clinical supervision

As an experienced Paediatric Music Therapist with over 18 years of practice, I offer clinical supervision to music therapists and music therapy students who are looking to deepen their knowledge, enhance their clinical skills, and refine their practice in the field of music therapy.

I believe in creating a supportive, nurturing, and reflective environment where supervisees can feel safe to explore their clinical challenges, build confidence, and expand their understanding of therapeutic techniques. My approach to clinical supervision is grounded in evidence-based practices, with a focus on professional development, self-reflection, and personal growth.

Supervision for Registered Music Therapists

With a wealth of experience working across diverse settings, including neonatal intensive care, paediatric oncology, and supporting neurodivergent children, I provide tailored clinical supervision to music therapists at various stages of their careers. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional, I offer supervision that’s focused on:

Reflective Practice: Creating space for self-reflection on therapeutic approaches, client interactions, and personal growth.
Ethical and Clinical Decision-Making: Supporting you in navigating complex cases with a focus on evidence-based practices and ethical considerations.
Professional Development: Helping you identify your strengths and areas for growth, setting goals for professional development, and fostering ongoing learning.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Sharing strategies for effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals, particularly when working with children and families in medical settings.
Neurodivergent Approaches: Offering guidance on neuro-affirming practices for working with children and families in diverse settings.

I aim to empower music therapists to feel confident in their clinical practice while fostering a growth-oriented mindset, encouraging continued learning and development.


getting started

If you are a music therapist looking for clinical supervision, I would love to support you in your professional growth and development. Please reach out to discuss your needs and how I can tailor supervision to best support your practice.

Supervision for Master of
Music Therapy Students

As an educator and supervisor, I am passionate about nurturing the next generation of music therapists. I offer clinical supervision for University of Melbourne music therapy students during their placements. My supervision is designed to help students gain practical experience, hone their clinical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of music therapy principles, especially when working with children and families facing health challenges.

My approach includes:

Clinical Skills Development: Guiding students as they apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, helping them build competence in delivering music therapy interventions.
Case Study Reflection: Supporting students in reflecting on case studies and developing treatment plans that are tailored to their clients’ needs.
Supervision of Therapeutic Sessions: Observing and providing feedback on student-led music therapy sessions, with a focus on both technical skills and emotional intelligence.
Emotional and Psychological Support: Offering a safe space for students to discuss their emotional responses to working with children, families, and clients in medical or therapeutic settings.
Integration of Theory and Practice: Helping students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering critical thinking and effective clinical reasoning.

By guiding students through their clinical placement experiences, I aim to foster a deep sense of confidence, curiosity, and professionalism, empowering them to embark on successful careers in music therapy.

publications by belinda AYRES
née tucquet

"Cultural and Contextual Influences of Australian Music Therapy Practice in the NICU"
In Music Therapy in Neonatal Intensive Care: Influences of Culture (2020)
Co-authored with Elizabeth McLean and Helen Shoemark, this chapter examines how cultural and contextual factors influence music therapy practice in Australian NICUs, highlighting the interplay between cultural identity and therapeutic interventions. (www.barcelonapublishers.com)

"A Conceptual Framework: The Musical Self as a Unique Pathway to Outcomes in the Acute Pediatric Health Setting"
Journal of Music Therapy (2018)
This article introduces a conceptual framework developed at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, proposing that the 'musical self' serves as a unique pathway to therapeutic outcomes in acute paediatric settings. (www.researchgate.net)

"Family-Centered Music Therapy for Infants with Complex Medical and Surgical Needs"
In Music Therapy for Premature and Newborn Infants (2nd ed.)* (2017)
Co-authored with Helen Shoemark, this chapter explores the application of family-centred music therapy for infants facing complex medical and surgical challenges, emphasising the importance of involving families in the therapeutic process. (www.barcelonapublishers.com)

"Music Therapy Services in Pediatric Oncology: A National Clinical Practice Review" Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing (2014)
This article presents the results of a national clinical practice review conducted in Australia, focusing on music therapy services in paediatric oncology hospitals. It discusses the role of music therapy in symptom management for children with cancer. (www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

"My Hospital Music"  Children’s Health Queensland (2019)
This CD and accompanying booklet were created for therapeutic purposes, featuring performances by music therapists including Belinda Tucquet (née Ayres). The project aimed to provide comfort and support to young patients during their hospital stay. (www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au)


michael carroll -  supervision expert & psychologist

"supervision is the place where the therapist can reflect on the emotional impact of the work, receive support, and grow in both competence and confidence.
it is not a luxury. it's a professional necessity."