SOUND THERAPY

***At this time, sound therapy sessions are being held virtually or in person, next to Runnymede Subway Station***

What is sound therapy, and how do sessions look?

Bolstered by a therapeutic relationship, sound therapy focuses more on the relationship between client and sound. We begin sessions with a verbal check in to agree on our focus for that particular day. Information gathered here may be how you are feeling, your current challenges, or your curiosities. You then rest on pillows, a couch, or a chair while I offer a verbal, guided relaxation for your body and mind. Now the sound begins with intentional use of instruments like crystal bowls, chimes, drums, shakers, guitars, piano, and my voice - all of which are anchored by your goals, needs, and sound/music preferences.

The soundscape is intended to elicit meaningful, therapeutic effects which align with your goals, such as: relaxation; stress relief; enhanced mood; deeper self-awareness and insights; deeper sense of self; greater life fulfillment or satisfaction; processing trauma and relieving/resolving its effects; nervous system rehabilitation; and relieving/resolving mental or physical health challenges.

To conclude the session, I will verbally guide you back to a wakeful state and we will process the experience through verbalizing, art-making, or writing. This typically looks like exploring significant themes, images, insights, takeaways, or physical/emotional shifts.

Why does sound therapy work?

Music and sound have been embedded in cultures for thousands of years and used in ritual, worship, celebrations, and healing practices. When sound is used specifically and intentionally with one’s culture, emotional needs, and musical preferences in mind, it can have an immense therapeutic impact. This happens because our bodily systems respond to stimuli in our environments. When we perceive our environment as stressful - such as loud or unpleasant noises - our bodies listen, sync up to, and embody that same stress. Our heart or breathing rate may increase, our shoulders may tense up, and our palms may sweat. On the other hand, when we perceive our environment as safe and relaxing - such as thoughtfully curated, specific, and intentional music and sounds - our bodies will likely embody safety and relaxation. Our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) may be activated, which slows down our heart rate, breathing rate, and sends messages throughout the body that say: “I am safe, I am calm, I am here.” Long story short - when we hear music and sounds that we perceive as relaxing, we will probably feel good during and after!

Do I need any musical training or experiences?

Not a bit! Sessions are predominantly receptive, meaning you listen to the music/sounds. The active parts of sessions involve check-ins, debriefs, and processing.

Credentials

I hold a Sound Therapy Certificate (2018) from the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Tkaronto, Ontario. My experiences and learnings from my MA in Music Therapy (Concordia University, 2018) and MA in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University, 2023) also inform my sound therapy practice.

Fee Structure

Full fee is $150 for a 55-minute individual session. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spaces which I prioritize for trans, queer, and BIPOC folks, students, and those with precarious income and/or employment.

Consult

I offer a free 15-30 minute Zoom consult for us to chat about what brings you to sound therapy and to see how well we fit together.