Hello! I’m Jan.

  • Self-Awareness and Emotional Development

  • Grief, Loss, and Trauma

Professional Philosophy

I will listen and encourage you to share anything and everything on your mind. I genuinely believe that you have the answer you are looking for within you.

I will empower you to seek out those answers and connect with your inner self. Using the creative arts, along with talk therapy and psychotherapeutic techniques, we will create a safe space for self-expression to explore unresolved conflict and gain a greater understanding of self and autonomy. You do not have to be a musician, or even enjoy engaging in music, but through this trusting relationship that we create, you will be able to better connect to what is ailing you and we can continue to grow together.

“Music doesn’t get in. Music is already in. Music simply uncovers what is there, makes you feel emotions that you didn’t necessarily know you had inside you…”

― Matt Haig

Personal Background

I learned through my own self-experiences that growing up I was exposed to community-oriented ideologies. My family is full of healthcare professionals that spent a lot of time caring for others. As a child I always wanted to have  music in my career, although it took some time for me to find the field of music therapy, I was excited to feel connected to a former passion of mine and still connected to my goals of wanting to help people. My experiences in music have helped shape who I am today and the connections through music I hold very dear to my growth as a person. I developed a deep understanding of music and care for the human condition. I want to share my experiences in music with others and show how enriching and empowering music can be. To make music is human, we have a steady heartbeat, a  sense of rhythm, and always have a multitude of instruments within our bodies at our disposal at any moment! Our bodies’ hearts beat, we speak and sing, we can dance, we can move. Through these creative processes, I hope to continue to empower others and develop a strong connection to music and self. 

AREAS OF FOCUS

All of us here at START address the mental health areas of stress, trauma, and anxiety in our practice. We apply these three topics to unique, specific challenges that our clients are going through. I also offer specialized areas in the following areas:

Grief, Loss, and Trauma

Grief, loss, and trauma can feel like waves—sometimes gentle, sometimes overwhelming, and often unpredictable. One moment, you may feel numb; the next, emotions rise to the surface in ways you didn’t expect. There is no single path to healing—only your path.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Through musicking and therapeutic techniques, we will explore these emotions together, creating space for what feels too heavy to carry alone. Whether you’re struggling with unresolved grief, a past trauma that still lingers, or a loss that has reshaped your world, we will work toward understanding, expression, and healing. Moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning how to carry your experiences in a way that allows you to live fully.

Generational Trauma

The past has a way of echoing into the present, sometimes in ways we don’t fully understand. Generational trauma is carried in stories, unspoken expectations, and emotional patterns that are passed down, shaping how we respond to the world. You may feel like you’re carrying the weight of something that isn’t entirely yours, yet it still affects your thoughts, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Music is a bridge between past and present, offering a way to process emotions that words alone cannot reach. In our work together, we will explore how generational trauma has impacted you, release inherited stress, and create new, empowering narratives. Healing is not about erasing the past—it’s about breaking cycles and reclaiming your story in a way that feels true to you.

Anxiety

Anxiety can feel like an endless loop of racing thoughts, tension, and restlessness—making it difficult to feel present or at peace. Your mind may be moving too fast, your body on high alert, and words may feel insufficient to express what’s happening inside.

Music has the power to ground you, calm your mind, and help process emotions when words fall short. In our sessions, we will use music and verbal techniques to help you reconnect with your body, slow down anxious thoughts, and regain a sense of control. Together, we will create a space where you can release tension, find balance, and build tools to navigate anxiety in daily life.

Cognitive Processing Challenges and Altered Thought Patterns

When thoughts feel scattered, overwhelming, or difficult to articulate, it can create frustration, confusion, and even self-doubt. Whether you're struggling with focus, intrusive thoughts, or difficulty organizing your experiences, it can feel as though your mind is working against you rather than with you.

The creative process and structured therapeutic techniques can provide a sense of grounding and clarity. Through music and verbal processing, we will explore ways to organize and express your inner experiences, helping you find stability and deeper self-understanding. Wherever you are in your journey, I will meet you there, and together, we will create a space for growth, insight, and connection.