Mrs Claire Stephensen
Psychotherapist, Music Therapist
Embodied Cultures
Mt Samson, Brisbane QLD 4520
In Person + Online Therapy
Philosophy & Vision
To be in Claire's medicinal spaces means to be valued, acknowledged and deeply heard. She creatively weaves together sessions that incorporate whole body listening, psychosomatic education, creative evidence-based practices and storytelling - demonstrating the kind of authentic, vulnerable and embodied leadership that de-stigmatises our most human expressions.
Background
Over the last 15 years, Claire's work has spanned psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, community-based organisations, home visits with those on the margins, indigenous communities, domestic violence shelters and more recently private practice. She has worked in the context of mental health, complex and developmental trauma, chronic and persistent pain, neurodivergence, congenital and acquired disabilities, suicide prevention, child protection, grief and bereavement, emergency medicine, medical procedure support, palliative care and end of life support.
Services
Claire Stephensen (she/her) is a trauma-informed Music Therapist, Somatic and Embodiment Practitioner, Neuropsychotherapist and Mother who is passionate about supporting women, those assigned female at birth and non-binary folks. She brings together her clinical background in neurobiology and neuropsychotherapy together with her passion for somatics and embodiment - exploring what it means to be well through music, creativity, movement and brain-based techniques.
Claire offers individual and group sessions as well as workshops and webinars.
Quality Provision
I am committed to offering music therapy mental health services to varying levels of accessibility regardless of gender expression, location, sexuality, ethnicity, class or culture. I regularly attend and engage in professional development across trauma-informed, creative and brain-based approaches that centre social justice and socio-cultural recovery.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Certificate of Feminine Embodiment Coaching - 2021 - School of Embodied Arts
- Certificate of Clinical Neuropsychotherapy - 2016 - International Association of Applied Neuroscience
- Certificate of Neurologic Music Therapy - 2012 - Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy
- Master of Music Therapy - 2008 - University of Queensland
- Bachelor of Music - 2005 - Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Modalities
CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - Creative Arts Therapy - Existential - Experiential - Integrative - Internal Family Systems - Interpersonal - Music Therapy - Narrative Therapy - Play Therapy - Process Oriented - Sensorimotor Psychotherapy - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
While Claire's work has roots in evidence-based-practice, is trauma-informed and brain-based - it has evolved into a body of work in its own right. The Cultures of Care.
The place where we disentangle ourselves (our muscle memory, physiological responses, thoughts, emotions, beliefs and thoughts) from cultures of shame, oppression and disconnection - and cultivate cultures of care within our bodies, our relationships, work, home and communities.
The "Cultures of Care have 6 core cultures for us to anchor and expand into: Safety, Belonging, Consent, Aliveness, Responsibility and Integration.
Professional Associations
- Australian Music Therapy Association
- International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
- The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
A conversation with Claire Stephensen
-
As a child I dreamed of being a dancer or musician and in my teens, I was drawn to health. It was during my early 20s that I realised that it is impossible to separate mental health from the arts - which led me to studying a little bit of psychology before undertaking a Masters of Music Therapy.
-
Having been raised in the culture of behavioural based parenting and education, this was where I started out within my professional and personal learning. However, while I was studying music therapy I was also introduced to existential and humanistic frameworks. I like to draw from both angles as I believe they both play a role. I am fascinated by the neurological and physiological elements of mental health and trauma, but I am also aware that acknowledging strengths, experiencing a secure relationship and engaging in meaningful activity are all elements that are required to stimulate a positive change in our ways of thinking, doing and being.
-
I am most fascinated by the impact of emotional expression on our physical, cognitive, social and emotional health. When we live in a culture that is based on fear or a culture where we are encouraged to bury our emotions by escaping, pleasing or acting out, our ability to express our needs diminishes. Music and creativity help us to connect with, express and release our emotions - and through music therapy, I believe it can be shared and contained within the therapeutic relationship and space.
-
In music therapy we can do anything from have a conversation, listen to music, write songs or create music. We might also use guided relaxation or other creative media such as pastels or collage depending on goals and immediate needs. You do not need to have music skills - as the goal is not to teach music, but rather work towards your preferred way of thinking, doing or being. You will not be forced to engage in music, however, I will support you towards your preferred method of engagement and your goals.
-
There are so many elements of progress - and progress will look different for every individual. However, empowerment and hope are important aspects for me. I feel that progress is being made when a client begins to feel empowered to work with themselves (rather than against) towards their personal values and goals.
-
Studying music therapy kick-started a new era of personal development for me. I feel really fortunate to work in a field where personal development and self-care is essential. I am continually learning to be vulnerable, creative and authentic. Each person I meet either challenges or reinforces those values - and both help me to become a better person. I engage in personal therapy and supervision to allow me to work through these challenges and to experience being a "client".
-
Working with people and music everyday. I also like that it is a job that aligns with the important things in my life: People, creativity, playfulness, curiosity, simplicity and laughter.
-
Yes - every day is a bad hair day. The older I get, the less concerned I am about it though.
-
The impact western culture has on our global health and wellbeing.
-
So many!! As a starting point…
Book - Sing, & Don't Cry by Cate Kennedy is a memoir of an Australian who volunteered in Mexico for two years. I volunteered in Mexico myself briefly - and this book began my interest in the importance of culture and community in mental health (and the role that song, dance and laughter also play).
Film - Samsara…a film without dialogue but a brilliantly choreographed story line with moving images and music.
Song - “I Can Only Be Me†- written by Stevie Wonder, performed by Eva Cassidy.
Event - Live music will always move me and touch me - whether it makes me dance, laugh, sing or cry - it makes me feel alive!!
Published Articles
Sometimes I am the hands of a clock Going round and round Day in - day out Sometimes I sit and...
Read more