Music Therapy

Music therapy is the clinical application of music as provided by a credentialed professional who encourages, maintains, and promotes improved health in individuals with various health implications.


Group Music Therapy

Group music therapy utilizes music as a platform for communication, facilitating successful social interaction and personal growth. Music therapy groups for schools, community agencies, hospitals and organizations utilize a wide spectrum of therapeutic experiences based on the objectives and needs of the group.


Behaviour Intervention

Before being trained as music therapists, several of us had previously worked as behaviour interventionists. Behaviour intervention is a type of behavioural support that focuses on teaching skills in the areas of communication, self-regulation, daily life, routines, play, and leisure to encourage behaviours that could positively affect a child's wellbeing and relationships with self and othe... Read More

Before being trained as music therapists, several of us had previously worked as behaviour interventionists.

Behaviour intervention is a type of behavioural support that focuses on teaching skills in the areas of communication, self-regulation, daily life, routines, play, and leisure to encourage behaviours that could positively affect a child's wellbeing and relationships with self and others. Our therapists utilize their training in music to support a child's behavioural growth. For children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), we are eligible for funding as BIs (Behaviour Interventionists) through the AFU (the Government Autism Funding Unit).

Rachel is a certified Music Therapist practicing in Vancouver and surrounding areas. She specializes in working with youth on the autism spectrum and with other developmental conditions. As an autistic therapist, Rachel works to support clients in developing their unique gifts and finding ways to overcome challenges while honouring their authentic selves.

Rachel is a certified Music Therapist practicing in Vancouver and surrounding areas. She speciali... Read More

Tatyana (she/they) was born and raised in a small rural community in North East BC. She moved to Vancouver for post secondary school with the goal of becoming a Music therapist in 2007 and has been here ever since.

Tatyana comes from a mixed background and has strong ties to many of her cultures. Being queer and growing up in a household being raised by a Metis parent and an immigrant parent from Brasil has broadened her lens around diversity and how important culture is in the way we see and experience the world.

Tatyana’s has worked in a variety of fields since graduating from the Capilano U program in 2013, including long term care, working with children and families, children and teens with ASD, downs syndrome, ADHD and other behavioural challenges. She spent the larger part of her career working with teens in mental health and education.

Currently she is working as an music educator in the North Van school district as well as being part of the Faculty in the CapU Music Therapy program. Her practice reflects her strong beliefs in social justice, growth mindset and anti oppressive practices. In her personal time she loves playing with her children and friends, dancing, being outside and writing and performing music.

Tatyana (she/they) was born and raised in a small rural community in North East BC. She moved to ... Read More

Josh was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to Vancouver, Canada, at the age of 10. Josh is currently an intern in the music therapy bachelor’s program at Capilano University. Josh has been playing music for the last 13 years, and while guitar has been the focus, Josh also plays a variety of other instruments, such as piano, voice, drums, and bass.

Josh’s music therapy journey began with his passion for music and helping others. His approach is client-centric and improvisational; he tailors each session to the unique needs of the clients. He has extensive experience working with children ranging from neurotypical to those with ASD and ADHD, both in and out of the school system. Josh also has experience supporting adults with a variety of mental health disorders, such as addictions and psychosis.

In his free time, Josh enjoys learning and listening to the blues, spending time with friends, family and their dog.

Josh was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to Vancouver, Canada, at the age of 10. Josh is c... Read More

Martin grew up in the tri-cities, on the unceded territories of kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation). Martin has music therapy experience in a variety of settings, including but not limited to; working with children in and outside the school system, acute psychiatry, and in adult mental health and addictions. Martin also has nearly a decade of experience teaching music.

Although Martin is open to a variety of approaches, Martin relies predominantly on musical improvisation and collaborative song writing in their work. On top of having experience on a wide variety of instruments, Martin also often uses music technology with clients.

Martin graduated from Capilano University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy (BMT) in January 2022 & has become a Music Therapist Accredited (MTA) by the Canadian Associan Of Music Therapists in April 2022 . Martin also has completed the first level of GIM (Guided Imagery & Music) training in May 2021.

In his spare time, Martin enjoys snowboarding, making candles, and playing music at local venues.

Martin grew up in the tri-cities, on the unceded territories of kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nati... Read More

Kira lives and works in the traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), the səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations. Kira graduated from Capilano University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology in January 2022. She completed her End-of-Life Doula training and the second level of Guided Imagery in Music (GIM) in January 2024. Kira previously graduated from Capilano University’s Classical Music Diploma program with a major in Classical Guitar.

Kira’s clinical experience includes work with hospice, palliative, bereavement, and long-term care and with children in the school system. Kira strives to create a safe, inclusive, and open space for her clients and their families. Kira believes in advocating for the best interests of her clients and allowing for each session to be customized to fit the client’s needs at the moment.

Outside of work, Kira enjoys hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and climbing.

kira@peoplesmusictherapy.com

Kira lives and works in the traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), the səl̓ilwətaɁɬ... Read More

Sanjana moved to BC with the intention to bridge her love for psychology and music through Capilano University’s music therapy program. She completed her BMT degree in 2023 and is now a practicing certified music therapist.

Sanjana currently works at two long-term care facilities through Vancouver Coastal Health. She has experience working with diverse clinical populations that include mental health, addictions, brain injuries, dementia, ASD, and other complex health conditions.

Her personal experiences led her to a path of providing a sanctuary for her clients. She believes it is a gift to hold space for others’ self-expression and create a sense of belonging for those who tend to be neglected.

In her free time, Sanjana loves listening to music, spending time with her dog and being in nature :)

Sanjana moved to BC with the intention to bridge her love for psychology and music through Capila... Read More

Jaideen grew up in Surrey, on the unceded territories of the Tsawwassen First Nation (Coast Salish people) Sto:lo, and Kwantlen First Nation.

Jaideen has music therapy experience in various settings, including working with children in the Surrey School District, seniors in long-term care, and adults in both mental health and hospital settings. Jaideen also has been teaching piano lessons, voice lessons, and group preschool music classes since 2018. Within her sessions, Jaideen strives to create a safe inclusive environment for clients and their families to thrive.

Jaideen completed her 1000-hour internship in June of 2022 and will graduate from Capilano University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy (BMT) in September of 2022. In her free time, Jaideen loves reading, songwriting, taking long nature walks, and collecting sea glass.

Jaideen grew up in Surrey, on the unceded territories of the Tsawwassen First Nation (Coast Salis... Read More

Kaia was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but has been living in Vancouver, BC since 2017. She is a mixed Asian queer woman, and her experiences stemming from these identities have shaped her worldview and impassioned her to make music therapy accessible for people of all backgrounds.

Kaia has experience working with seniors in long-term care, neurodiverse children, and adults in substance abuse recovery. Her approach is client-centered and humanistic, with her work revolving around the core belief that music-making is an integral part of the human experience, and that every client has the potential to grow and change through their relationship with music.

Kaia has been playing piano for over 20 years and also teaches piano in the Greater Vancouver area. She also enjoys playing other instruments, including guitar, violin, voice, and Balinese Gamelan, which has expanded her understanding of music beyond the traditional Western framework.

Kaia was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but has been living in Vancouver, BC since 2017.... Read More

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ingrid received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Hong Kong and moved to Canada to complete her Master’s degree in Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario. She has also completed her Neurologic Music Therapy training as a NMT affiliate.

The start of her Music Therapy journey began when she volunteered as a pianist and guitarist for a Stroke Choir in Hong Kong. During her time in Ontario, she established her own music therapy programs for vulnerable individuals struggling with underlying mental health issues for a community-integrated agency. She has then gone on to pursue work in various medical settings such as acute psychiatry and acute stroke rehabilitation here in Vancouver.

Ingrid’s approach to music therapy is client-centred and humanistic. She believes music therapy serves an authentic purpose, empowering clients and encouraging self-sufficiency and independence outside of therapy. She deeply values the meaningful interactions and connections with her clients during music-making.

In her free time, you can find Ingrid attached to the hip with her energetic puppy, Daisy, out for long walks at the parks and scenic beaches that Vancouver has to offer!

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ingrid received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of ... Read More

Hello, my name is Marty. I am a certified music therapist from Capilano University. I have been working as a music therapist for over five years and have specialized in senior care and neurodivergent kids. I grew up in a small town and have moved here to Abbotsford after my schooling where I have been working since graduation.

I started my music career as a punk bass player in my teenage years, and have been loving learning new instruments and genres of music. I mostly play guitar and sing these days, but I still enjoy many different styles of music.

My hobby are mostly very nerdy as I love games and story telling in many forms. My favourite music is electro swing and I love hearing peoples favourite songs.

Hello, my name is Marty. I am a certified music therapist from Capilano University. I have been w... Read More

Meet Devin Wong, a 27 year old music therapist with a deep passion for helping individuals through the healing power of music. He earned his Bachelors of Music Therapy (BMT) from Capilano University, where he focused on jazz and music therapy. Devin has honed his skills over the years, with 10 years of experience playing the guitar and 6 years of experience in music programming, music recording and music making.

Devin is experienced in supporting seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as addressing the needs of individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction, and supporting at-risk youth.

Devin’s approach to therapy is tailored to each individual client, utilizing a combination of strength-based practices and creative techniques. His belief in the healing and growth potential of music therapy guides his work with clients. If you’re in search of a therapist who can aid you, Devin is here to support.

Meet Devin Wong, a 27 year old music therapist with a deep passion for helping individuals throug... Read More

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