Laurier's Master of Music Therapy Program Recognized by CRPO

May 14, 2024

Wilfrid Laurier University's Master of Music Therapy (MMT), psychotherapy field, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with its official recognition by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). This recognition signifies a significant advancement, as Laurier becomes the sole Canadian music therapy program acknowledged by the CRPO, paving the way for graduates to pursue membership with this esteemed regulatory body.

The CRPO plays a vital role in safeguarding the public interest by regulating its registrants, ensuring adherence to professional standards and ethical conduct. For Laurier's MMT graduates, this recognition offers a host of new opportunities in the realms of music therapy and psychotherapy fields.

Established within the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Faculty of Music at Laurier's Waterloo campus, the MMT program boasts a rich legacy as Canada's longest-running graduate music therapy degree. At its core, the program is rooted in the principles of music psychotherapy, clinical musicianship, and psychotherapeutic techniques, cultivated through a blend of clinical, theoretical, and experiential practices. The MMT program is structured as a full-time, two-year endeavor, with an expedited one-year option available for candidates holding a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree. This flexibility caters to diverse educational backgrounds while ensuring comprehensive training in music therapy practices.

In addition to enhancing career prospects for graduates, recognition by the CRPO underscores Laurier's commitment to excellence in music therapy education. By aligning with professional regulatory standards, the university further solidifies its position as a leader in the field, equipped to nurture skilled and ethical practitioners.

The CRPO's mandate encompasses various measures aimed at upholding public welfare, including maintaining a public register of members, investigating complaints, establishing professional standards and a code of ethics, and implementing quality assurance programs to ensure ongoing competence among registered psychotherapists.

In celebration of this momentous achievement, Laurier extends heartfelt congratulations to all students, faculty, and staff involved in the MMT program. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in securing this recognition, marking a new chapter of excellence in music therapy education at Wilfrid Laurier University.