Policies & Procedures

Welcome

At InTandem Music Therapy, we believe in care that is collaborative, respectful, and grounded in relationship. These policies are here to create clarity so that everyone can feel safe, supported, and informed.
By participating in services, you confirm that you are:

  • 18 years of age or older, or
  • A parent or legal guardian with the authority to consent on behalf of the client

What Music Therapy Looks Like

Music therapy is a creative, relational process led by a credentialed music therapist. Sessions may include:

  • Musical play, improvisation, or songwriting
  • Listening to or creating recorded music
  • Verbal and non‑verbal expression
  • Goal‑oriented therapeutic work
  • Ongoing reflection and support

Sessions are typically 30–60 minutes and are shaped around each client’s needs, interests, and readiness. Services may happen in clinics, homes, or community spaces that feel comfortable and accessible.

Working Together

Our Committment

We aim to:

  • Build supportive, trusting relationships
  • Collaborate on goals that feel meaningful
  • Offer care that aligns with professional and ethical standards
  • Reflect on progress regularly (about every 3 months)
  • Honour each person’s dignity, autonomy, and lived experience

Your Role

We ask that clients and caregivers:

  • Arrive on time for sessions
  • Share information that may support the work
  • Treat the therapist with respect
  • Honour the client’s right to participate freely (including choosing to pause or not engage)

We understand that participation can look different day‑to‑day, especially for children, and we meet clients where they are.

Choice, Consent & Voice

Music therapy is always voluntary.

You and your family have the right to ask questions at any time, pause or stop services, change your mind about participation, return to services later if desired. For children and youth, we pay close attention to both spoken and unspoken cues. Their comfort, interest, and consent matter throughout each session.

Risks & Possibilities

Music therapy can open space for expression, which sometimes includes big feelings or vulnerable moments.

Possible outcomes may include new ways to express and regulate emotions, experiences of connection and being understood. growth in communication, relationships, or self‑awareness, and support for wellbeing through music and relationship. Because each person is unique, outcomes cannot be guaranteed; but care is always offered with intention and responsiveness.

Privacy & Confidentiality

We take privacy seriously. Personal and clinical information is handled with care and in line with privacy laws.There are a few situations where we may be legally required to share information, including (a) if someone is at risk of harm, (b) if there are concerns about abuse or neglect, (c) if required by law or court order.

You are always welcome to ask questions about how your information is protected.

Records & Media

We keep records to support thoughtful, continuous care. This may include written notes and, at times, creative materials like audio recordings, photos, or videos created during sessions.

We approach this with care:

  • Consent is always asked for and can be changed or withdrawn
  • Children’s comfort and assent are prioritized in the moment
  • Materials are stored securely
  • Nothing is shared publicly without explicit written permission

Music‑making is often something clients want to keep and revisit, and we aim to honour that while protecting privacy.

Fees & Financial Care

Payment

  • Current rates & rationale can be found here.
  • Payment is typically due at or before each session, unless another plan is arranged
  • Sliding scale spaces may be available to support accessibility

We believe care should be as accessible as possible and welcome open, respectful conversations about financial needs.

Third‑Party Funding

We often work alongside third‑party funding sources (such as insurers or support programs). To keep expectations clear:

  • The client or family holds ultimate responsibility for payment, regardless of funding arrangements
  • If sessions begin before funding is confirmed, they are understood to be privately payable by the family if the funding is denied
  • We are not able to guarantee approval, timing, or coverage decisions made by funding bodies

If funding is delayed, reduced, or denied:

  • Any outstanding balance remains the responsibility of the client/family
  • We will approach these situations with care and collaboration
  • Payment plans can be arranged if unexpected challenges arise

Our goal is to work together in a way that supports both access to care and the sustainability of services.

Scheduling, Cancellations & Missed Sessions

Your session time is set aside just for you.

  • Please provide 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or changes
  • Late cancellations or missed sessions may be charged the full fee
  • Late arrivals may shorten the session, though the full fee still applies

We understand that life happens, especially for families. Flexibility may be considered in cases of illness or emergencies.

Ending Services

You may choose to end services at any time. When possible, notice is appreciated so we can support a thoughtful transition. In rare cases, services may also be ended if there are safety concerns or if the fit is no longer supportive.

A Shared Understanding

By participating in services, you are acknowledging that:

  • You have read and understood these policies
  • You feel informed about how services work
  • You are choosing to participate voluntarily

These policies are guided by the laws of British Columbia.

If you have any questions related to these terms of service, please contact us.