Programs
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an evidence based health profession in which a supportive client-therapist relationship is combined with music to promote emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. WISH participants can engage in a range of musical experiences, allowing them to express themselves in a way that transcends words; engage in therapeutic conversation using music as a tool; build meaningful connections with peers; collaboratively work on coping skills; work on projects with long term goals; and rest, re-center and ground themselves. Music therapy groups and one-on-one sessions occur several times a week, both at the drop in center and in the community.
Musical experiences can include:
- Song-Sharing Circles, where women share songs of strength or hope followed by discussion
- Karaoke, where women can sing with each other and connect over their favourite music
- Drumming Groups, where the use of drums might ground participants and offer strong group connection, in partnership with our Aboriginal Health and Safety Program
- Song-Writing Support, where participants can receive support with song writing skills and have access to basic recording equipment to record the song on site
- Relaxation Groups, where participants can come rest and re-centre with the use of resonant instruments and basic mindfulness
- Jams, where participants can play a new instrument and join together in music-making
- One-on-one sessions or lessons
“The music really helps us. We have a lot of worries and thoughts and the music lifts that energy.”
— Participant
“Being loud together feels so good. Think of the oxytocin we’re releasing! Even if we sound like jackasses, we’re laughing and people outside are laughing too!”
– Participant
Generously funded by:
Music Heals Canada
Tides Canada
TD Bank
What's Happening
Group Music Therapy:
Sundays 6pm-8:30pm
Karaoke:
Friday Evenings 6pm-8:30pm
One on One Music Therapy/Music Lessons:
Available on request at the Drop-In Centre or in the community
Takes place in the learning centre within the Drop-In Centre, 330 Alexander
Instruments available:
- Electric Keyboard
- Electric guitar
- Acoustic guitars
- Shakers
- Violin
- Djembe
Program Partners:
Capilano University Music Therapy Program
Music Heals Canada
Allegra Chamber Orchestra