EMILY THORBURN
Registered Music Therapist (AMTA)
Neurologic Music Therapist

Emily supports clients across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of needs including mental health, cognitive and physical functioning, language and communication, and physical and intellectual disability. Her person-centred, neurodiversity-affirming, and strengths-based approach draws on a diverse toolkit of instruments, technologies, and formats to create engaging, tailored music therapy sessions. Emily’s practice is grounded in the evidence base for music's power as a modality of therapeutic change. Whether fostering emotional connection, enhancing overall health, or supporting neuroplasticity, she works alongside clients to pursue their individual goals through music.

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Neurologic Music Therapy®

NMT® is a globally-recognised system of specialised techniques that utilise the clinical application of music neuroscience to support improvements in cognition, speech/language and sensorimotor functioning. NMT® techniques are particularly beneficial for individuals with neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions such as dementia, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, acquired or traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, hearing or speech impairments including cochlear implants, complex communication needs, developmental delay, sensory processing challenges, physical or intellectual disability. Neurologic Music Therapists are affiliate members of the World Federation for Neurologic Rehabilitation (WFNR).

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Professional Credentials and Affiliations
   •    Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA): Registered Music Therapist
   •    Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy (ANMT): Affiliate member, World Federation of Neurologic Rehabilitation
   •    Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA): Certified Practising Counsellor
   •    Rhythm2Recovery: Certified Facilitator
   •    Certified Trauma-Informed Coach

Trained in:
   •    Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
   •    Advanced Counselling​

   •    ASIST Suicide Intervention

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Theoretical Framework & Influences
Emily’s practice integrates a range of evidence-based theories and models, including:
   •    Polyvagal Theory (Dr. Stephen Porges, Deb Dana)
   •    Attachment Theory (Bowlby, Ainsworth, Wallin)
   •    Sociocultural & Developmental Theory (Vygotsky, Bronfenbrenner)
   •    Relationship & Play-Based Therapy (Dr. Mona Delahooke)
   •    Neurodiversity-Affirming & Trauma-Informed Practice
   •    Interpersonal Neurobiology (Dr. Dan Siegel)
   •    Mindfulness & Self-Compassion (Dr. Kristen Neff, Dr. Paul Gilbert)
   •    Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (Marsha Linehan)
   •    Collaborative Problem Solving (Dr. Ross Greene)
   •    Flourishing & Positive Psychology (Dr. Tyler VanderWeele, Dr. Martin Seligman)
   •    Neurologic Music Therapy (Dr. Michael Thaut)
   •    Sensory Integration Theory (Dr. A. Jean Ayres)
   •    Dig Deeper Framework (Greg Santucci, OTR)

 

Outside the therapy room Emily enjoys a grounded, family-centred lifestyle in the beautiful Central West of New South Wales, where she lives with her husband and children. Whether tending to the veggie patch or cooking at home, she values the rhythm and connection that country living offers—and is passionate about giving back to her local community.

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