Deborah Seabrook, PhD(C) MMT MTA
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 Music Therapist Accredited (#0334) with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia (#17031), and a recognized Climate Aware Therapist with the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America.
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 am currently a PhD Candidate at Concordia University researching music improvisation, mental health and well-being.
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 therapeutic music improvisation, and offer you a structured, supportive music improvisation experience as a way of connecting with your creativity.
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 am also always upgrading my training, am active in my professional communities, and publish my research in reputable 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 or coffee, 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 about Music Therapy?
Read some of our most common questions and answers below:
About 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 practicing music therapy. My training and approach are tailored to musicians, people who appreciate music, and health & wellness workers.
Music therapy is similar to verbal counselling and therapies in that we meet to address specific concerns. In music therapy sessions with me, we will also take some time to talk about your concerns, like in verbal counselling.
Music therapy is unique because in addition to talking, we also use music to explore and process your concerns. I guide you through supported and structured musical experiences to address your needs in a creative and uplifting way.
Music can allow us to feel, release, and experience things that words alone cannot.
I hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in music therapy and am accredited with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists.
To better meet your needs, in addition to completing the above training, I am also currently a doctoral candidate researching music improvisation and mental health at Concordia University. I have completed additional courses in counselling psychology, 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 music therapy.
About Music Therapy Sessions
My current rate is $160.00 per session for individuals and $205 per session for groups/ensembles. All fees are in Canadian dollars.
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 Music Therapy session.
I acknowledge and respect the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples on whose traditional territories I work and play, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.