Hi and welcome!

I’m happy you’re here.

My name is Joanna DeRosa, but you can call me Jay. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in my home state of Florida. I hold a Master of Arts degree from Lesley University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialized focus in Music Therapy. My Master’s thesis was on the integrations of Mixed-Race Counseling and Music Therapy, and was inspired by my own lived experiences as a biracial Filipina/Italian woman.

I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of varying ages and backgrounds in pediatric music therapy, a domestic violence shelter and outreach program, a bridge housing program, and a community mental health office. Because I've had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people, I have been equipped with experience that has deepened my understanding of diverse mental health needs and effective therapeutic techniques.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll most likely find me enjoying local music, spending time outdoors, reading a book in a local cafe while drinking a chai latte, or somewhere in the mountains climbing a rock. I’m also passionate about cycling advocacy, and am in the process of getting my little chiweenie pup her therapy dog certification.

Hi and welcome!

I’m happy you’re here.

My name is Joanna DeRosa, but you can call me Jay. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in my home state of Florida. I hold a Master of Arts degree from Lesley University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialized focus in Music Therapy. My Master’s thesis was on the integrations of Mixed-Race Counseling and Music Therapy, and was inspired by my own lived experiences as a biracial Filipina/Italian woman.

I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of varying ages and backgrounds in pediatric music therapy, a domestic violence shelter and outreach program, a bridge housing program, and a community mental health office. Because I've had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people, I have been equipped with experience that has deepened my understanding of diverse mental health needs and effective therapeutic techniques.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll most likely find me enjoying local music, spending time outdoors, reading a book in a local cafe while drinking a chai latte, or somewhere in the mountains climbing a rock. I’m also passionate about cycling advocacy, and am in the process of getting my little chiweenie pup her therapy dog certification.

My Practice

At the heart of my practice are values of authenticity, respect, and compassion. Naming my practice after the Filipino core value of Kapwa, my approach is grounded in genuine human connection.


Therapy is your space where you can be yourself. I am BIPOC, Neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ affirming in my practice, and my commitment is to support you with understanding and care as you work towards your goals.

Certifications and Trainings

  • Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor: MH23940

  • Board-Certified Music Therapist: 17446

  • Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy, May 2024

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based approach that uses music interventions to address emotional, cognitive, and psychological needs. Through activities such as listening to music, playing instruments, and songwriting, individuals can explore and express their feelings, improve communication skills, and achieve personalized therapeutic goals. By using the power of music, this approach can be tailored to each person’s unique needs to support healing, enhance well-being, and promote a deeper connection with oneself and others

What is Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy?

This method combines elements of traditional psychotherapy with vocal techniques to help individuals access deeper layers of self-awareness, emotional release, and personal growth to  enhance overall emotional well-being. Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy is an embodied and somatic approach, meaning it involves the process of interaction between our body, thoughts, and actions. Prioritizing the connection between self and body, music is used to create a stable, consistent, and safe musical environment where we can begin using techniques to access conscious and unconscious feelings, memories, and associations.


You don't have to be a singer to try out Vocal Psychotherapy! It's not about having a beautiful voice–it’s about forming a connection and a relationship through music.

Developed by Dr. Diane Austin, Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy is a specialized music therapy approach that integrates vocal expression with psychological healing. It focuses on using the voice as a tool for exploring and processing emotions, trauma, and personal experiences.

Interested in exploring these offerings?

Book a free consultation to learn more.

Book a Consultation

Hi and welcome!

I’m happy you’re here.

Jay is smiling at the camera holding a book.

My name is Joanna DeRosa, but you can call me Jay. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in my home state of Florida. I hold a Master of Arts degree from Lesley University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialized focus in Music Therapy. My Master’s thesis was on the integrations of Mixed-Race Counseling and Music Therapy, and was inspired by my own lived experiences as a biracial Filipina/Italian woman.

I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of varying ages and backgrounds in pediatric music therapy, a domestic violence shelter and outreach program, a bridge housing program, and a community mental health office. Because I've had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people, I have been equipped with experience that has deepened my understanding of diverse mental health needs and effective therapeutic techniques.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll most likely find me enjoying local music, spending time outdoors, reading a book in a local cafe while drinking a chai latte, or somewhere in the mountains climbing a rock. I’m also passionate about cycling advocacy, and am in the process of getting my little chiweenie pup her therapy dog certification.

Hi and welcome!

I’m happy you’re here.

Jay is smiling at the camera holding a book.

My name is Joanna DeRosa, but you can call me Jay. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in my home state of Florida. I hold a Master of Arts degree from Lesley University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialized focus in Music Therapy. My Master’s thesis was on the integrations of Mixed-Race Counseling and Music Therapy, and was inspired by my own lived experiences as a biracial Filipina/Italian woman.

I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of varying ages and backgrounds in pediatric music therapy, a domestic violence shelter and outreach program, a bridge housing program, and a community mental health office. Because I've had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people, I have been equipped with experience that has deepened my understanding of diverse mental health needs and effective therapeutic techniques.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll most likely find me enjoying local music, spending time outdoors, reading a book in a local cafe while drinking a chai latte, or somewhere in the mountains climbing a rock. I’m also passionate about cycling advocacy, and am in the process of getting my little chiweenie pup her therapy dog certification.

Hi and welcome!

I’m happy you’re here.

My name is Joanna DeRosa, but you can call me Jay. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I hold a Master of Arts degree from Lesley University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialized focus in Music Therapy. My Master’s thesis was on the integrations of Mixed-Race Counseling and Music Therapy, and was inspired by my own lived experiences as a biracial Filipina/White woman.

I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of varying ages and backgrounds in pediatric music therapy, a domestic violence shelter and outreach program, a bridge housing program, and a community mental health office. Because I've had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people, I have been equipped with experience that has deepened my understanding of diverse mental health needs and effective therapeutic techniques.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll most likely find me enjoying local music, spending time outdoors, reading a book in a local cafe while drinking a chai latte, or somewhere in the mountains climbing a rock. I’m also passionate about cycling advocacy, and am in the process of getting my little chiweenie pup her therapy dog certification.

My Practice

At the heart of my practice are values of authenticity, respect, and compassion. Naming my practice after the Filipino core value of Kapwa, my approach is grounded in genuine human connection.


Therapy is your space where you can be yourself. I am BIPOC, Neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ affirming in my practice, and my commitment is to support you with understanding and care as you work towards your goals.

Certifications and Trainings

  • Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor: MH23940

  • Board-Certified Music Therapist: 17446

  • Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy, May 2024

My Practice

At the heart of my practice are values of authenticity, respect, and compassion. Naming my practice after the Filipino core value of Kapwa, my approach is grounded in genuine human connection.


Therapy is your space where you can be yourself. I am BIPOC, Neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ affirming in my practice, and my commitment is to support you with understanding and care as you work towards your goals.

Certifications and Trainings

  • Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor: MH23940

  • Board-Certified Music Therapist: 17446

  • Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy, May 2024

black and white image of hands on a computer with books to the right.

What is Music Therapy?

books stacked on a coffee table
books stacked on a coffee table

Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based approach that uses music interventions to address emotional, cognitive, and psychological needs. Through activities such as listening to music, playing instruments, and songwriting, individuals can explore and express their feelings, improve communication skills, and achieve personalized therapeutic goals.


By using the power of music, this approach can be tailored to each person’s unique needs to support healing, enhance well-being, and promote a deeper connection with oneself and others

What is Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy?

Developed by Dr. Diane Austin, Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy is a specialized music therapy approach that integrates vocal expression with psychological healing. It focuses on using the voice as a tool for exploring and processing emotions, trauma, and personal experiences.

This method combines elements of traditional psychotherapy with vocal techniques to help individuals access deeper layers of self-awareness, emotional release, and personal growth to  enhance overall emotional well-being.

Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy is an embodied and somatic approach, meaning it involves the process of interaction between our body, thoughts, and actions. Prioritizing the connection between self and body, music is used to create a stable, consistent, and safe musical environment where we can begin using techniques to access conscious and unconscious feelings, memories, and associations.


You don't have to be a singer to try out Vocal Psychotherapy! It's not about having a beautiful voice–it’s about forming a connection and a relationship through music.

Interested in these offerings? Book a free consultation to learn more.

Interested in these offerings?

Book a free consultation to learn more.

Book a Consultation

open book of the theory and practice of vocal psychotherapy by Diane Austin
open book of the theory and practice of vocal psychotherapy by Diane Austin