In the waiting room of my music therapy office I have a small wooden stand with hanging chimes easily accessible; In bold colours are the words, “Please Touch”. When young clients come in with their parents, they expect NOT to be able to touch something like that – but I believe music should be explored. I am always happy to encourage this, because within moments beautiful tones are chiming through the office. This experience in the waiting room is a gentle invitation to play and gives the client a taste of what is to come in their session.

Nejama Ferstman, Certified Music Therapist, ShiriMySong.ca

April is truly spring. Our senses peak to the scent of flowers, vivid colours, and sounds of birds. This is a perfect time to multiply the effects everywhere within our body, especially with exercise and nutrition. You feel like walking and running outdoors and just the look of fresh spring vegetables will have them home and on your plate before you know it. It is so important to glorify the positives around and within you. Breathe it in and hold it in your memories for future use. People sometimes say, “Nothing makes me happy.” Spring is your chance to discover natural happiness; start your inventory of happy this month.

Barbara Gilmore, BGilmoreCounselling.com

Are you struggling with your child? Is your child defiant, moody or grappling with anxiety?  Imagine acquiring the tools needed to support you with your child.  And imagine your child engaging with paint, puppets or the drum. The expressive therapies offer a safe and supportive setting for children to explore and transform their inner world through the arts and play. Give your family an opportunity to strengthen relationships and to create a sense of peace in your world at home today. Reaching out to a professional can be the first step in bringing some ease into your life with your child.

Sophie von Herrmann, B.Ed. M.A., VictoriaExpressiveTherapies.ca

Sudden hearing loss and vision changes due to retinal occlusion are life changing conditions. Though uncommon they are misdiagnosed and conventional treatments offer limited therapeutic effects. Both conditions have been studied and have had promising results when combining hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT) to standard treatments. Both the eye and ear require high volumes of oxygen to remain functioning at a high level. Both have been recently approved by the UHMS to be treated by hyperbaric oxygen and will see the best results when addressed early. The first 72 hours after experiencing these changes is a critical window where HBOT is very effective.