Welcome to Gemma Music Therapy

A graduate from the Bachelor of Music Therapy Program at Capilano University, Gemma is a certified music therapist with specialized training in Neurologic Music Therapy through the  Neurologic Music Therapy Training Institute at Colorado State University, and, Neonatal Intensive Care Music Therapy through Florida State University's National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy. 

As the music therapist at the BC Professional Firefighters Burns, Trauma & High Acuity Unit (BTHAU) at Vancouver General Hospital, Gemma provides pain management, music motivation for rehabilitation, emotional, spiritual and social support for patients and their families. Currently she is involved in designing research on the effects of music therapy on pain perception and anxiety for patients with major burn traumas.

Gemma has been recognized by her Alma Mater, Capilano University, as the recipient of the One To Watch Award. The award honours alumni who have distinguished themselves early in their careers or professions.

Gemma is the Past-President and a member of The Music Therapy Association of BC and a member of The Canadian Music Therapy Association, The American Music Therapy Association, the World Federation for Music Therapy, Canadian Association of Burn Nurses, The American Burn Association, and the Trauma Association of Canada. She also has a small private practice working with a range of clients such as children with special needs and stroke recovery groups.

Gemma is a Registered Clinical Counsellor  from the Masters of Counselling Psychology Program at the University of British Columbia. Inspired by the music therapy work at the BTHAU, Gemma is passionate about deepening  her practice, knowledge and skill set supporting those who have suffered traumatic experiences both emotionally and physically. Her thesis examines ways to support first responders, specifically firefighters, with mental and behavioural health. She is the founder of Frontline Counselling offering counselling services supporting first responders, healthcare frontline staff and their families achieve a healthy and satisfying work-life balance.