Witnessing the personal journey of another person is an honor and privilege. I deeply believe that musical interaction within an attuned therapeutic relationship is a unique experience that allows people to be fully heard and seen - even when it is hard to talk about their experience. Through empathy, compassion, and honoring the client's individual strengths and interests, I work to provide a safe space for clients to explore challenges and work towards personal goals.
Music is a powerful resource to support nervous system regulation, engage in emotional expression, promote changes in thoughts and behaviors, and explore spiritual needs. Currently, I am a Level 3 Trainee of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM). I also integrate graduate training in Mental Health Counseling, Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and Death, Loss, and Grief Counseling.
I strive to meet each client with curiosity and engage with each person through a personalized and meaningful therapeutic process. I offer experiential, music-based psychotherapy to help those who are
healing from trauma
managing depression and anxiety
working through grief
in long-term addiction recovery
navigating mental health challenges along with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Having practiced music therapy since 2009, I have served children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings. This broad level of prior experience has given me opportunities to honor and embrace diversity in lifestyle, culture, and personal beliefs.
Education:
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, 2008
Master of Science in Music Therapy, Radford University in Radford, VA, 2014
Music therapists with the MT-BC credential have received a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent coursework in music therapy from a college or university that is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Some music therapists have a master's degree or doctoral degree in music therapy or a related field. All music therapists must complete 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training through practicum and internship placements before taking the board certification exam.
Undergraduate Level Education & Training
Music courses - music theory, ear training, history, analysis, composition, conducting, technology, and playing musical instruments and singing
Clinical courses - psychology, behavioral assessment, research methods, and human development
Music therapy courses - history of music therapy, approaches to music therapy for specific client groups, assessment and treatment planning, using music skills to address client goals and objectives
Field placement (practicum) in a variety of settings
Graduate Level Education and Training (specific coursework varies and may include):
Advanced methods of music therapy and integration of theories into the therapeutic process (music-centered psychotherapy is one example)
Counseling theories and techniques
Administration and program development in healthcare, education, and other settings
Clinical supervision
Research thesis or clinical research
Advanced music analysis and applications of musical skill
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