Music Therapist: Colette Jansen

Colette is a fully registered music therapist with Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ).

She is in private practice in the Top of the South region – Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough.

Colette works with people from across the lifespan. Eg., those living with Parkinson’s, stroke, brain trauma, anxiety or stress, plus neuro diverse and neuro typical people. Her approach employs the qualities of music which encourage connection, rehabilitation and self-expression.

Following her school years in Nelson, Colette’s radio career saw her live and work in various cities around NZ. In 2018 she returned to tertiary studies graduating with a Masters of Music Therapy from Victoria University Wellington in 2020. She then returned home to set up her practice.

Colette’s aim is to engage with the people she works with. At NelSONG Wellness Singers – well known and not so well known songs are sung and harmonies are always encouraged. At the Ronnie Gardner Method sessions (RGM) – participants learn the moves to arm and leg signs. They then verbalise the signs names and enjoy the fun and laughter that comes from the interaction.

Colette is also a performing artist. Her voice has been described as rich and velvety. She works with various group sizes, or solo. Her repertoire spans jazz, blues, soft rock, folk, sea shanties, RnB, soul, disco and pop.

Colette is currently working across the lifespan, i.e., with toddlers, primary and secondary school students, special education and diverse learning needs, neurological conditions, aged care – residential, hospital, and special care units. She also has experience in hospital pediatrics and end-of-life care.

Her work is person-centred and humanistic. It is based on building a trusting therapeutic relationship through rapport and connection. Colette listens to people’s stories and through music creates a supportive safe space for self-expression, change and personal growth.

Colette has worked in elder and palliative care – including rest home hospitals, secure dementia and psychogeriatric units; with children on paediatric wards and with hearing disabilities, as well as young adults with learning and physical disabilities. She also has experience in addiction and trauma settings.