Katherine Wright

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Katherine Wright
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Music Therapist North Vancouver, BC

My Journey to Becoming a Counsellor and Music Therapist

My journey into counselling and music therapy began with a lifelong love for music. As a young child, I sang before I talked. Throughout my life, I’ve found solace in music to express complex emotions that are difficult to describe in words.

Katherine Wright: Registered Clinical Counsellor and Music Therapist

The words of the German poet Heinrich Heine, “Where words leave off, music begins,” have resonated with me all my life.

Witnessing the positive emotional impact of music on relatives and friends facing serious health challenges further solidified my interest in becoming a counsellor and music therapist.

Additionally, in my early life, I found great rewards in volunteering with people experiencing mental distress. These experiences motivated me to seek training and pursue a counselling and music therapy career.

I deeply appreciate the privilege of guiding individuals through their struggles as they embrace their unique selves and navigate life’s ups and downs, ultimately finding joy.

Key Qualities

  • Over 25 years of experience in counselling and music therapy
  • A calm, gentle, and focused presence
  • Compassionate, genuine, and non-judgmental
  • Dedicated to providing the best possible care
  • Trained in several effective traditional counselling and music therapy modalities
  • Extensive use of tools and resources tailored to the unique needs of my clients
  • Over 2 decades of experience navigating the health care system for clients and collaborating with other allied health professionals

Counselling and Music Therapy Experience

For more than 25 years, my career revolved around providing music therapy for adolescents and adults dealing with conditions such as Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Neuromusculoskeletal issues.

In addition, I employed counselling techniques in conjunction with music to address and alleviate clients’ and their families’ experiences of pain, depression, anxiety and trauma, assisting them to adapt and find ways to cope with their circumstances.

I’ve also created and facilitated therapeutic groups to help clients cope with mental health issues and physical discomfort and pain.

I also maintained a part-time private counselling practice for the past two and a half decades. I’ve now transitioned to a full-time private practice, where I provide support and guidance to clients dealing with a wide range of mental health-related concerns.

Education

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Adler University, Chicago, Illinois
  • Bachelor of Music Therapy, Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC
  • Bachelor of Music, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario                                        

Specialized Training

You can read more about the above treatment methods here.

Professional Association Memberships

  • British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
  • Association for Music and Imagery
  • Adlerian Psychological Association of BC
  • Music Therapy Association of British Columbia
  • Canadian Association for Music Therapy
  • International Association of Music and Medicine

Workshop Presenter

I have been privileged to present my work at national and international conferences. I’m also an annual guest lecturer on brain injury and music therapy at Capilano University.

Community Service

Supervisor

  • I’ve supervised music therapy practicum students and interns for over 20 years.

Board Member, Music Therapy Advisory Committee

  • Reviewed funding applications and recommended funding for qualifying music therapists

Member and Former Co-Chair, Vancouver Disability and Rehabilitation Ethics Committee

  • Reviewed complaints and made recommendations to resolve ethical dilemmas

My Life Outside My Therapy Office

Not surprisingly, I have a deep passion for music, which plays a part in my personal and professional life. I sing and play the piano, guitar and flute.

I also cherish my time spent in the outdoors, engaging in skiing, hiking, paddling, and cycling.

Beyond that, I enjoy photography and reading, immersing myself in the captivating world of murder mysteries.

Additionally, I have an interest in languages and am currently learning French.

If you resonate with me and how I work, I invite you to book a free 20‑minute, no‑obligation inquiry phone call.

Together, we’ll explore how I can support your journey toward enhanced mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

I offer in-person counselling in my North Vancouver office. 

I also provide online video‑conference sessions.

** Some evening and weekend appointments are available