Deborah Seabrook, PhD MTA RCC RP

When you work with me, you’re receiving a unique blend of the highest standards of psychotherapy, music therapy, clinical counselling, and classical music training that I have been developing over the past 20 years.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (#001849), a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (#17031), a Certified Music Therapist (#0334) with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists, and a recognized Climate Aware Therapist with the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America.

I earned a PhD from Concordia University where my research focused on music improvisation, mental health and well-being.

Before becoming a music therapist, I studied piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music. I have an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy with General Psychology and a Master of Music Therapy with a specialization in Music-Centered Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University.

I have taught and supervised counselling psychology and music therapy students across Canada. I currently teach in the MA in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University and am Adjunct Faculty in the music therapy program at Wilfrid Laurier University .

CPA-NA Member
CPA-NA-Member

My Core Values

Creativity

Our creativity is connected to our well-being.

Everyone has the ability to create, from making dinner to composing a symphony! What is most exciting to me is when we create to intentionally harness our creativity and serve our well-being. The process of creation can be inherently uplifting, even when we are creating about a troubling topic. I specialize in offering structured, supportive music experiences to connect with your creativity, health, and well-being.

Connection

Valuing our connections with ourselves, each other, and our world.

Despite being hyper-connected through technology and social media, we can sometimes feel isolated and alone. Taking time to meaningfully connect with our inner selves, like-hearted people, and the larger world around us can help us feel grounded, healthy and strong. I am grateful to live on Vancouver Island, where hikes in the forest and by the ocean nurture my connection to myself and to the natural world.

Integrity

The highest standards of clinical care and confidentiality.

As a therapist who often works with people who are public figures and performing artists, clinical responsibility and confidentiality are essential to me. I continually upgrade my training, am active in my professional communities, and publish my research in scholarly journals. When working with me, you can rest assured that you will be treated with the utmost skill, confidentiality, and care.

Enjoyment

Finding moments of enjoyment in everyday life.

My time as a music therapist in palliative care taught me to prioritize enjoyment in everyday life. This can mean simpler things like savouring a cup of tea, and larger things like enjoying a well-earned vacation. My work aims to help you experience enjoyment through music-making. This can be useful for people who have never played an instrument before and for professional musicians. Therapeutic music-making can help us cultivate enjoyment in our lives.

Wellness

How we understand wellness can affect how we see ourselves and navigate the world.

I value a strength-based and subjective approach to wellness. Being strength-based means that my work focuses on activating inner resources and strengths to address mental health challenges. A subjective approach means that I understand we each have our own wellness experiences, set-points, and goals – one size doesn’t fit all! I work with clients to meet your unique wellness goals and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more?
Read some of our most common questions and answers below:

About Seabrook Music Therapy

In music therapy, a music therapist and client use music to address mental, emotional, interpersonal and spiritual challenges and promote health in all areas.

There are many different ways of understanding and practicing music therapy.

I uniquely combine music therapy with psychotherapy, and clinical counselling to offer an integrated therapy experience focused on mental health.

My training and approach are tailored to musicians, people who appreciate music, and mental health practitioners.

Integrating music therapy means that in addition to talking about your concerns, we can also use music to explore and process your concerns.

For example, I might guide you through supported and structured musical experiences to address your needs in a creative and uplifting way.

Integrating music into the psychotherapy and counselling session can allow us to feel, release, and experience things that words alone cannot.

 

Likely, yes. My training and approach are tailored to meet the distinct mental health needs of classically-trained musicians. Learn more about individual therapy sessions for musicians.

Likely, yes. There is no musical experience required to benefit from integrating music into your therapy work, just an appreciation for music. Learn more about individual therapy sessions for the musically-minded.

This depends upon each individual and their unique situations. Some people report benefits after 1 or 2 sessions. Others find it helpful to continue for 2-3 months, or longer. Many clients find weekly sessions to be most helpful. I work together with my clients to find a timeline that works best for them.
 

 I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and am accredited with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists.

I hold a PhD specializing in music, mental health, and well-being. I also earned a graduate degree in music psychotherapy and an undergraduate degree in music therapy and psychology. I have completed additional courses in counselling psychology, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Mindful Self-Compassion.

I am an advanced internship supervisor with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists, a classically trained pianist with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and an experienced university instructor in counselling psychology and music therapy.

 

I view working with others as a therapist, supervisor, or educator, as a privilege and responsibility. In all my work, I listen deeply and center the knowing of those I am working with.
 
My approach blends music psychotherapy principles, with person-centered (Rogerian) and mindful self-compassion work. Social justice perspectives, including intersectional feminism, queer therapy and eco therapy, are also a part of my approach.
 

About Sessions

Sessions are 50 minutes long.

My current rate is $160.00 + applicable taxes per session for individuals and $205 + applicable taxes per session for groups/ensembles. All fees are in Canadian dollars.

I reserve a limited number of sessions for people who require reduced rates. These are determined on an individual basis and I use a sliding scale. If you require a reduced rate, please let me know when you contact me.

Sessions are covered by a limited number of extended health providers.

Play Well

If you would like to step towards greater mental health and well-being, I invite you to contact me to book your first session.
Book Appointment
Seabrook MT

Seabrook Music Therapy operates on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.  This land is also Treaty territory of the Williams Treaties and is now home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. I am grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and play on this land.