Credentials:

• Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery (AMI) 2004 – The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music - Archedigm Training
• Accredited with the Canadian Association for Music Therapists (2002)
• Bachelor of Music Therapy – British Columbia Open University/Capilano College (2002)
• Bachelor of Arts - University of Saskatchewan (1984) (Sociology/Criminology major)

Populations specialized with:

• Palliative and End of Life Care
• Cancer Care
• Children/Youth: Autism, FAS, Development Delays
• Brain Injury
• Youth with Eating Disorders
• Geriatrics
• Persons undergoing : Personal Growth, Grief and Loss, Transitions
• Persons seeking to explore their: Creativity, Transpersonal and spiritual well-being, Limiting thoughts, attitudes, and belief systems

Special Skills/Related Training:

Mandala Intensive Training, Certified practitioner of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, Published Author, International Conference Presenter, Researcher, exposure to and understanding of the Japanese culture, having lived there from 1994-1997

Personal History:

Louise’s parents recognized a musical ability in her at a young age. Although they lived in rural Saskatchewan they were committed to fostering her musical passion. For 12 years they committed to financing and driving over 50 kms a week to ensure that she had piano lessons. That is where it all began!

Professional History:

Louise acquired her Music Therapy degree in 2002, followed by her training as a certified practitioner of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music in 2004. In her many years of music therapy practice she has worked in Geriatric Care, Palliative and Cancer Care, with person with brain injuries, youth with Eating Disorders, and children with Autism, FAS and Development Delays.

In 2002, upon moving to Regina, Saskatchewan, Louise worked full time for seven years with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Regina Palliative Care Program, Pasqua Hospital. During this time she became a published author, profiling her work with Music Therapy and End-of-Life care. Upon becoming Director of the same program from 2009 – 2013, she continued to work in private practice, working with children with Autism, FAS and Developmental Delays.

From 2013-2014, Louise’s private practice shifted to Mecca Massage and Wellness Centre, Regina, and Professional Psychologists and Counsellors (PPC) in Saskatoon, where she provided sessions of the music-assisted transformational therapy, The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. In 2015 Louise moved to Vancouver, BC where her work focused on Geriatric Care, persons with brain injuries and youth with eating disorders. At present, Louise works in a variety of seniors home, with a sole focus on Geriatric Care.

From 2007-2009, Louise was the President of the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT), the national body that promotes music therapy, in addition to supporting, advocating and accrediting music therapists in Canada. She is also an international presenter, having presented in North and South America, Australia, and England. Topics have related to Palliative Care, Aboriginal End-of-Life Care, Music Therapy, and on the Canadian Association for Music Therapy.

Louise has been published in the Journal of the Association for Music & Imagery (2005/2006) for her work using The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music in end-of-life care. She has also used the Bonny Method with persons dealing with grief, resolution of past experiences, negative thinking, stress, trauma, transitions in life, health and relationship issues, and for personal and spiritual growth and exploration. Further, she has been published in The Canadian Journal of Music Therapy (2006), profiling the use of legacy work at end-of-life.

Work Philosophy: Louise’s approach to her work is rooted in both transpersonal and humanistic philosophies. She promotes ‘whole’ person care – caring for the spiritual, physical, psychological, existential and social elements of each individual.

She believes in the individual’s voice, opinions and needs being central to the care that they receive. What she loves most about her work is holding the space for people to tap into the inner resources, guidance and wisdom that is inherently within them.

Personal Life Philosophy: Life is a Hero’s Journey. If we can find the value in each life experience, without assigning a good or bad label to it, then we can be open to everything that life offers. This helps us to live from the heart, listen to one’s spirit, and live in gratitude.

Favourite Quote:
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ~