter syndrome is an ongoing thing for me, but as I gain experience, I find more confidence in myself.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Rhythmic Roots Music Therapy, LLC is my single-member LLC. I provide in-home music therapy and adapted lesson services to individuals with disabilities in the Denver metro area. I also go into the community and provide groups. Music therapy works on non-musical goals in evidence-based clinical practice. Adapted lessons, on the other hand, work towards a musical goal, such as learning an instrument, but I bring a therapeutic approach to it, developing each lesson for an individual’s needs.

In November, I am teaming up with Spectrum Yoga to co-lead a music and yoga camp during Thanksgiving break that pairs movement and music to work on mindfulness. These group experiences are opportunities I want to present to the disability community. My business is very much about being in the community. I have a newsletter where I like to share other organization’s events to continually connect this wonderful community. I am also a percussionist, which is a huge part of the identity of my company. I provide music lessons for guitar, piano, ukulele, voice, and percussion. I hope to add more percussion opportunities to the community as well.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Connection. Each session allows a beautiful opportunity for human connection, which enhances the therapeutic process of my music therapy or adapted lessons. Each meeting with other professionals is only successful because of the connection we have. I feel like Rhythmic Roots Music Therapy, LLC will be successful as long as it continues to connect with the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: rhythmicrootsmusictherapy.org
• Email: bonnie@rhythmicrootsmusictherapy.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhythmicrootsmusictherapy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhythmicrootsmusictherapy
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40765788

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