Meet Marissa Neathery | Music Therapist, MT-BC

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

Hi Marissa, how do you think about risk?
I’ve been privileged enough to take risks in my personal and professional life. I knew that starting Resonate Music Therapy, as with any business, was going to involve risk, especially after just graduating college. A few well-meaning supervisors and teachers told me I should wait a few years before starting my own practice- they emphasized the risk, as well as the importance of gaining supervision before starting a practice solo.

But I’m glad I tried anyways.

Risk and reward are inseparable. When I started Resonate Music Therapy, I gave up short-term stability in the hope of building a business that I could run for the rest of my life. The most challenging thing about taking creative risks or leaps, particularly as it relates to your own style, is that there’s often no clear return on investment. Without that clear ROI that might be easier predicted in other fields, I see the clear challenge for creatives when it comes to risk.

However, situations change depending on the person. When people come to me for business coaching, I sometimes question the advice they’ve heard from others. “Never go into debt!” is one example. Advice like this that deals in absolutes can be counterproductive. What about an individual who is truly bootstrapping from the ground up and needs to invest in molds and equipment in order to start? Or I sometimes hear, “Work, work, work – give everything you have.” What about a business owner with disabilities, who will be much more capable of running a business when their chronic pain is well managed?

So, my thoughts on risk are twofold. I believe it’s a unique challenge for creatives, as there’s often no clear monetary path to return on investment. I also believe absolutism is not helpful, as we do all need some measure of safety and security in order to take risk. Even if that security/safety is thin, like living on a friends couch or in a shelter. So, don’t beat up on yourself for not taking risks in the past. Hold yourself in grace and question how you can stretch your comfort zone and take risks now.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

People are often surprised how many different kinds of people, of all ages, can benefit from music therapy. We work with people with mental health needs, those who are neurodivergent, individuals who have experienced trauma, and people with disabilities.

Our motto is “if you want a place here, you have a place here”. I’m quite proud of how we welcome people into our space, because it’s a feel and a purposeful intention- from how intake forms are phrased, all the way down to the books we have in our space and the fact our waiting room dolls in the toy bin represent different races and genders.

Scaling a business based on increasing access to services (whether therapy or music lessons) has definitely not been easy. I’m constantly torn between ensuring business solvency, and extending scholarships or free/pro bono services to people. One exciting thing related to that is that I’m in the process of starting a non-profit that would help cover costs of music lessons and music therapy for people that may not otherwise be able to access services.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this city. Sometimes I feel like I stunted myself by not moving away from my hometown for more than a few years, but it’s pretty hard to feel guilty about it when you have such an incredible hometown! Definitely the Penny Arcade in Manitou, I have such fun memories there. An ideal night would be Monse’s Pupuseria (such great food, wonderful margaritas, AND completely GF and celiac safe), the arcade, a root beer float from the little stand right down the main stretch to the east of arcade, and then joining friends onstage to play at the Armadillo Ranch or another local place.

This is also oddly specific, but I believe at least portions of Garden of the Gods are open at night. One of my favorite things to do with people is go to GOG or Red Rocks open space at night and eat cereal under the stars.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely my family. I’m consistently thankful to them for breaking generational patterns and chains related to things like addiction. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew of siblings and parents! My partner TJ is an endless support, and listens to me oscillate rapidly between “this is really hard and I feel hopeless” to “we’re killing it and I have all the optimism in the world!”

Also to Susan Zeller, MM, MT-BC. She allowed me to shadow a few sessions of hers when I was 16, and carried that support all the way through me starting my business. Due to a car crash ending her life, she can’t see my clinic space now, but I feel she’s a major part of it. Thanks, Susan.

Website: www.resonatemt.com

Instagram: @resonatemt

Facebook: @resonatemt

Other: www.cloudpalacecos.com

Image Credits
Group shot and headshot: Calum McGee Photography