MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM
Music Therapy: A Recognized Psychotherapy Modality
Music therapy is a powerful and evidence-based approach to healing that uses music to support emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Whether through listening, creating, or engaging with music, certified music therapists guide individuals in ways that promote growth, connection, and self-expression. This unique form of therapy can be adapted to meet a wide range of needs and goals, offering support across many areas of life.
No musical training or experience is required to participate in or benefit from sessions. If you enjoy listening to music and have found it helpful in your daily routine or through various seasons of life, sessions could be a good fit for you.
Music therapy is defined by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) as “a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains” (2020). Sessions can involve receptive (listening, relaxation, mindfulness, song discussion) or active (instrument playing, singing, songwriting) music interventions, based on individual needs and goals. The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) recognizes music therapy (aka music psychotherapy) as an experiential and humanistic-based psychotherapy modality that MTAs who also have RP or RP(Qualifying) status can practice.
Music psychotherapy sessions involve a combination of musical and verbal interventions aimed at achieving clients’ personalized goals. Verbal interventions that draw from modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT may be incorporated, depending on the music therapist’s training and background in these skills. For sessions with children, play-based materials may be used in collaboration with music interventions (e.g., toys, props, visual supports, coloring/art, etc.).
Music psychotherapy can offer support to those:
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Coping with challenges related to anxiety, anger, trauma, depression, low mood or motivation, neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD)
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Experiencing loss, grief, pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness
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Exploring identity and supporting own health/wellness
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That have difficulty communicating and or/expressing self
Sessions are possible both in-person and virtually depending on session focus and goals. Music therapy offers benefits for individuals of all ages, including infants, toddlers, children, teens, adults, and seniors. For music psychotherapy sessions at our clinic, therapist Kaitlyn recommends children be at least 6 years of age due to developmental considerations.
Register now to learn more about how we can help you develop the tools to reduce your stressors and elevate resilience for the unique challenges you face.