Everyone has the potential to rise above difficulties. At times, you may benefit from having a therapist accompany you. As a person-centred therapist with experience in the creative art therapies, Rebecca brings compassion, empathy, and a novel way to address your concerns.

What is Music Psychotherapy?

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Music psychotherapy addresses a person’s presenting concerns through the combination of verbal counselling techniques and the use of music. The music used in session can be pre-recorded, pre-composed, improvised or composed in session through musical instruments or voice. Music is used to deepen an understanding of the person’s concerns, to explore the emotions, thoughts, and behaviours that arise. Music can also solidify the solution, acceptance, or resolution of the person's concerns.

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The Therapeutic Process

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The therapeutic process includes mirroring, validating, role playing, re-framing, empowering, empathizing and increasing motivation with the use of music. Vocal work, movement or instrument playing allows for musical expression and communication beyond spoken language. Dialogue is used during sessions to deepen the understanding of the musical experience and exchange ideas about the therapeutic journey.

 

Pre-recorded Music (i.e., CDs, digital tracks)

 

• Pre-recorded music may range from a favorite song to a piece of classical music that the person has never heard before. With pre-recorded music, the person coming to consult can discuss their interpretation of the lyrics, share the memories that are associated with the music, or gain insight from how the music impacts them on an emotional level.

 

Pre-composed Music (i.e., live music making)

 

• Pre-composed music could include a song that can be sung together or separately. A familiar melody can be played on an instrument like a guitar, piano, xylophone or tone bars. This use of music can clarify personal goals, prompt reminiscence, self-exploration, or emotion expression.

 

Improvised music (i.e., drumming, instrument playing, composing new melodies/lyrics)

 

• Improvised music would involve the use of instruments including drums, hand held rhythm instruments, melodic instruments, stringed instruments, singing bowls, or tone bars. Even without musical training, you would be able to explore and immerse yourself in the music making experience.

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Song Composition (i.e., writing lyrics, melodies, and rhythms)

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• Song composition would begin with an exploration of themes and a focus for a song. Collaboratively, you would be invited to compose and write new lyrics that reflect your experience or needs.

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