Learn more about Music Therapy

Music Therapy is a professional discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music to support clients in achieving lasting improvements to their health and well-being. Within the context of a therapeutic relationship, the Music Therapist explores a client’s connection to music and uses it as a means of achieving therapeutic goals. The goals of therapy can be related to mental, emotional, relational, physical, or spiritual domains of health; they are selected and defined in collaboration with clients.

Sessions may involve listening to music, discussing the meaning and effect of music, singing, playing instruments together (I play piano, guitar, ukulele and other simple instruments), writing songs, recording music, or moving to music. It could involve improvised music, music that is familiar, or new and previously unexplored music. 

Musical content and activities would be tailored to your comfort levels, goals, and preferences. Although musical skills may develop, the emphasis is more likely to be on psycho-emotional themes (such as self-discovery, emotional resources, self-esteem, personal interactions, self-regulation, life purpose, making sense of transitions, understanding one’s past, processing trauma and loss, strengthening sources of support, creative coping strategies, etc.).

Absolutely not. There is no need for a participant to have prior training or experience with music. Music therapists operate on an understanding that all human beings possess a natural, unique musicality that is intertwined with their health and identity. If a client has extensive experience with music, that can be utilized; likewise, if a client does not even know what kind of music they like, that can also be explored!

Before applying to Music Therapy programs I had completed a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy and a diploma in Jazz and Contemporary Voice. I then completed a Masters in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University with a focus on Advanced Clinical Practice in Music Therapy. This program is recognized by the Canadian Music Therapy Association (CAMT). 

The music therapy program included studying the current research on psychological, emotional and physiological applications of music as well as therapeutic music techniques. Graduates complete a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical internship under supervision. To become a Certified Music Therapist I successfully passed the exam provided by the Certification Board of Music Therapists (CBMT). I have made an oath to adhere to the code of ethics and standards of practice of the CAMT. I also obtain ongoing continuing education to maintain my certification.

Before becoming a music therapist, I had two professions.  By day, I was a physiotherapist working with people suffering from chronic pain and significant physical limitations. By night I was a performing jazz vocalist. I enjoyed the balance of helping people with their health by day and moonlighting as a jazz singer for over 15 years. However, as humans are known to do, I evolved.

As a physiotherapist, it became increasingly clear to me that chronic pain is intertwined with personal trauma, grief and psycho-emotional needs. As an increasingly proficient musician, I could not ignore the many ways in which music had helped me through my own personal challenges. Music was the foundation of some of the most meaningful friendships, experiences, and personal insights I had encountered. 

Having observed the needs of people in physical and emotional pain, and having experienced the power of music as a vehicle for my own wellness, music therapy made sense to me. I can now combine my knowledge as a healthcare practitioner, my musicianship, and my lived experience to help others use music for positive change.

I started off my professional life in 2005 as a physiotherapist and worked for 17 years with people suffering from chronic pain and progressive illnesses before discovering music therapy. Over that time, I also developed a career as a professional musician, which turned out to be my primary means of improving my own mental health. 

I began my music therapy training in 2019 and focused my masters on advanced clinical practice on grief, loss, and chronic pain. My main internships were in bereavement support and cancer support. My clients were experiencing many other personal challenges including grieving the end of life, traumatic loss, coping with severe pain, social isolation, and addressing domestic abuse. I also completed internships working with adults with disabilities and children with socio-emotional challenges.

After graduating in 2021 I started “Kaleidoscope Music Therapy.” I see clients virtually and in person at my private home office. I have also collaborated with Good Grief Central to run music-based grief support groups and I offer virtual sessions as part of the mental health team at South Okanagan Counselling

All therapists bring lived experience to their role in supporting others. One might imagine from my sunny demeanour, that I have not struggled with mental health problems. However, before becoming a music therapist I overcame many mental health struggles, including depression, grief, disordered eating, binge drinking and anxious-avoidant attachment. 

I can attest to the fact that it is possible to completely recover from disordered eating and/or binge drinking. I also changed a pattern of dysfunctional attachments, now having healthy boundaries and secure, harmonious relationships. I experience grief as a healthy acknowledgement and expression of loss, and it does not overwhelm my life. Music has played a big role in my healing process.

It may be relevant to know that I grew up in a family with adopted siblings from Haiti, witnessing firsthand how race and other aspects of identity influence the way a person is treated by others. I have also experienced divorce, relocation and leaving a religious community. I am also someone who started off life with severe stage fright and eventually became a confident performer.

All of my life experiences have enhanced my capacity to offer knowledge and perspective in music therapy sessions. My clients inspire me as they discover creative and musical ways to make positive changes for themselves.

I am experienced in running a variety of music therapy groups including music therapy grief support, music therapy for managing anxiety, music to reduce social isolation, therapeutic songwriting, using music for self-care, and examining your narrative with a musical life review. I can also run groups based on any common support need a group of people might have. Groups can be online or in-person when a location is available.

My music therapy groups are most often in English (my French is a work in progress and I require a bilingual co-facilitator to run groups in French). It is usually a commitment to 6-8 weekly sessions lasting 60-90 minutes each (we sometimes adjust to accommodate holidays or other scheduling concerns). Groups are limited to 4-7 participants to ensure that everyone is seen and heard. One of the benefits of doing group therapy is that it brings down the cost (See “What are your fees?” for detailed information.). They are usually on weekday evenings (Eastern Time). Whenever there are enough people to begin a group, I run a group.  

Please note that some corporate wellness packages cover music therapy, but most insurance plans do not cover music therapy.

Individual Sessions (60min) 125$ + tax

Individual Session (60min) Student Rate $110 + tax

Group Session (90min) $65 + tax per session

Workshop (60min presenting, 60min preparation time) $200 + tax

*Prices are negotiable for non-profit organizations.

**I offer a limited number of sliding scale rate sessions for individuals in financial duress. This is determined upon discussion, after the first session which is charged at the regular rate.