About me
My name is Cheryl-Lee Campbell and I am a music therapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Music therapy is my second career. Before switching paths, I was a singer, a singing teacher, and a private web consultant. I still perform professionally on occasion: most recently I was the soprano soloist in a performance of Mozart’s Requiem.
I work with children and families
I have experience working with paediatric clients with a variety of diagnoses, including Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and genetic disorders. As an intern, I was the first representative of music therapy at a major Toronto hospital (Mount Sinai), where I worked with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), as well as their parents. Another practicum was a Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital. I have continued to work with children and babies in my private practice as well as creating music programs for young children and families in a variety of settings. You can learn more about how music therapy can assist kids here.
I work with older adults and in long-term care
I have spent time (contracts and internship) in a number of long-term care facilities, working with a variety of clients, especially those with dementia. This is work I greatly enjoy. You can learn more about my work with older adults here.
Credentials and Education
Master of Music Therapy (MMT)
Wilfrid Laurier University, 2017
Major Research Project: Leaving space in the music: Music therapy, children, and speech and language disorders
Awards won include the Harmonize for Speech Master of Music Therapy Award
Internships:
-Mount Sinai Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care, Psychiatric, Antenatal Units
-Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (focus on Brain Injury)
-The Kensington Gardens (Long-term care)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Music Therapist Accredited (MTA)
Music Therapist Board Certified (MT-BC)
Artist Diploma in Voice Performance
The University of Western Ontario (1998)
Bachelor of Music (Honours – Education)
The University of Western Ontario (1997)
Approach and Philosophy
My work centres around my belief that human relationships are the basis for happiness in our lives. I believe in the concept of the Music Child, an idea developed by music therapy pioneers Nordoff and Robbins, which asserts that everyone has an innate musicality. I have seen that music therapy can offer a “way in” or as Dr. Clive Robbins said an “open sesame”, and I have seen that in a variety of populations, from newborns through to older adults with dementia.
My approach is eclectic, and varies considerably depending on the needs and goals of my client(s). I am resource-oriented: I look for the resources and resilience which my clients possess.
Continuing education (selected)
- 5 Day Foundations Certificate in Narrative Therapy: Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy
- Neurologic Music Therapy training
- DIR101 (DIRFloortime): The Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning Inc.
- Sprouting Melodies training (early childhood music): Roman Music Therapy