Common Queries
What is your approach to therapy and teaching?
My approach to therapy is Humanistic, Psychodynamic, and Trauma-Informed. This includes the use of Rogerian person-centeredness, Jungian concepts, Gestalt theory, and Transpersonal experiences to gain therapeutic insight. Because we are products of our past experiences, by exploring, understanding, and integrating all that makes us who we are, we can draw on our own inner resources to thrive in spite of difficult circumstances.
​
I focus on supporting individuals to reach their full potential. Just as it brings me joy to see students discover their love for music and develop as a musician, it brings me fulfillment to see clients discover themselves in a different way and develop strengths to overcome life’s challenges.
What is music therapy?
Music Therapy is the purposeful use of music within a therapeutic relationship, to support development, health, and well-being. Music is used as a therapeutic medium to address physical, emotional, cognitive, communicative, social, and spiritual needs. For more information about music therapy, visit the Canadian Association of Music Therapists
Do I need to have musical training to engage in music therapy?
No music training is required to benefit from music therapy. Musical skills are not the focus. Rather, therapeutic benefits are the result of the musical and creative process, the emotional responses, the thoughtful discussions, and the therapeutic relationship.
Who can benefit from music-centered psychotherapy?
Anyone can benefit from music therapy regardless of age, ability, or musical training. The emotional and spiritual qualities inherent in music; the physical, social, and communicative facets of music-making; and the cognitive aspect of the entire experience allow music therapy to be used for various presenting issues and goals such as:​​​
​
Managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
Expressing, understanding, and finding relief from difficult emotions
Working through grief and loss
Integrating and healing trauma
Coping with difficult life transitions
Healing relationship issues
Nurturing personal or spiritual growth
Discovering meaning and purpose in life
How exactly is music used in therapy?
How music therapy sessions look like varies depending on client goals. It may include music listening, music-making, singing, improvising, songwriting, lyric analysis, or even the use of art and imagery with music. The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music (GIM) utilizes guided relaxation, music listening, and creative processing to address therapeutic issues. Visit my page about GIM for more information, and read more examples of therapeutic interventions and the clinical process here: www.musictherapy.ca.
Where can I learn more about the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery &Â Music (GIM)?
Please visit my page on Guided Imagery and Music.
Additional information about GIM may also be found below:
Frequently asked questions about GIM answered by the Association for Music and Imagery.
Short videos about GIM produced by the Music and Imagery Association of Australia
Longer videos on the history, origins, and foundations of GIM produced by the Association for Music and Imagery.
Is music therapy effective and scientifically proven?
Music Therapy is recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario as a psychotherapeutic modality when utilized by a trained psychotherapist. Read more about this here: www.crpo.ca
Music therapy is also research-based. Open-access, peer-reviewed articles and research findings on the uses and benefits of music therapy may be found below:
Who is permitted to practice music therapy and psychotherapy?
In Canada, music therapists are certified by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists and hold the MTA credential - short for 'Music Therapist Accredited.' These professionals have received extensive training in the clinical use of music for care and have completed at least 1000 hours of supervised clinical internships in the field. In Ontario, music therapists who practice psychotherapy are also regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
How can I find another music therapist in my area?
You may find other music therapists for your specific needs, or who are closer to where you are in Ontario, by searching the Music Therapy Association of Ontario's database.