I am a highly experienced Registered Music Therapist and Executive Coach. My main instrument is voice, but am also an avid pianist and guitarist, providing a rounded musical skillset to implement in my private practice. I studied opera during my Undergraduate degree, which allowed me the opportunity to learn how to sing professionally. I have also been playing instruments since I was 5 years old. All of this combined has given me a wide knowledge of how music can be used to help develop the body and brain.
My passions revolve around music, socialisation, and advocacy: spanning from musicals and performing, to pop culture, organising events and social gatherings, advocating for marginalised groups and women’s rights, and providing spaces for others to learn and teach. I am also enthusiastic about history and psychology, which drives me to continue to educate myself and deepen my understanding of people and how we function in society.
After 5 years of working solo, I established Eliza Stubbs Music Therapy at Frangipani House in 2019, which expanded to Central Queensland Music Therapy (CQMT) at my new premises in 2022. At CQMT I strive to provide personable, evidence-based therapy that is engaging, supportive, open, and safe for my participants and their supports. I welcome questions and answers so that each person that engages with CQMT feels capable of flourishing in their life with a good understanding of their strengths, as well as strategies to help move past their barriers.
I have many unique skills which pertain to my professional interests and drive including a strong interest in music therapy and neurodivergence. My own recent ADHD diagnosis provides me with a unique understanding of neurodivergence from a therapeutic approach, meaning that not only can I build successful relationships with the people I see in my sessions, but also communicate with parents and carers effectively.
My other interest is in music therapy and PTSD. This is includes working with veterans, victims of DV, new parents (especially trauma from childbirth and the postpartum period), children, adolescents, and adults with mental health concerns or disorders. I am particularly experienced in fostering relationships between parents or carers and their children.
Having lived in many places across Australia, including the ACT, NSW, South East Queensland, and currently, Central Queensland, I have experienced working and creating connections within various geographical and cultural communities.
After graduating from the Master of Music Therapy in 2014, I began a private practice in Brisbane where I worked with groups of adults with dementia and disability, as well as children with disability. In 2016, I moved to Gladstone, where I worked at Anglicare for 12 months as a Wellbeing Facilitator. This allowed me to work with adults with mental health issues, whilst delivering Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) courses. I have experience in many settings including hospital work, schools, community experience and being in a multi-disciplinary team.
Following my role at Anglicare, I expanded my private practice, which allowed me to build a client base of children and adults with physical and psychosocial disabilities. Additionally, I worked alongside Sing and Grow Australia, hosting groups around Central Queensland, focusing on strengthening family relationships.
In addition to my music therapy work, I am a trained Executive Coach, and completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program in 2018, and DBT training. I also have my First Aid and CPR certificates.
Get in touch to find out how I can help you to improve your health, functioning and overall wellbeing.
Written by Eliza Stubbs in May 2020, reposted March 2025
Central Queensland Music Therapy 