Music therapy is an evidence-based approach to wellness rooted in hundreds of years of human knowledge and tradition. Consider all the times in your life where music has played an important role:

• Life events like weddings, funerals and birthdays

• As a connection to a loved one or a significant location in your life

• A distraction from a task such as working out or cleaning your house.

• Enhancing a social connection like bonding with a friend over a favourite artist

• Helping you get through difficult times or emotions, you might have a song you listen to when you’re feeling sad

These are just a few examples, many people find they can add their own to this list. Music therapy takes this idea a step further and uses music purposefully to support you in a variety of situations and ways. Working with an accredited music therapist will unlock all of this potential that music has to make a difference in your life.

In my practice I have supported clients in using music to cope with anxiety and depression, stress, issues relating to addictions, eating disorders and poor body image, gender dysphoria, self-harming behaviours, health challenges, life transitions, decision making, relationship challenges, end of life and more.

Music therapy acknowledges all the ways that you already use music to support yourself and takes it further, putting this tool to work for you in ways that have the potential to make a real difference in your life. It can help you:

• Clarify your emotions 

• Change your perspective

• Relax your body and mind

• Perform tasks

• Support yourself through difficult times

• Find new ways to use your body

• Develop coping skills

• Enhance your self esteem

• Experience catharsis

• and more…

Music therapy clients are often those who already have a strong connection to music, or an understanding of how music can be a powerful tool for their well-being. Others who might seek out music therapy include those who are involved in other types of treatment and are looking to supplement these approaches with a creative outlet, as well as those who have tried other types of therapy and found them to be unhelpful. You do not need any prior training or education in music for music therapy to be effective for you

In my practice a music therapy session will look different for every client. I work with you to discover what experiences with music might be helpful for your goals and fit in with your comfort level and lifestyle. Music is an extremely flexible art form, which means that music therapy can be flexible too! Here are some examples of some of the activities my clients can expect to experience in music therapy sessions:

• Experience a guided meditation to music

• Write a parody of an existing song

• Analyze the lyrics of your favourite song

• Create a playlist

• Describe how emotions sound in music

• Associate a song with meaning in your life

• Participate in breathing exercises

• Compose a soundscape

• Learn some musical skills to use on your own

• Talk about music

• Play instruments and/or sing

• Engage in discussions about your life, challenges you face, and goals that you have

• and much more!