What can I expect in a session?

In a first (intake) session, we'll talk through what brings you to therapy and get to know each other a bit better. From there, if you decide you would like to continue working together, I follow your lead in sessions. You might hear me ask a question like "where would you like to start?" or "where would you like to go?" at the beginning of a session. This is meant to give you the space to talk about whatever you like, or pick up from a previous session.

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps your brain process difficult memories that may feel 'stuck' or continue to trigger strong emotions or physical reactions. EMDR uses gentle, rhythmic eye movements (or other sensations) to help your brain reprocess that memory or event, much like it does during REM sleep. The therapist would guide you through focusing on the memory (without needing to go into a lot of detail) and then through the eye-movements or taps. You may notice feelings, images, or thoughts pop up. EMDR is typically done and over time with the goal of the memory shifting from 'This is happening now' to 'That happened in the past.'

EMDR therapy can help folks experiencing:

• PSTD & C-PTSD symptoms
• substance use
• self-harm or suicidality
• anxiety & panic
• depression
• OCD

Learn more about EMDR here.

+What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the purposeful use of music within a therapeutic relationship (a safe and confidential space) to work towards health related goals. Curious about learning more? Check out our the Canadian Association for Music Therapy. It's important to know that no previous experience in music therapy, music playing or lessions is required. The only pre-req is to enjoy music, on any level.

+How is it different from verbal (talk) therapy?

Music Therapy is uniquely different in that the music is the main medium of communication and action in the session. By listening, creating, writing, and improvising, the music serves as a way to communicate thoughts and feelings that may be harder to express in words.

+How is music therapy different from music lessons?

The main difference is the goal you are working towards. Music therapy serves to work on goals outside of the music. Examples might be improving social skills, speech and communication, mental-health, or developing motor skills and movement. Music lessons, however, work on music-specific goals such as learning to play the piano or guitar, or learning to read music.

+What is the difference between regular and adapted music lessons?

Adapted lessons are music lessons that are adapted to people with additional or specific needs. Music therapists are trained to always accommodate a person's needs in a music setting and therefore well equipped to adapt lessons in various ways.

+Who can benefit from music therapy?

Music therapy can benefit many people with a wide variety of needs. Some examples include:

• Children with additional or complex needs
• Persons living with dementia
• Brain Injury Survivors
• People experiencing mental-ealth challenges or concerns (anxiety, depression, grief and loss)
• Acute and Chronic pain
• Military Members and Veterans
• Cancer patients and survivors

If you feel that you or a loved one may benefit from music therapy, send us a message!

+Is there research to support music therapy?

Yes, there is a lot of research on music therapy and more being published every year! Many articles and journals exist, such as the Canadian Association of Music Therapists’ Journal. Voices: A World Forum is another great resource, presenting open-access (free!) music therapy articles and discussions.

+How much do sessions cost?

All of our pricing can be found on our Pricing page.

+Is music therapy reimbursable by my insurance company?

This depends on your insurance provider. Some companies do cover music therapy, specifically Neurologic Music Therapy sessions. However, we recommend checking with your health insurance provider to make sure!

+How can I become a certified music therapist?

In Canada, we currently have 6 educational programs in music therapy. To become a certified music therapist, you must attend a recognized program (one of the 6), where you complete course work and 1,200 hours of supervised clinical practice. From start to finish, it can take anywhere between 1 to 4 years. The Canadian Association of Music Therapists has more information on how to become a certified music therapist (MTA) in Canada. Check out there website to learn more: Canadian Association of Music Therapists

+Where can I find out more about music therapy?

There are so many great resources out there to learn more about music therapy. Here are a few of our favourites:

Canadian Association for Music Therapists

Ryan Judd- the Youtube channel for music therapist, Ryan Judd, who posts clinical and education videos about music therapy.

Music Therapy Academy- an Canadian Instagram page dedicated #RaisingTheBarInHealthcare through Education, Mentorship, Research, and Community Engagement.

Canadian Music Therapy Fund-creating access to music therapy for Canadians who need it most.

Creative Arts Chapter- a great resource to learn more about the Creative Arts Therapies in general.