Music Therapy
Music Therapy & Guided Imagery
What Is Music Therapy?
According to the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT), music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music acts as a non-threatening expressive agent, allowing individuals to explore their emotions and relationships through creative experiences.
Important Note: Music therapy is strictly distinct from standard musical instruction. If your primary goal is to build vocal or instrumental technical skills, an instructor is required rather than a therapist.
Goals of Music Therapy
Because of its inherently engaging and fun nature, music is highly effective in motivating individuals with special needs to meet physical, academic, and social goals. Therapy objectives often include:
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Providing a safe environment for self-expression and choice-making.
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Releasing physical and emotional stress through singing, drumming, and instrument play.
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Facilitating communication and improving social skills.
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Improving both fine and gross motor skills.
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Increasing attention span and assisting in retaining academic information.
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Encouraging relaxation while actively reducing feelings of isolation.
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM)
CW Music also proudly offers BMGIM, a music-centered, consciousness-expanding therapy. Trained therapists utilize carefully selected classical music sequences to stimulate the imagination, helping clients integrate the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of their well-being.
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Who it helps: It is highly effective for clients dealing with a wide range of emotional difficulties, including stress, anxiety, grief, and trauma.
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Session Details: A typical individual session lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though group sessions are also available.
Funding & Financial Support
While standard healthcare plans typically do not cover music therapy, there are several specialized funding avenues available for our clients.
1. Autism Funding (BC Ministry of Children & Family Development)
This funding helps pay for eligible services that promote skill development for children living with autism.
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Funding Amount: Up to $6,000 per year is available for each child aged 6 to 18 to be used for Music Therapy or Behaviour Intervention.
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How it Works with Us: Once you complete the Ministry's 4-step application process and select CW Music Ltd. as your service provider by filling out a Request to Pay (RTP) form, we will invoice the Ministry directly each month for your convenience.
2. ICBC Funding for Head Injuries
Individuals recovering from head injuries may apply for funding through ICBC, provided they can demonstrate pre-morbidity musical involvement.
3. Alternative Funding Sources
Families and clients may also explore and apply for funding through adoption services, the Variety Club, and CKNW, all of which have historically supported music therapy programs.
