Priya Zalis

Current research explores the impacts of a closed cohort music psychotherapy group as a tool for processing trauma in an inpatient setting, and the use of music in postpartum motherhood. Past research has examined issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the music therapy community in Canada, experiencing imposter syndrome as an emerging music therapist, and the impacts of group music therapy for individuals with eating disorders.

• Emerging Researcher Award, Canadian Association of Music Therapists (2018)
• Manfred and Penny Conrad Graduate Award of Distinction, Wilfrid Laurier University (2017)

• Mitchell, E., Zalis, P., Robinson, D. A., Bell, S., & Bruce, C. (2025). Equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in Canadian music therapy. A World Forum for Music Therapy, 25(2).
• Shah, P., Mitchell, E., Remers, S., Blyderveen, S. V., and Ahonen, H. (2023). The impact of group music therapy for individuals with eating disorders. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, 15(1), 36-57.
• Shah, P. (2022). “Should I really be doing this?!” Experiences of imposter phenomenon as an emerging music therapist. Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 28(1), 73-86.
• Evans, M., Shah, P., Pearson, C., Bouchard, D., & Curry, T. (2022). Providing music therapy on inpatient mental health units in Canada: Reflection on practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 28(1), 44-56.

I am honoured to share knowledge, resources and experiences while learning alongside Laurier’s MMT students and our future music therapists. I wish to promote curiosity, dialogue, and questioning with students about themselves, our roles, the people and communities we serve, and the systems we work within. I look forward to a new term of collaboration and discovery.