Music Therapy
Music has a unique way of helping us express thoughts and emotions that can be difficult to put into words. Our certified Music Therapist is here to help you discover a creative path toward healing, growth, and connection.
Discover the Power of Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach delivered by a trained music therapist. Sessions may include creating music, singing, songwriting, improvisation, listening to music, movement, or discussing the emotions that music brings up.  No musical experience or talent is required. The focus isn’t on performance—it’s on using music as a tool for connection, expression, and healing within a safe therapeutic relationship.
Music Therapy May Help With
- Anxiety and Stress
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and emotional healing
- Emotional Regulation
- Self Esteem and Confidence
- Neurodivergence (including ADHD and Autism)
- Personal Growth
Our therapist creates a welcoming, non-judgmental space where music becomes a bridge to communication, emotional expression, and personal growth. Sessions are always individualized to your goals, interests, and comfort level.
What Happens During a Music Therapy Session?
Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to create a session that fits your needs and preferences.
Depending on your goals, sessions may include:
- Listening to meaningful music
- Playing simple instruments
- Guided relaxation with music
- Reflection and conversation
- Songwriting or Lyric discussion
- Improvisation
Beside You On Your Journey
We provide a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where you can explore your emotions, heal from past wounds, and overcome internal or external challenges. Our team of registered Calgary Psychologists and Counsellors are here to walk beside you—offering compassionate care, professional insight, and evidence-based strategies to help you move forward.
Common Reasons People Seek Counselling
Our clients come to us with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Body Image
- Boundaries
- Cancer
- Cultural Issues
- Decision-Making
- Depression
- Eating Issues
- Emotional Regulation
- Family of Origin Issues
- Fear
- Guilt
- Shame
- Grief & Loss
- Parenting Issues
- Perfectionism
- Phobias
- Relationships
- Self-Care
- Self-Development
- Self-Esteem
- Sleep Problems
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
- Suicidal Ideation
- Trauma
- Work & Career
Whether you’re dealing with one issue or a mix of interconnected challenges, our EMDR therapists help you unpack what’s really going on and create a personalized path forward, rooted in self-awareness, healing, and long-term growth.
What to Expect from Your Music Therapy Journey
Every person’s path is different. Our registered Psychologists and Counsellors use a customized approach to fit your unique situation and goals. While your experience will be your own, many clients find therapy helpful in:
- Processing past traumas and losses
- Exploring core emotions and unmet needs
- Developing healthier thinking patterns
- Improving emotional regulation and communication
- Building coping skills and resilience
- Gaining clarity around identity, values, and direction
Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches We Use
We draw on a range of proven therapeutic models to support your growth, including:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): Reshape negative thoughts and build better behaviours
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Understand and express your emotions in healthier ways
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): Identify strengths and set practical, future-focused goals
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Heal from trauma and reduce distress tied to painful memories
Why Choose Refresh Counselling?
At Refresh Counselling, we provide high-quality, personalized mental health care that respects your unique story. Our team takes the time to truly understand your challenges and tailor a treatment plan that fits your goals.
Mental Health Matters
We’re passionate about helping people heal—with genuine care, empathy, and respect for every journey.
Licensed & Certified
You can trust that our therapists are not only qualified but committed to staying informed and improving their practice.
Holistic & Collaborative
Our care is rooted in a holistic view of well-being, nurturing every part of you with the help of our dedicated team.
Specialized Care
With varied specialties, our team tailors care to each client—drawing from approaches like EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, and more.
Therapists of Music Therapy
Below is a list of our Therapists who offer Music Therapy
Hilary MacAulay
MC, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Find Your Rhythm Again
Sometimes healing begins with conversation. Other times, it begins with a song, a rhythm, or simply listening. Music Therapy offers a creative, evidence-based approach that helps people of all ages explore emotions, strengthen resilience, and reconnect with themselves.
Have Questions About Music Therapy?
Find quick answers about what to expect, how it works, and how to get started with the right Music Therapist for you.
No. You do not need any musical experience or ability to participate in Music Therapy. Sessions are designed around your comfort level and goals. You may choose to listen to music, explore simple instruments, discuss lyrics, create music, or participate in other activities without needing to know how to sing or play an instrument.
No. Music Therapy can be used with children, teens, adults, and older adults. The activities and therapeutic goals are adapted to the person's age, interests, abilities, and needs. For some people, music provides another way to communicate or explore emotions when finding the right words feels difficult.
A Music Therapy session may combine music-based activities with conversation and reflection. Depending on your goals, your therapist might incorporate listening to music, playing instruments, songwriting, improvisation, rhythm, movement, or discussing the thoughts and emotions connected to music. Sessions are individualized, so Music Therapy can look different for each person.
Music Therapy uses music as part of the therapeutic process, while traditional talk therapy relies primarily on conversation. A Music Therapist may incorporate instruments, rhythm, songwriting, listening, or other musical experiences alongside discussion and reflection. Music Therapy can be particularly appealing to people who enjoy creative approaches or sometimes find it difficult to express their experiences through words alone.
Not at all. There is never any pressure to sing, perform, or play an instrument. Music Therapy is tailored to your comfort level, and your therapist will work with you in a way that feels natural and supportive. Some sessions may involve listening to music, discussing lyrics, creating playlists, writing songs, or simply exploring how music connects to your thoughts and emotions.