What Is Music Therapy?

As defined by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT):

“Music therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.”

In practice, music therapy can support a wide range of goals using music as a tool for connection, expression, comfort, and growth. Sessions are always tailored to each person’s strengths, needs, and preferences.

If you’d like to learn more about music therapy, the Music Therapy Association of British Columbia ( https://mtabc.com/ ) and the Canadian Association of Music Therapists ( https://www.musictherapy.ca/ ) offer excellent resources and information. Kira is a proud member of both organizations and is committed to upholding their standards of care and ethical practices.

Getting Started with Music Therapy at Life Cycle

Music therapy at Life Cycle is designed to be welcoming, collaborative, and responsive to each person or family’s needs. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Reach Out

Email kira@lifecyclemusictherapy.com to join the waitlist.

2. Introduction & Consultation Invitation

You will receive a welcome email from Kira, along with an invitation to schedule a complimentary 20-minute online consultation. This meeting provides an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether music therapy is the right fit for your needs.

3. Complete the Intake Form

If you choose to move forward, you’ll be asked to complete an intake form to help tailor services to your specific goals and needs.

4. Collaborate on Scheduling

Kira will work with you—or with parents or caregivers in the case of child clients—to find a session time and length that works well for everyone involved.

5. Initial In-Person Assessment (30 minutes)

The first session is a relaxed, 30-minute meeting where Kira will begin getting to know you and/or your child through music and conversation.

6. Ongoing Assessment and Relationship Building

Assessment in music therapy is not a one-time event. It often takes several sessions for clients to feel fully comfortable and for the therapist to gain a well-rounded understanding of their needs. Building trust, safety, and connection is part of the process.

Who Are Certified Music Therapists (MTA)?

Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) are trained professionals who meet national education, clinical, and ethical standards. To earn the MTA credential in Canada, a therapist must:

  • Complete an approved undergraduate or graduate degree in music therapy

  • Successfully complete a 1,000-hour supervised clinical internship

  • Pass the national certification board exam

  • Maintain good standing with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) and engage in ongoing professional development

MTAs are trained to use music safely and purposefully to support individuals across all stages of life in a variety of health, education, and community settings.

Kira has been a Certified Music Therapist since 2023.