About

I come to music therapy as a classically trained violinist and background in working with children and young people. I first studied classical music at Edinburgh Napier University, graduating in 2020. I worked as a pupil support assistant in a mainstream primary school for 18 months before beginning my music therapy training at Queen Margaret University. I have experience working with children with complex additional needs, adults in mental health rehabilitation settings, and adults living with dementia. I am also a freelance violinist performing for various events both solo and in groups, and teach violin privately. Outside of music, I love being outdoors (by the beach especially!), reading and painting.

My approach

I am informed by psychodynamic theory when delivering music therapy sessions. This focuses on both the unconscious and conscious mind, and can help a person understand how their current feelings and how these are shaped by their unconscious feelings and early life experiences.

I am person-centred and resource oriented, meaning that I adopt a ‘person first, diagnosis second approach.’ Being resource oriented means that I work with the person’s existing skills and strengths in order to help them feel empowered. Every session is client led, and my approach is adapted to suit the individual.

I am also neuro-affirming, stemming from my own lived experience of being neurodivergent and being diagnosed with anxiety as a child.

My experience

Throughout my training, I have gained experience working as a music therapist in school settings and psychiatric hospital settings. In my first year, I worked with children with complex additional needs in a primary school. In my final year, I worked with adults in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital. I gained experience working in acute wards, mental health rehabilitation and adults living with dementia. Prior to this, I worked as a pupil support assistant in a mainstream primary school. I currently work as a music therapist at the Creative Arts Therapies Space (CATS) in Leith on a Tuesday afternoon. My referrals are open for all ages.

Qualifications/accolades

Queen Margaret University – Master of Science (MSc) – Music Therapy (Merit) 2022- 2024

May 2024- Winner of the ‘Blowing The Music Therapy Trumpet’ Award for my work in promoting music therapy as a profession and demonstrating excellent advocacy skills on my final year placement with the NHS.

Edinburgh Napier University – Bachelor of Music (With Honours) Classical Music (2:1) 2016-2020