About Journey Music Therapy

Nicole opened her private practice, Journey Music Therapy, in 2022 with the purpose of reaching out to communities and sharing the power of music- using its properties as a bridge to give people autonomy and support in their daily life.

Mission

Our mission is to connect and support people’s journey through music in the community through a holistic therapeutic approach.

Values

We strongly believe in the unification of communities, diversity equity and inclusion. All people have a right to therapy and being heard.

We believe strongly that music is the bridge in bringing support for autonomy, connecting, empowering, enriching and holistically supporting a person’s goals and needs within all of their journeys.

Vision

We envision music therapy as a bridge for one’s journey and bring knowledge to all the communities.

“Through the elements of music, a catalyst is created to help with transcendence, self- esteem, joy, comfort, and positive change for oneself. I believe that music is the foundation for unity and relationships. It is the tool to engage and find purpose in one’s life.

Through the elements of music, a catalyst is created to help with transcendence,

self-esteem, joy, comfort, and positive change for oneself.

Music is the foundation for unity and relationships.

It is the tool to engage and find purpose in one's life.

Nicole Agnihotri

MTA, NMT, BTh

Founder, Certified Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist

Nicole Agnihotri

MTA, NMT, BTh

Founder, Certified Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist

Nicole Agnihotri received her Bachelors in Music Therapy (BMT) and Theology (BTh). She became a Certified Music Therapist in 2018 and has completed training in Neurologic Music Therapy.

Nicole works with individuals of all ages and abilities. Her focus has been on palliative and long-term care settings, adults and children with cognitive and physical disabilities. She has a desire and passion in advocating music therapy. She is eager in, building authentic therapeutic relationships with people, hearing their story and learning new musical techniques to encourage positive quality living for individuals.

“Life brings experiences and therefore all individuals are on their own unique journey(s). It is my joy to serve and use music to support the strengths and goals of those journeys”.

Portrait shot of Nicole Agnihotri
She/Her

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a scientifically proven and allied health profession. Musical elements and interventions such as rhythm and melody are skillfully and purposefully used by a Certified Music Therapist to address social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and physical health. A holistic approach is used to build a therapeutic relationship enhancing the well-being and needs of the individual and to facilitate desired outcomes such as learning, self-expression, and personal growth.

Music notes flowing up a path

What Makes a Music Therapist?

In order to practice music therapy, one needs to become a Certified Music Therapist (Credentials: MTA). This entails

  • a four-year university bachelor degree
  • completing a 1,000- hour supervised clinical internship
  • passing a recognized certified exam which tests the knowledge of musical skills, therapy approaches, practices and techniques.

Upon passing the exam the application and certification is signed through the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT). Continuing education and following the Code of Ethics is mandatory to stay in good standing.

The neck of a guitar, the end of a piano keyboard, and a page of music.

Who Can Benefit?

Music therapy can be provided in either a group or individual setting. Musical training and/or experience is NOT required in order to engage in sessions. Music therapy is accessible to individual of all ages, abilities and diverse needs, including but not limited to:

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Intellectual developmental disabilities and physical disabilities
  • Alzheimer’s and Dementia
  • Rehabilitation (Stroke, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Aphasia, etc.)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Mental Illness
  • Palliative/Hospice
  • Hospital Units
  • Veterans

What are the Benefits?

Music therapy can be an effective aid for (not limited to):

  • Anxiety and/or Stress
  • Pain Management
  • Reminiscence
  • Meditation/Imagery
  • Speech and Language
  • Achievement of OT & PT goals
  • Sensory/ Cognitive Stimulation
  • Increase Learning and Attention
  • Reality Orientation
  • Decrease Agitation and/or Restlessness
  • Decrease Repetitive Behaviours

How is Music Therapy Used?

Music therapy is a therapeutic profession which focuses on well-defined objective and attainable goals for each individual. To ensure the best outcome, music therapists not only use their knowledge of the power of music but also work along side support teams to integrate towards some of the following goals: communication, expression, self-regulation, elevation in mood, relaxation, focus, motor, and social interaction.

Interventions are purposefully and skillfully planned for each session such as (not limited to):

Music Listening which builds attention and memory skills, auditory perception and sensory orientation and stimulation.

Instrument Playing encourages coordination, balance and fine/gross/oral skills. It provides decision making and self-awareness (emotionally, autonomically and expressively).

Improvisation provides validation through a call and response, movement when hearing the music, and awareness to sound productivity (loud, soft, slow, fast) which encourages focus and attention skills.

Singing encourages breath control, vocal exploration and oral-motor planning and execution. It develops attention and memory.

Services

We offer the following types of sessions:

Individual

Anyone from infant to seniors, these one-to-one sessions are created and shaped for the needs of clients and offers a safe environment.

Group

Involves individuals coming together in a supportive and inclusive environment. A music therapist will facilitate and guide musical activities and tasks to achieve overall goals. Attendance of up to 8 persons.

Virtual

Connecting those who are far or prefer virtual interaction. Individual or group sessions can be accommodated through Zoom (or google workspace).

Partnerships

Schools, hospice, long-term care, senior residence, hospitals, day programs, non-profit and workplace programs.

Book Consultation

Music Therapy Process

Music Therapy sessions are designed on individualized long-term and short-term wellness goals.

Hover over the images below to learn more about each stage of the process.

Referrals / Intake

An intake helps the therapist learn about the client and prepare for the first session.

Assessment

An initial assessment can take 2-4 sessions. In these sessions the music therapist will learn more about the client to establish a baseline.

Treatment Plan

The music therapist will collaborate with the support team (POA, guardians, staff, other disciplines) to individualize the objectives and goals for the client. During treatment musical interventions such as singing, listening etc.., may be used to address goals.

Review

After a recommended period a reassessment and session modification will be made. Once goals have been achieved, a recommendation of being discharged will be discussed.

Contact Us

Call or email to make an appointment.

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nicole@journeymusictherapy.ca

705-868-4623