From a young age, I was passionate about music and helping people. In fact, when I was 12 years old, I completed a science fair project that merged these two interests. As a result of this early exposure to music therapy, I chose to attend Wilfrid Laurier University, where I completed a degree in music and music therapy. I worked as a music therapist until I returned to university to complete graduate and doctoral studies in clinical psychology.
Throughout my childhood, I also participated in various athletic pursuits, including Ballet, team sports (Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer), and competitive running (including competing at the provincial level). Although I continue to value being physically active, I chose to specialize in music and psychology as an adult, and so have not pursued organized athletics beyond high school.
As a parent of three children who participated in various artistic and athletic activities and then chose to study music at a high level, I have learned how to parent children and adolescents who have been high performers. My children have studied stringed instruments (and piano/voice) since a young age, have participated in various high level music programs in Toronto and around the world during summers, and have excelled at provincial and national competitions. With my oldest, I watched her make the decision not to pursue music in a serious way in university. I am grateful that she is using the skills and traits she developed in music to help her be successful in her current academic studies. With my second child, I have supported him in auditioning for competitive music programs in North America, and then attending the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. With my youngest, I am trying to help him to fulfil his intense musical schedule while meeting his academic, relational, emotional and physical needs.
Both through my own and my children’s musical and athletic activities, I have become familiar with various challenges related to high performance careers. I have encountered injuries and the impact of these on myself and my children. I understand the importance in preventing and managing injuries in the field of music and athletics. I have observed the pressures faced by musicians, the unrealistic demands placed on them, and the emotional and physical costs of this endeavour. I am aware of how difficult it is to pursue excellence within this field in a healthy and balanced way.
Just as I merged my interest in music and therapy as a child and young adult, I continue to integrate these passions. I believe in the value of artistic expression and physical activity in the treatment process and so often encourage clients to engage in the arts and athletics both within and outside of therapy. I also am committed to using psychology principles to promote excellence and mental health when working with musicians, athletes, coaches. teachers, and parents. I am comfortable providing consultation and workshops, as well as facilitating individual, parent, family, couple and group therapy. I am open to using my skills to enhance and optimize training and performance. I also have experiencing in addressing mental health issues faced by some high performers, including anxiety, depression, burnout, disordered eating, trauma symptoms, emotional dysregulation, addictions and suicidality. I hope that our Broadview team can be instrumental in promoting the well-being and success of high performers in Toronto and beyond.