It was just before Christmas when Harry invited me to spend an evening with him and his family. The suggestion I should come to his home to facilitate a music-filled evening included a very compelling reason: “It is the first time in ten years that all my children will be home for Christmas, and I want to make it special for them.” He went on to explain, “You said that by giving people a choice of song, you are giving every person a voice and an opportunity to teach you something about themselves. I want to hear what is important to my children and create an evening to remember.” How could I r ..read more

For over thirty years, we’ve poured our hearts into growing a small private practice into something sustainable and enjoyable, while also helping to support our profession in addressing the world’s increasing health and wellness demands. This journey has enriched our understanding of what drives positive change in both individuals and groups, from the youngest to the most experienced. We remain convinced that using music expertly as a catalyst is the most efficient and effective way to ignite positive change – but there are always important considerations.   In today’s fast-paced workplac ..read more

When it comes to finding the right motivation it is best to experiment with different musical preferences until you find the perfect partner for the goal you hope to achieve. To get the inspiration flowing we have put together the following playlists. *These are not prescriptions – just a starting place.  We hope you find them helpful. Every playlist you develop, every song you select, every melody you hum, can bring you into a creative process that can ease minds and help bring residents into a life that is fuller, and hopefully a little less lonely. SONGS FOR DINNERTIME IN CONTINUING CA ..read more

JB Music Therapy is a team of certified Music Therapists (MTAs) who collaborate, design and personalize therapy plans with their clients that will foster desired change to boost mood, decrease stress, improve speech or movement after injury, increase focus, develop learning, reduce anxiety, support self-expression, and recover lost memories.  JB Music Therapy has been providing music therapy services to Alberta citizens since 1991 and Alberta Health Services since 2003. MTAs support individuals going through difficult life transitions and moments of shift. Music acts as a medium for ..read more

While our hearts yearn to embrace the world with unwavering optimism and peace, the stark realities we face make it challenging. People we deeply care about, along with countless others globally, grapple with the harrowing effects of trauma, wars, and profound disconnection. As numerous individuals wrestle with the burdens of collective grief and personal pain, music therapists persistently strive to provide solace when words often fall short. In this blog post, we will delve into the catalysts that influence feelings of safety and explore the methods music therapists employ to assist their cl ..read more

As JB Music Therapy celebrates its 32nd anniversary, it’s a time for both reflection and forward-thinking. Over three decades, we’ve experienced the transformative power of music therapy and its increasing acceptance within the broader healthcare landscape. However, like any evolving profession, ensuring the sustainability of our services remains a top priority. How can we ensure that the profession of music therapy continues to resonate in the years to come? Since its formal inception, music therapy has made significant strides. The World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT) reports a consisten ..read more

As we approach International Self-Care Day, we have the opportunity to step back, check in with ourselves, and listen to what our mind, body, and spirit might need. Taking place on July 24th each year, the date symbolizes the long-lasting benefits that self-care can have for our well-being: 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  As a recently certified music therapist, I have witnessed the benefits that music can have on an individual’s journey towards personal growth, including my own. Music is an extremely powerful and accessible tool, and can be easily integrated into self-care practice. Dr ..read more

It’s no question that the number of people who experience anxiety, either intermittently, or chronically, has drastically increased over the past few years. In terms of the cause, our minds may instantly look to COVID-19, and the turbulence caused by the pandemic, however, several factors could be responsible for this increase. People often have difficulty identifying what causes their anxiety, and, as a result, finding treatments and/or support can be difficult. It is possible that people who experience anxiety for a prolonged period of time may have something called Generalized Anxiety Disor ..read more

In the first few years of being a Music Therapist, I quickly grew inspired by the stories, perspectives and wisdom shared by my diverse clientele. Being in the profession allows me to see the power and effect music has on people. I feel honored to be a witness to the triumphs, adversity, resilience and life experience faced by so many in very different ways. As I noticed the impact of each client and perspective, I decided to write them down for the purpose of developing a wider awareness, while adding depth to our sessions together. Amanda “It’s frustrating when you’re thinking of a word and ..read more

The diagnosis of children and adults with ADHD has increased significantly in the last decade.  There are many theories as to why this increase has been so substantial.  Historically, affected children were viewed as choosing to misbehave, as opposed to having true neuro-cognitive differences from other children.  Many adults who grew up not understanding their own behaviour are, also, finally being diagnosed.  Others are attributing this rise in diagnoses to the advent of smart screen technology decreasing the ability of those affected to simply maintain attention.  T ..read more