As a Music Therapist, some of my work involves Rhode Island’s Early Intervention Program.

[This] program promotes the growth and development of infants and toddlers who have a developmental disability or delay in one or more areas. One of the goals of Early Intervention is to provide support to families so their children can develop to their fullest potential. Services are provided in places where children usually play or take part in daily activities.

There is no cost to families to receive Early Intervention services. Children do not have to be eligible for RI Medicaid to receive services. © 2023 RI.gov.

I work with families and visit their homes. I am a guest, so I remove my shoes if they request it, and I set up my session area where they prefer. I am exposed to different family cultures and values, entering their space as an outsider looking in.

In general, we are advised not to accept gifts or items in exchange for our services to prevent anyone from feeling obligated to reciprocate after a therapy session.

One particular experience stood out to me recently…

Once you enter this Dominican family’s house, you are embraced by the delicious smells of fried food, carne asada, sazón, and plantains…

In between Wheels on the Bus and Happy and You Know it I am reminded of the smells that make me feel at home. Making small talk, I tell the family, “Que rico huele,” (It smells delicious). They are quick to offer me some food, insisting that I try, and laughing when I deny their offer – they say “Ah estas de dieta?” (Oh, you’re on a diet?). For the first weeks of visits, I battle with my culture and my education. I am divided. Is their food payment or an avenue of connection? I reflect on my own experiences and Dominican/Puerto Rican/Caribbean families and friends who always offer you their whole kitchen once you step through their door. “Tienes hambre?” (Are you hungry?). 

I make my decision. It is informed by my cultural practices that dismantles the hierarchical ways I am told to practice therapy. 

On my next visit, I tell Grandma, “Sabes que? Si, te pruebo un pedacito.” (You know what? I’ll try a little piece). The Grandma, excited, is quick to say “Te voy a dar un pedazo de carne – pero necesitas pan” (I’ll give you a piece of meat but you need some bread too). Before I know it, she is serving me a plate of carne asada with a side salad and a morir soñando, a popular dominican drink. I am seeing Grandma interact with my baby client as they eat and share over food. My baby client comes close to me and steals a piece of meat off my plate as she looks at me – she finally feels comfortable around me too. 

Grandma reflects with me about other providers that visit her home saying: “Esta gente que viene, ya no les ofrezco nada de comer porque cuando me dicen que ‘No’ eso me dice que no quieren conocer de mi cultura- me estan diciendo que no son de mi cultura” (Those people that come, I don’t offer them anything to eat anymore because when they say ‘No’ they are telling me they don’t want to share in my culture- they don’t want to know my culture). I enjoy the good food, and smile knowing I made the right decision –  as they say “Barriga llena, corazón contento” (Full stomach, happy heart).

As clinicians we are informed by our education but we must be constantly learning and adapting. Sometimes we must break from our idea of what is right and learn from those we serve in order to provide informed care.