Credentials:

• Master of Music Therapy, Appalachian State University, NC, US (2022)
• Music Therapist Accredited (MTA), Canadian Association of Music Therapists
• Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC), Certification Board for Music Therapists
• Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Appalachian State University, NC, US (2020)

Populations you specialize with:

• Adolescents, young adults, and adults with emotional and behavioural needs
• Older adults
• Personal growth/exploration

Special Skills/Related Training:

• Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) Level 1
• Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate (Appalachian State University, 2022)
• Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin

Personal History:

I was born and grew up in Hong Kong for the first 26 years of my life. Before I studied music therapy, I obtained a bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science, but I ended up hating sitting in the office working in front of the computer from day till night. I always have had a passion for music growing up. I started learning piano and joining the church choir at the age of 7. I was so lucky that I grew up in a church with 8 different church choirs for different age groups and serving in different Sunday services. From the age of 7 to 26, I was a member, the piano accompanist, the organ accompanist, and later the assistant instructor/conductor of some of these choirs.

When I was looking for a way out of the office, music therapy came to my attention and a few years later, I was able to fly to the US and complete both my bachelor's and master's degree in music therapy. I just moved to Vancouver recently and hope that I can continue to use music to facilitate the growth of all the people I serve and encounter.

Professional History:

After my bachelor's academic training, I completed my internship at Seasons Hospice of San Jose in California. After that, I went back to Appalachian State University for my Master's degree. During my Master’s training, I focused on working with adolescents and young adults with emotional and behavioural needs and obtained the Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate. I took courses including advanced clinical improvisation, Gestalt therapy, mindfulness-based counselling, play therapy, and others.

After graduating, I worked with a private practice agency in San Jose, California and provided music therapy services to a variety of settings and individuals, including classrooms for students (K-12) with special education needs, senior living community (independent/assisted living and memory care unit), individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disability, and residential eating disorder treatment facility.

Work Philosophy:

I applied an eclectic approach based mainly on Gestalt therapy, person-centered approach, multicultural music therapy, and expressive arts therapy. Depending on clients’ strengths and needs, I also incorporate elements of CBT, Nordorff-Robbins approach, play therapy, and other techniques when applicable. As a therapist, I believe that I am a companion to my clients in their journey of exploration and growth. Facilitating their exploration of existing resources and their development of new coping tools are the main objectives when working with them.

Personal Life Philosophy:

The future is too unpredictable, or said chaotic according to Bussolari & Goodell (2009). Learn to surrender and focus on the here-and-now to know more about your internal Self. Be the candlelight that can light others’ candles, and DO NOT forget to refill your own container regularly too.

Bussolari, C. J., & Goodell, J. A. (2009). Chaos theory as a model for life transitions counseling: Nonlinear dynamics and life's changes. Journal of Counseling & Development, 87(1), 98–107. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6678.2009.tb00555.x

Favourite Quote:

"Where words fail, music speaks" - Hans Christian Andersen