I believe each individual, no matter their age or diagnosis, deserves to create the life they want. And everyone deserves to simply create.
If you're reading this, you're probably searching for something.
Maybe your child is struggling in ways you can't quite name. Maybe therapy hasn't clicked yet, or school is hard, or they're carrying something heavy and you don't know how to reach them. Maybe you just want them to feel good in their own skin.
You're in the right place.
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Hello! My name is Tori. I'm a master's-level, board-certified music therapist with nearly 18 years of experience — and I genuinely love what I do.
Over my career, I've had the privilege of working with hospitalized pediatric patients and their families, veterans, survivors of abuse, individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges, and neurodivergent people of all kinds. What I've learned in all those years is this: every person has more capacity for growth, creativity, and connection than they're given credit for.
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It means I see your child as a whole person — not a diagnosis, not a checklist of deficits. I'm trained in strength-based and resource-oriented approaches, informed by psychodynamic and humanistic theories. In plain terms: I start with what your child is already good at, what they love, and who they are — and we build from there.
You'll never hear me say "your child can't." You'll hear me ask, "What would help them thrive?"
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I love working with children and adolescents/young adults. I have a particular interest in working with neurodivergent individuals who are working through various mental health challenges, skill-building, grief, and trauma. It’s not easy to navigate a world that doesn’t feel like it was made for everyone.
Parents: you are not on the sidelines.
I believe the family is the original system — and parents and caregivers are doing some of the hardest, most important work there is. I love partnering with parents and caregivers to build understanding, sharpen tools, and strengthen the connection between you and your child. When parents feel supported, kids feel it too.
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First of all, you don't have to be a musician to access music. In fact, music IS the access. There are many ways that music can help people meet and address NON-musical goals. Some ways include singing, songwriting, improvising, listening to and discussing music, engaging in lyric analysis, experiencing movement with music, and even music instruction and learning. I apply various methods of music therapy that are best suited for each individual and, in some cases, provide therapeutic/adapted voice and piano lessons.
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The following are some goals I address in music therapy with clients:
develop coping skills
process a traumatic event
encourage self-compassion and self-acceptance
increase self-regulation
improve sense of self and overall self-esteem
increase self-awareness
provide opportunities for positive social experiences
support executive functioning skills
enhance receptive and expressive communication
build cognitive skills
manage anxiety and depression
develop emotional intelligence