In Support Of Critical Illness, Dying, Bereavement And Grief

The mandate of the Sound, Breath & Energy Group is to reach out and support individuals facing illness, terminal illness and the dying process. The group is dedicated to working with individuals, families or groups to help create a calm and peaceful state within the client, loved ones and their surroundings. The use of combined sound, breath & energy helps clients release anxieties, fears, anger or grief that they might be holding onto. All spiritual backgrounds and practices are respected.

Soundwork originated in the ancient healing modalities of tribal cultures and was used to increase wellness or awareness. In its modern context, a sound practitioner engages people in receptive forms of sound making. Instruments collected from around the world such as the Celtic harp, East Indian shruti box, African tongue drums, ocean drum, Tibetan bowls, Peruvian bird whistles, wind chimes and many more can be played over and around the client. Vocal expression is combined with the music, generating a quiet, peaceful and supportive atmosphere, helping to mitigate stress within the ill or dying person.

Breath therapy incorporates the breath to help bridge body, mind, emotions and spirit. Becoming aware of one’s breath can help identify where tension is being held – physically, mentally or emotionally. Working with the depth and rhythm of your breath can also help to gently release tension and put one more at ease.

Energy work: a variety of types of Energy work are available to the Client throughout the session. Energy work can help in facilitating the release of emotions, or simply enhancing or restoring a state of well-being.

The dying process typically raises emotions such as anger, grief, or fear in human beings. The release or easing of those feelings can be effectively supported through the combination of these three therapies.

SBE practitioners can work with you and/or your family to help you:
• Feel more calm or peaceful.
• Reduce pain or discomfort.
• Move through meaningful transitions.
• Create a personal ritual.
• Release emotions.
• Deepen your sense of spiritual connection.
• Uncover hidden feelings, or strengths.

The SBE group can work with your group to:
• Support a memorial or other significant event.
• Create a group ritual.
• Conduct a healing ceremony.
• Conduct self exploration groups for people living with cancer.

For more information, or to book a session, contact
Ann-Marie Boudreau at: amboudreau@yahoo.ca

SBE References available upon request.

Group Members

Ann-Marie Boudreau RIHR, ARCT, (co-founder SBE) is a registered Spiritual Psychotherapist with the Canadian Examining Board of Health Care Practitioners. Trained as a classical Concert Pianist at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto with almost 30 years of teaching experience, she is also a Soundwork Practitioner, improvisational vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. She has a private therapy practice in Toronto.

Michele Meehan, MA, CRC, CCC (co-founder SBE) is a psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in integrative breath therapy. She has over 16 years experience working with people with chronic illness and disability. Michele provides individual and group sessions, specializing in breath as a tool for transformation.

Lucie Brisson has studied Soundwork at the Transformational Arts College. She specializes in vocal work, drumming and hand percussion.

Debbie Ingham is a Certified Attunement Practitioner, Holistic and Sound Practitioner who works with alternative therapies to facilitate healing.

Kathleen Gillis is a consulting project manager in Toronto. She also holds certification in transpersonal hypnotherapy, consciousness studies, applied kinesiology, bioacoustics and integrated healing systems. In practice since 1994, she dovetails these modalities as complimentary support to the practices of the SBE Group. She is also an accomplished musician, studying, performing and holding workshops in Toronto and Ontario.

Hazel Walker BA, is a Soundwork Practitioner, improvisational vocalist, vocal coach, and registered Reiki therapist. She holds a sociology degree from UofT and Honours in music from Humber College. She volunteers in assisting those with life-threatening illnesses, palliative care patients, and their loved ones.