Wellington Music Therapy Services

02/12/2026

Supporting Children and Yourself after a Gun Violence Tragedy 🫂

Resources from sandyhookpromise.org

Reminders:
Children are often deeply impacted, and many times silently shaken, when they hear stories of children their own age getting shot or other acts of violence in their schools and communities. Whether it’s back-to-school anxieties, or a constant, uneasy feeling of grief or fear, we can help children cope and be the light they need through those darker days. Words always matter, and whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or out-of-school time professional, you may not always get it right. That’s okay.
Start with these tips to create a brave space for children. Through action and service, empathy and grace, we will always find the words and our way together.

How to Talk to Children:
Meet the Child Where They Are. Everyone processes tragedy differently, and it’s fair to assume a child’s process will not mirror your own. Be open, honest, consider what’s age-appropriate, and above all else…

Listen. What do they understand about the tragedy? They may have many questions, but let your conversations unfold calmly, slowly, and let them set the pace.

Be Thoughtful in Your Response. Your journey to heal and process is unique to you but be mindful that your children look to you as a guide. This is a teachable moment. Be open, sensitive, calm, and age-appropriate in what you speak about with them. They will embrace this energy and learn to navigate challenge and tragedy with similar traits.

Encourage Their Expression. Tell them it’s perfectly healthy and okay to be upset, scared, frustrated, and worried. If they like to draw or write, have them do so about those feelings (or anything that feels good to them).

Maintain Structure and Routine. During times of uncertainty, structure and routine can help children navigate their emotions. Prioritizing activities and routines that are comforting provide feelings of safety.

Be Their Space for Comfort and Confidence. Children yearn to feel safe and protected. Assure them that in the event of an emergency, they will have you and specific other trusted adults in their lives to lean on every step of the way.

Allow Them Their Own Space Too. Children may need more attention, but if they show signs (or ask for) their own quiet time, give it freely. They will benefit from returning to a regular routine (eating, playing, sleeping), but be mindful of this unique time and space to cope.

Follow Their Lead. Children will often use body-language cues or change the topic as a way of expressing that they need a break. It is okay if they don’t want to talk about it or need time to sit with it.

Keep In Mind:
While you try to help children wrap their minds around something so incomprehensible, you, too, are dealing with complicated feelings. Keep these ideas top of mind as you create an intention to move forward.

Processing Your Own Feelings and Self-Care:
Take Media Breaks. You may naturally want to stay informed, but the 24/7 news cycle can weigh heavy on our mental health. Images and storytelling can be stressful, so breaks are essential to focus on activities that lift you.

Talk to Other Trusted Adults. You are not alone. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or neighbour, we are all connected in community. Sharing your feelings and leaning on each other for advice for coping and how to talk to children can dramatically improve your own outlook.

Empowerment Through Engagement. Horrific events can leave you with a sense of hopelessness or lack of control. You, and perhaps your older children, can reclaim your empowerment by taking action. Writing a letter to the editor or a legislator, hosting a community conversation, or being an upstander can restore your confidence in creating positive change.

Resources and Support:
Contact us if there is anything we can do to support you at this time
Email: wellingtonmusictherapyservices@gmail.com
Phone: 1-519-820-9181
Website: wellingtonmusictherapyservices.com

For more resources visit: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/resources/ways-to-help/help-children-cope-with-gun-violence-tragedy/

01/28/2026

"The opposite of despair isn't hope - it's action"

You may have seen this quote going around: Let's talk about it
Paraphrased from Joan Baez, this message reminds us that every choice we make to show up for each other, our communities, and globally, matters.

You belong here: Always
At WMTS our message is simple. Our team is committed in striving towards community empowerment, and uplifting minoritized voices. Our team believes in the fair and ethical treatment of all people. We believe that client’s voices should be at the forefront of change, and that therapists should strive towards practising active allyship.

Support: Strength in Community
With growing demonstrations of hate in our local cities and beyond, we want our vulnerable community members to know that they are valued, and deserve to be here. Whether you are an Immigrant, Q***r, Trans, Black, Indigenous, a Person of Colour, or a member of any other marginalized group, we are here to support you.

Resources: Check out these organizations if you or someone you love is in need

Canadian International Immigrant & Refugee Support Association

pflag Canada

Talk4Healing

Across Boundaries

9-8-8 Su***de Crisis Helpline

Reach out to us at wellingtonmusictherapyservices@gmail.com if there is anything we can do to support you at this time.

01/20/2026

Caregiving and Music Therapy 🎶💕

Caregiving: What is Caregiving? Who is a Caregiver?
- A family caregiver is “a person who cares for relatives and loved ones who are frail, old, or who have a physical or mental disability” (National Alliance on Caregiving, 2011)
- Caregivers are defined as “anyone who provides assistance to another in need” (The US administration on aging, 2012)

Demographics: Canadian Statistics
- 8 million caregivers in Canada
- 75% of caregivers are between the ages of 45-64 years of age
- Length of caregiving role can average 8-10 years
- Family accounts for 80% of care given; typically it’s one primary caregiver
- Family caregivers for people with any type of illness were found to feel a sense of responsibility

Caregiver Burnout: Common signs
- Easily flustered or frustrated
- Extremely tired
- Uninterested in things they used to enjoy
- Forgetful or foggy
- Quick to anger
- Anxious or depressed
- Hopeless or helpless
(verywell)

Music Therapy: Supporting Caregivers in Music Therapy
- Checking in regularly
- Acceptance of all feelings
- Songwriting based processing
- Emotional regulation
- Support with advanced planning
- Music as a creative outlet
- Following Iso-Principle

Resources from: Caressant Care Harriston

Learn more about our services at: wellingtonmusictherapyservices.com

01/15/2026

Dementia and Music Therapy: Educational Resources during Alzheimer's Awareness Month 🎶💭

Dementia: Cause and Music Therapy Research
Dementia is caused by a progressive neurodegenerative illness, under which Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent cause. The potential benefits of music therapy for persons living with dementia have been validated by scientific studies and clinical experience. Music therapy is a key component in dementia care within long-term care settings, hospitals, community programs, and private practice.

Music Therapy: How it Helps
- Improve short and long-term memory
- Enhance reminiscence
- Elevate mood and decrease depression
- Improve reality orientation and alertness
- Facilitate physical activity and functional movement
- Reduce anxiety and agitation
- Improve cognitive functioning and coherence
- Increase verbal and nonverbal communication
- Enhance meaningful social engagement
- Decrease isolation and loneliness
- Improve quality of life in general

Sessions: How Music Therapy is Used
- Music and relaxation with breathing, singing, movement etc.
- Singing, playing, and listening to familiar songs
- Discussing memories associated with familiar songs
- Memory training through instrument playing or singing
- Song composition through lyric substitution
- Music and movement, with varying energy levels and types of movements
- Instrumental and vocal improvisation
- Learning to play an instrument or pre-composed song
- Group experiences involving singing, instrument playing, body percussion
- Music and art projects

All Resources from: https://www.inmt.ca/en/dementia

Learn more about our services at wellingtonmusictherapyservices.com

01/15/2026

01/10/2026

Clapping to a beat may seem like a simple game, but research shows it can have a powerful impact on early reading skills. Preschoolers who can follow a rhythm often learn to read more easily because the brain areas that process music and language overlap. Rhythm exercises help strengthen these shared pathways.

When children practice keeping a beat, their brains improve timing, attention, and auditory processing. These skills are essential for recognizing sounds in words, understanding syllables, and connecting letters to sounds. Music training is not just fun—it is an early workout for reading readiness.

Parents can use everyday activities to build rhythm skills. Clapping along to songs, tapping on the table, or playing simple percussion instruments helps children internalize patterns in sound. These small, playful exercises train the brain to process auditory information more efficiently, which translates into stronger reading abilities.

Starting rhythm-based activities early creates a foundation for language development, reading, and learning overall. Encouraging music and movement in daily routines gives children a head start while making learning enjoyable and engaging.

01/08/2026

Maryann Burrows, the music therapist at Victoria Hospice Society, shared how what a music therapy participant said stuck with her for some time afterwards. How powerful it was that music served as a resource: when someone is scared in the face of death, it is something that can release that fear.⁠
⁠
resource: when someone is scared in the face of death, it is something that can release that fear.⁠
⁠

12/22/2025

Welcome to another edition of Let's Learn; a series we share recent research and resources put together by our team member Hailey! This round, we are talking about avoiding injuries as a music therapist 🎸🎶

Fatigue vs. Chronic Injury:
Fatigue: tiredness (not pain) mostly after playing: soreness/ache that fades with rest
Chronic injury: ongoing/recurring pain during/after playing – intensity/frequency = BIG problem

Warm up and Cooldown:
- Be aware of your hands/arms, posture; avoid tension + problematic techniques
- Create musical support for your clients that doesn’t stress/hurt your body
- Warm up your arm/hand muscles prior to your first sessions (creates excellent blood flow), &
repeat throughout day, esp. when day is done (muscles/tendons tighten after a workout = playing)
- Exercises : stretch/tone/lubricate muscles/tendons & maintain/build strength
- A heating pad (10-15 min at med high setting) will quickly/effectively warm up arm muscles; use a
tensor bandage to wrap pad around arm
- Option: Do hand/arm exercises while wearing heating pad

Instrument and Technique:
- High quality instrument
- Ideal playing techniques: straight wrist, left elbow close to body; don’t cradle neck in crook of
hand; sit/stand tall; use a wide strap to reduce tension in arms/hands/back
- Vary hand/arm positions and techniques often
- Change fret based instruments frequently if possible
Avoid too many back to back sessions

Non-Playing Considerations
1. Computer: uses many of the same muscles as playing an instrument, hands/arms in static position
- Use an ergonomic mouse and office chair, with keyboard tray vs. laptop keyboard
- Take breaks, and do some finger/arm stretches
2. Seek medical advice/help at first signs of pain/discomfort: see a doctor/physiotherapist with
experience with musicians’ or athletes’ injuries - ask to get an ultrasound: to reveal current conditions
3. Listen and respond to pain
4. An elbow brace for tennis/golfer’s elbow (“Trainer’s Choice”) helps to avoid/treat elbow injuries

All sources from (McCarthy, 2025)

Learn more about what we do at wellingtonmusictherapyservices.com

12/18/2025

Welcome to another edition of Let's Learn; a series we share recent research and resources put together by our team member Hailey! Today we are talking about accommodating ADHD in music education and music therapy sWelcome to another edition of Let's Learn; a series we share recent research and resources put together by our team member Hailey! Today we are talking about accommodating ADHD in music education and music therapy s . 🎶

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 11 percent of school-age children. Symptoms continue into adulthood in more than three-quarters of cases. ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
(chadd.org)

Common Strategies for accommodation:
Get informed - Seek out resources so you can support individuals better
Allow for movement - Build in movement breaks, alternative seating, or small physical activities
Positive Feedback - Students with ADHD need extra encouragement
Hands on Learning
Reduce Distractions
Vary instructional methods - Use visuals, guided notes, or visual schedules
Use Music
Incorporate preferred interests - Tie lessons/sessions to their passions where possible
Fidget Tools
Breaks - help sustain attention and improve focus
(CHADD, Attitude Mag, CDC, ADHD Foundation)

Research Findings:
Replace ticking clocks with silent ones
Turn off ringers/vibrations on phones, make sure your phone won’t light up with notifications
Face students away from windows
On Decorations: Keep it light.
Avoid smells. Think about smells from food, air fresheners, candles, etc.
Don’t have people interrupt the session if you can help it
Coach parents on what to do at home
Consider earlier lessons/sessions for those on medication
Determine if a same structure each week is better, or if it should be varied each week.
Maintain a swift pace
Break down large tasks into smaller chunks
Take time to review
(Melago, 2014)

*note that a diagnosis doesn't mean that everyone with said diagnosis will have the same needs. Always check in with students and clients to ensure their unique needs are being met*

Learn more about what we do at wellingtonmusictherapyservices.com

12/17/2025

Music and Me for Adults returns this Winter! ⛄🎶

Led by a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) this group will build community amongst participants aged 18+, and provide opportunities for the development and maintenance of self awareness, confidence, and social empathy. Musical activities such as singing, dancing, playing instruments, and creating songs will be at the centre of this play oriented therapy group.

Thursdays
Stephanie Maxwell, MTA
11:00 - 11:30AM

Wednesdays
Hailey Davis, MTA
11:00-11:30AM

Registration for the program will require a screening and intake to create cohesive therapy groups with similar musical preferences and social-emotional goals. Group sizes may range from 2 - 6 participants. Session 1 will provide a complete written group music therapy assessment for each participant, to determine individual goals as well as overall group focus, and a written final evaluation will be provided quarterly, and at the conclusion of the program. *Participants will be asked to attend the program alone, or with a support person if deemed necessary*

Cost per class $30.00 / participant
*classes are ongoing, weekly

12/16/2025

Winter programs are fast approaching! ⛄🎶

Join us back in TitiTots in the new year! Watch your little one thrive through the power of music! Our playful, music therapy-based classes are designed to spark joy, strengthen bonds, and support your child’s growth in movement, cognition, and musical development—all through the magic of music and play!

NEW- refer a new family to this program! If they register, you’ll receive $20.00 off your session fee!

12 weeks
$240.00+HST per family
(multiple children allowed)
Children aged 3mo - 4 years

Saturdays
with Chelsea-Anne Woolridge, MTA
January 10 - March 28, 2026
10:00-10:45AM

10/31/2025

🎶 We’re Hiring – Music Therapist & RP (Guelph, ON)

Wellington Music Therapy Services is looking for a certified Music Therapist (MTA) and Registered Psychotherapist (RP) to join our team in Guelph. This is an in-person role, supporting a growing waitlist of neurodivergent and disabled children, youth, and adults.

We’re looking for someone who’s compassionate, creative, and confident in their clinical and musical skills. Someone who thrives in a flexible environment, enjoys working independently, and believes in affirming, person-centered care. Experience working with neurodivergent children and youth is required. We are also hoping this candidate will be a great fit for our popular Sing it Girls program.

This is a sub-contracted position with lots of flexibility—you set your own schedule—but we’re ideally looking for someone who’s available at least two days per week, including after-school hours (4:00–7:00PM). In addition to individual sessions at our clinic, there may be occasional in-home, virtual, or community group work.

We offer a beautiful clinic space, a supportive team, regular peer check-ins, continuing education opportunities, and group approach that helps guide our work and decisions as a team. We care deeply about uplifting minoritized voices and creating a truly inclusive practice.

To apply, you must be an MTA and RP in good standing, have strong skills in voice, guitar, and piano (a short video demo will be required for interviews), and feel confident managing your own schedule and documentation.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to Mary at wellingtonmusictherapyservices@gmail.com to learn more and apply.