With World Music Therapy Day coming up on March 1, no one at Waypoint is better suited than Kelly Lefaive to sing the praises of music in health care.
“I use music strategies to support people in reaching their health-related goals,” explained Lefaive, the hospital’s Music Therapist. “I run groups and also offer individual services, and I work in all units here at Waypoint, as well as at the HERO Centre.”
Music therapy is more than just entertainment — it is a powerful tool for healing. Lefaive tailors her approach to each individual’s comfort level.
I try to have the person be as involved as possible in the creation of music. This could mean playing instruments, singing or writing songs. In some cases, if people are a little less comfortable expressing themselves through an instrument or their voice, it may be about simply listening.
Kelly Lefaive, Waypoint Music Therapist
From the very first session, she works with clients to identify their health goals and determine how music can support them. Lefaive noted there’s a growing body of research around the different ways music can affect patients.
“It impacts our brain chemistry. Music engagement allows for improvement in mood, lower stress, and better connection with others,” she said. “But on a basic level, people relate to music. When I meet someone in a hospital setting, I’m not saying, ‘Oh, what’s wrong?’ or ‘What brought you here?’ I’m asking them about what role music has played in their life. If we can find this common ground, that’s where the therapeutic relationship starts to build.”
This approach is especially valuable for patients reluctant to participate in other types of therapy or group settings. Through music, they find a comfortable and expressive outlet.
I find it really special and feel very honoured when people share their own original music with me and then we start working on it together and collaborating. With some people, we’ve gotten to the point of actually recording them singing and playing.
Lefaive’s passion for music therapy is deeply rooted in her personal history. Coming from a musical family, she has been performing and touring with her family band, Ariko, since childhood. Music has always been a part of her identity as a person, but also her cultural identity as a francophone because their playlist includes so much traditional French Canadian music.
Her journey into this unique profession began at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she studied music therapy and psychotherapy. After completing a nine-month student placement at Waypoint in 2021, Lefaive transitioned into a full-time role in 2022, thanks to the support of her manager, John Rodnick. Since then, she has continued to bring harmony and healing to patients through her work.
Waypoint’s Music Therapy program supports mental health recovery through creative, evidence-based music strategies like improvisation, songwriting, and active listening. Offering both individual and group sessions, the program tailors treatment plans to each person’s strengths and experiences, fostering healing in a therapeutic environment.