Meet Carla

Music Psychotherapist | Licensed Creative Arts Therapist | GIM Practitioner

I'm Carla Chikhani, and I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT), Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), and Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery (FAMI).

I specialize in working with adults through psychotherapy, The Bonny Method Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), and Music & Imagery (MI). My approach is person-centered and holistic, offering a supportive space to explore emotions, gain insight, and reconnect with yourself.

With a background in music, psychology, and psychotherapy, I bring both clinical expertise and a deep appreciation for the ways music can support emotional exploration and personal growth.

Professional Background

My background in music therapy has given me the opportunity to work with different populations, including children and older adults, and has shaped my understanding of how music can support emotional expression, connection, and well-being across the lifespan.

About me

Growing up in Manhattan with a multicultural background rooted in Panama and Lebanon, I developed a deep appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, I bring this cultural sensitivity into my therapeutic work.

Music has always been an important part of my life. As a classically trained pianist and composer, I experienced its ability to connect us with emotions beyond words. This passion eventually led me to Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), bringing together my love of music and my desire to help others.

My own experiences with psychotherapy and GIM have deepened my belief in the importance of self-exploration and the inner resources we each carry. Through a holistic, person-centered approach, I strive to offer a supportive space where you can explore your inner world, gain insight, and connect more deeply with yourself.

How I work

My approach is grounded in listening, empathy, and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I believe that each person has their own inner resources, and my role is to support you in exploring your experiences, recognizing patterns, and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself.

I integrate verbal psychotherapy with music, imagery, mindfulness, breathwork, and creative techniques such as mandala drawing. Each session is tailored to your individual needs, allowing us to explore emotions and experiences in ways that feel meaningful and supportive.

Our work is collaborative. Together, we may explore recurring patterns, develop coping strategies, and identify goals that support your emotional well-being and personal growth. When helpful, I may suggest reflective exercises between sessions to deepen your exploration.