Elements Music Therapy & Counselling

Elements Music Therapy & Counselling Experience Music Therapy & Counselling
No previous musical training or experience necessary. No previous musical experience necessary.

Music Therapists (MTAs) are trained to provide music therapy interventions within the context of a therapeutic relationship. We use music to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains. Within the counselling relationship, we conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, implement therapeutic interventions, and evaluate progress. Music therapists also use various active and receptive intervention techniques according to the needs and preferences of the individuals with whom they work. These techniques include, but are not limited to, singing, listening to music, instrumental improvisation, composing music, and moving to music.

Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) are trained to anticipate risk and adapt in the moment through reflection, supervision...
03/31/2026

Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) are trained to anticipate risk and adapt in the moment through reflection, supervision, and advocacy, every step of the way.

Our role includes recognizing, preventing, and repairing harm, whether it comes from:
🎵The music itself
🧑‍⚕️ The therapist
🎶Clinical applications of the music
🤝The therapist–client relationship
💭Client–music associations
🌎 Broader ecological and contextual factors

When looking for a music therapist, always ~

Finally, we consider the ECOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL FACTORS. Music does not happen in isolation in the music therapy room...
03/28/2026

Finally, we consider the ECOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL FACTORS. Music does not happen in isolation in the music therapy room. Music carries a lot of contextual information, from the elements of music, to individual associations, as well as cultural and broader societal meanings.

The fifth aspect is CLIENT ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE MUSIC. The way in which we each engage with music is unique. Swipe thro...
03/27/2026

The fifth aspect is CLIENT ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE MUSIC. The way in which we each engage with music is unique. Swipe through to see what MTAs have to keep in mind and potential risks if overstimulation by the music is not managed appropriately.

The fourth aspect is the THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP, often considered the primary predictor for success in therapy. Read a...
03/26/2026

The fourth aspect is the THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP, often considered the primary predictor for success in therapy. Read about the considerations, how a music therapist might develop a good therapeutic relationship, and potential risks when the professional relationship is no longer maintained.

The third aspect is the APPLICATION OF MUSIC INTERVENTION. Swipe through to learn about the considerations for music the...
03/26/2026

The third aspect is the APPLICATION OF MUSIC INTERVENTION. Swipe through to learn about the considerations for music therapist, the therapeutic competencies to create a music intervention or experience that help clients toward their goals, as well as the potential risks when engaging in a music experience.

The second aspect of the therapeutic process is the MUSIC THERAPIST - some considerations when searching for one, our th...
03/24/2026

The second aspect of the therapeutic process is the MUSIC THERAPIST - some considerations when searching for one, our therapeutic competencies, and potential risks if the therapist lacks the necessary education and training.

The first aspect of the therapeutic process is THE MUSIC - our considerations, its therapeutic benefits and potential ri...
03/20/2026

The first aspect of the therapeutic process is THE MUSIC - our considerations, its therapeutic benefits and potential risks.

Swipe to learn more~ 🎷🎵

Music Therapy involves a three-way interaction between the therapist, client, and the music. See if you can find the Mus...
03/17/2026

Music Therapy involves a three-way interaction between the therapist, client, and the music. See if you can find the Music Therapy Model triangle in an earlier post!

Bruscia (2014) states that “Music therapy is not complete...without some level of interaction between all three.” The music acts as a third agent; it can serve AS therapy where music is the primary medium for therapeutic change by engaging or relating to the music, or music IN therapy where music can be used as one of many modalities to address the needs of the client. The way in which music is used can change from moment to moment.

As such, Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) are trained to attend to all aspects of this therapeutic process, keeping in mind the therapeutic benefits as well as the potential risks. These include:
✅The music itself
✅The therapist
✅The clinical application of music
✅The therapeutic relationship
✅The client’s associations with music
✅Ecological and contextual factors

Murakami (2021) points these out as six sources of potential harm in music therapy through her Music Therapy and Harm Model (MTHM).

Stay tuned for the remainder of to find out what MTAs think about to ensure that our clients receive the best therapeutic care possible.

🎵💟

Sources:
Aigen, K. (2005) Music-Centered Music Therapy. Barcelona Publishers.

Bruscia, K. E. (2014). Defining music therapy (3rd ed.). Barcelona Publishers.

Murakami, B. (2021). The Music Therapy and Harm Model (MTHM): Conceptualizing harm within music therapy practice. ECOS, 6(1), 003-003. https://doi.org/10.24215/27186199e003

For informed and quality music therapy, Certified Music Therapists receive and maintain their MTA credential through t...
03/12/2026

For informed and quality music therapy,

Certified Music Therapists receive and maintain their MTA credential through the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (.insta). This ensures that each MTA has received adequate education, completed a 1000-hour practicum, engage in continuing education, and adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice.

MusicTherapy

Before we look at how we might help, we have to understand why music can be so powerful. Music activates almost the enti...
03/06/2026

Before we look at how we might help, we have to understand why music can be so powerful. Music activates almost the entire brain and engages processes involved in, but not limited to, movement, learning, memory, emotion, and motivation.

Music works because of:
✅BRAIN NETWORK CONNECTIVITIY
✅RHYTHMIC ENTRAINMENT
✅AUDITORY FEEDBACK
✅NEUROMODULATION
✅DOPAMINERGIC ACTIVATION

Using this knowledge and your relationship with music, Certified Music Therapists (MTA) can tailor sessions to your specific needs. 🎵📖

➡SWIPE through to learn more!

🎹 March is Music Therapy Awareness Month in Canada. This month, we are celebrating the power and safe and effective use ...
03/03/2026

🎹 March is Music Therapy Awareness Month in Canada. This month, we are celebrating the power and safe and effective use of music within a therapeutic relationship.

We know that music is powerful in its own right. But what about using it with a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) who can meet you exactly where you are and be your guide as you explore, experience, and be empowered to become who you want to be? 😡😢➡😃🙋🏻‍♀️

Stay tuned throughout the month to find out how our dually-certified therapists can help you. 🎵

3 music habits you can implement today to improve your day 🌿🎶• Listen with intention — one song, no distractions • Matc...
02/24/2026

3 music habits you can implement today to improve your day 🌿🎶

• Listen with intention — one song, no distractions
• Match your mood with a song, then gently shift it with another
• Make a little music — hum, tap, sing, or play!

Small moments with music can support regulation, connection, and emotional wellbeing~

How are you using music today? 🎧

Address

4039 Brentwood Road NW
Calgary, AB
T2L1L1

Telephone

+18254373773

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