Julianne Ryu, BA, BMT, MT-BC, MTA

Credentials

• Bachelor of Music Therapy (Capilano University)
• Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Korean Language and Literature (Ewha Womans’ University)
• Music Therapist Accredited (Canadian Association of Music Therapists)

Populations you specialize with:

• Geriatrics
• Palliative and End of Life care
• Immigrants and Refugees
• Children and Teens for Adaptive music lesson

Special Skills /Related Training

• Trauma-Informed Practice Training
• Music Together® Teacher Training
• Dignity Therapy Training
• Piano (majored in classical piano)
• Guitar
• Fluent in Korean, written and spoken

Personal History

I was born in South Korea and raised by parents who were not wealthy but happy. They showed me how to live with love, care, laughter, and faith and how to help others through their everyday life.
Before having my music therapy studies and career, I worked with international students, immigrants and refugees.

With a group of musically talented people at my local church, I had a life-changing visit to Bella Bella, BC, in 2014 where I was inspired to pursue a career in Music Therapy. I observed how music connects people and how music heals. Thankfully, my new journey in the Music Therapy program at Capilano University helped me grow personally and professionally, and I have been very satisfied with my new career and life as a certified music therapist.

Professional History

I have been working with seniors in complex care diagnosed with dementia, TBI, Parkinson’s, CVA, depression, and mental health conditions at long-term care facilities and hospitals of Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care since I graduated from the Music Therapy program.

Before starting my music therapy career as a certified music therapist, I experienced working with various populations through my practicum and pre-professional internship; I worked with adults in palliative and end-of-life care, adult immigrants and refugees with psychiatric concerns, children with developmental, behavioural and emotional needs, and seniors in long-term care.

Additionally, I have been teaching piano to children with special needs through Long & McQuade Education Centre and on my own. I have also worked with Canadian indigenous and refugee children/teens as a summer camp programmer.

Work Philosophy

My approach is holistic and client-centred. I believe every individual has unique value, dignity, rights, and their own beauty. Everyone should be cared for and treated as a whole person, not by their diagnosis or health conditions.

My music therapy goal is to foster, enhance, and improve my clients’ innate resilience and healing power to meet their own emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and cognitive needs. I do hope and believe I am a person who walks with them listening, accepting, encouraging, and caring while they are on their beautiful journey to find their healthier self.

Personal Life Philosophy

As a believer, I am doing my best to be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances in Jesus Christ.

Favourite Quotes

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ” - Mark Twain