The Music Psychotherapist

The Music Psychotherapist Logo - The Music Psychotherapist written in white text with blue headphones behind it. This is surrounded by a navy circle with a light clue circle boarder.
Menu
Instagram TikTok Linkedin Envelope Orcid Icon - Circle Containing The Letters 'ID'
Let’s talk

About

Jacob Wiles, MA, MUKCP

Headshot of Jacob wearing a black shirt in front of a white background.
Hey there, I’m Jacob (he/his), I’m a music psychologist based in the UK. I research how music affects the brain, the mind, and the soul.

Formally speaking I’m a music psychologist and trainee psychotherapist, informally speaking I’m a person who has navigated their life via music. I’m striving to bring a more inclusive approach to music engagement. 

Music has never been as accessible as it is today, at the touch of a button we can play music and drown out the world. Many of us listen to music on our best days and our worst days, songs can help us reminisce, connect us to others, or shut out the world when it feels too much.

My work focuses on how we use the music we’re listening to, in whatever shape or form that may be, to help us navigate our way through life.

Jacob standing in front of a blue curtain wearing a black shit and trousers. He is holding his clarinet and smiling.

I’m a trans, queer person who has navigated their journey via music.

Black & White image of Jacob playing flute. He is standing on a stage with a big curtain behind him and a music stand in front of him.
featured in
The power of music podcast art with a yellow background and musical notes under the title
The Power of Music

The Power of Music podcast, linked below. In the interview we discuss some of the effects music can have on the mind and body.

Happy Through Music podcast cover with young woman sitting in front of a pink backdrop and smiling. Behind her musical notes are laid out in a wave formation. The title 'Happy Through Music' is at the top of the image with 'Anastasia Starostina', the podcast host written just below.
Happy Through Music

The Happy Through Music podcast, linked below. In the interview we discuss the similarities and differences of Music Psychology & Music Psychotherapy.

BeCurious Logo - 'Be Curious' written in white text on a black background with a colourful geometric design surrounding it.
BeCurious

In 2021 I moderated and created an event report for the BeCurious research event at the University of Leeds. Click below to learn more about the event.

Queermunity Logo - the word 'Queermunity' in black text
Queermunity

I volunteered with an online magazine which amplified queer voices and stories. Below is a short feature I wrote for LGBTQIA+ History Month in 2021.

Luumic Logo - the acronym 'LUUMIC' with a treble clef incorporated into the 'L' and a bass clef incorporated into the 'C'. There are small colourful people climbing on each letter of the acronym.
LUUMIC

I worked with Leeds University Union Music Impact in the Community (LUUMIC), running music wellbeing workshops. Through this I was invited onto the podcast linked below.
industry cv

Qualifications & Experience

Mental Health Volunteer

2021

I volunteered with a mental health support service, providing one-to-one befriending services for adults requiring mental health support.

Research Assistant

2022

I worked as a research assistant at the University of Leeds. I conducted collaborative and independent research for various projects, moderated online events, produced marketing communications, and distributed resources for the hearing aids charity HAfM. 

Music Psychologist

2022

I graduated with a Master of Arts (First class, MABA Hons) in Music and Music Psychology.

Care Professional

2022

I worked as a domiciliary care professional. Predominantly working with the older population, people with dementia and people requiring physical and mental health support. 

Person-Centred Therapist

2022

I began training as a person-centred and experiential psychotherapist at the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute. I will graduate with a Master of Science in Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy in 2026. 

Hospice Therapist

2023

I provided person-centred therapy for a local NHS Hospice. Working with service users and bereaved relatives. 

Mind Therapist

2023

I provided person-centred therapy for the mental health charity, Mind.

University Therapist

2024

I provided short term person-centred therapy for one of the largest universities in the UK. 
Personal Background
Jacob smiling as he is crouched down on a rocky path right next to a waterfall. Behind him there is the top of the waterfall and green mountains.

A Queer Soul

I have had what feels like a long and challenging journey coming to terms with who I am and what I want to be in this world. I am a proud transgender man and a pansexual human, these days I just call myself queer.

The world feels so much richer to me when I can listen. Listening connects us, it helps us feel the music of life, so I made it my job to listen (I chose to be a psychotherapist!).

I am based in the UK and started The Music Psychotherapist after graduating from my masters degree in 2022.

Scroll to Top