Mission and Values
"At Sound Of Sunshine, our mission is to empower individuals through the transformative and healing power of music. We are dedicated to improving the well-being and quality of life for our clients by providing accessible, evidence-based music therapy services. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone, regardless of age or background, can discover their inner harmony and unlock their full potential through the therapeutic use of music. Our commitment is to facilitate personal growth, emotional healing, and self-expression, making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve."
Empathy
Music therapy and empathy are closely intertwined. Music has a powerful ability to convey emotions, and a music therapist uses this to create a bridge between themselves and the client. By carefully choosing music and responding to the client's musical responses, the therapist can enter their emotional world. This fosters a sense of connection and understanding, allowing the client to feel safe to express themselves and explore their feelings. This empathic connection is then used as a foundation to achieve the therapeutic goals.
Continuous Improvement
Music therapy can be your personal soundtrack to self-improvement. It helps you understand your emotions, use music to boost motivation and focus, and provides a platform for creative self-expression. By incorporating music into movement or relaxation exercises, it even strengthens the mind-body connection. It's a powerful tool to help you feel better, achieve more, and discover a more confident you.
Community Engagement
Music therapy unlocks community engagement. Group sessions foster belonging, while workshops address specific needs. Collaborative music making bridges cultural divides and sparks expression. It injects vibrancy into events, strengthening community spirit through the power of music.
Services:
Our music therapy services are a heartfelt commitment to the well-being of individuals and community groups. By harnessing the healing power of music, we offer a range of therapeutic interventions that cater to diverse needs. Whether working one-on-one with clients or facilitating group sessions, our services are tailored to address emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges. Through personalized musical experiences, individuals find a path to self-expression, emotional healing, and personal growth. In a community context, our programs create a sense of unity and shared purpose. By engaging in music-making together, community members develop essential social and communication skills, fostering a sense of connection and support. Our services are more than just therapeutic; they're a gateway to a harmonious and healthier life for both individuals and the communities they belong to.
About Us
Music is My Passion: Helping You Heal Through Connection.
Music therapy isn't just a career for me, it's a profound passion. My name is Laura and I believe in the transformative power of music to create positive change in people's lives. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, because I've witnessed firsthand the healing power of genuine connection.
As a licensed music therapist, I'm constantly learning and refining my skills to better serve my clients. This dedication extends beyond the therapy room. I actively participate in outreach initiatives and educational programs to share the benefits of music therapy with a wider audience. My goal is to contribute to the well-being and happiness of everyone I have the privilege to work with. ​
Extensive Experience, Diverse Settings:
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Individual Sessions (3 years): I've worked with adults in day programs facing challenges like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), stroke, acquired brain injury, and heart attack.
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In-Home Visits (4 years): I provide one-on-one sessions in the comfort of people's homes.
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Clinical Therapy (4 years): For children with various needs, including autism, Down syndrome, selective mutism, social challenges, behavioral needs, and early communication development. Aged Care Facilities (2 years): Facilitating music therapy groups for people with dementia.​
​Prior to becoming a registered therapist, I gained valuable experience in these roles:
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Volunteer (3 years): Assisted children with various needs at Riding for the Disabled.
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Support Worker (4 years): Helped participants in adult day programs access different programs.
This diverse background allows me to connect with people of all ages and abilities in various settings. A Life Beyond the Notes: While music therapy is my passion, I also value personal exploration and connection. Whether it's conquering a new trail, sharing laughter with loved ones, or enjoying the peacefulness of snowboarding, these activities keep me grounded and inspire my creativity. This balance between helping others and exploring the world allows me to bring my best self to every music therapy session.
“The power of music, whether joyous or cathartic must steal on one unawares, come spontaneously as a blessing or a grace--”
Oliver Sacks
Music Therapy Benefits:
Physical Benefits:
Music therapy offers a surprising range of physical benefits. It can help manage pain by lowering stress hormones and distracting the brain from pain signals. Music with a strong rhythm can improve coordination and motor function, making physical therapy sessions more engaging. It can even improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and promoting deeper, more relaxed breathing.
Social Benefits:
Music therapy can be a powerful tool for fostering social connection. By engaging in group music activities, like singing together or playing instruments, people can develop their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. This collaborative music-making encourages teamwork, cooperation, and turn-taking, all essential aspects of social interaction. Music therapy can also boost self-confidence and self-esteem, making it easier for people to connect with others and build positive relationships.
Cognitive Benefits
Music therapy goes beyond simply enjoying tunes. Research suggests it can improve cognitive function in various ways. It can stimulate memory retrieval, especially for familiar music, which is helpful for those with dementia. By engaging multiple brain regions involved in attention, prediction, and memory organization, music therapy can improve focus and information processing. Additionally, it may promote the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, which can further enhance cognitive function.
