Belinda Thurlow
My path into therapy has been guided by a genuine curiosity about people and the many ways we come to understand ourselves. Early on, I was drawn to experiences that took me beyond the familiar—travelling to new and sometimes challenging environments that broadened my perspective and deepened my ability to sit with complexity, uncertainty, and difference.
Through my early training in creative music therapy, I learned to attune closely to others, often working with individuals who had been described as “unreachable.” This experience shaped how I listen—not only to what is said, but to what may be felt or communicated beneath the surface—and reinforced my respect for the many ways people express their inner world.
I began my career working across child and adult disability, before moving into an integrative approach that combines talk therapy with music. Today, I support adults navigating challenges related to mental health, anxiety, identity, emotions, and relationships. Together, we work toward developing a deeper understanding of self and finding more meaningful, sustainable ways of relating to others and the world - reducing stuckness, and the negative symptoms that once were taking over.
My work in positive behaviour support strengthened a belief I hold strongly: that all behaviour is a form of communication. When we take the time to understand the needs underlying behaviour, we often discover more compassionate and effective pathways for change.
Alongside my clinical work, I bring 14 years of experience in executive and organisational leadership. This continues to inform how I think about people, systems, and the pressures of modern life, as well as the ways these can shape our emotional wellbeing and relationships.
My own experience of therapy has also been an important foundation for my work. It led me toward a psychodynamic approach, which recognises the therapeutic relationship itself as central to healing. I see therapy as a space where patterns can be explored with care, understood more deeply, and gradually shifted within a safe and trusting connection.
At the heart of my practice is a respect for the depth and resilience of the inner world. I believe it can offer a steady anchor—supporting clarity, stability, and a greater sense of wellbeing, even during difficult times. I place strong emphasis on empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. My aim is to create a space that feels safe, thoughtful, and genuinely connected—where you can explore your inner world at your own pace. Through a strong therapeutic relationship, meaningful and lasting change can become possible.
How I practice
I work with adults experiencing a range of emotional, relational, and trauma-related difficulties, including complex trauma presentations, personality-related patterns, and experiences that have felt difficult to shift through previous support.
I practice Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and can integrate music therapy approaches.
Rather than speaking about your experiences from a distance, we gently explore how thoughts, feelings, and relational patterns arise in the here-and-now of each session. Together, we begin to notice how you experience emotions, relate to others, and make sense of yourself. Over time, this can support a clearer understanding of your inner world, help shift patterns that feel stuck, and create links between past experiences and present ways of relating.
Music therapy–informed approaches can also be woven in where helpful. This may involve reflecting on meaningful music, exploring emotional responses, or using creative expression. These approaches are always guided by you, offering flexible, supportive ways to deepen insight and connection.
Education
The Conversational Model of Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy, 2026 (current)
Endorsed Proficient Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, Ability Consultants, 2022
Master’s in Creative Music Therapy, Western Sydney University, 2011
Trainings
Understanding Dissociation and how to work with it, Eise Education, 2025
Trauma, Attachment and Neuroscience short course, Byron Clinics, 2023
Empowering Leadership Coach, Priacta, 2022
Adult Intellectual Disability Mental Health Program , NSW Health - Statewide Intellectual Disability Mental Health Outreach, 2022
Working therapeutically with Complex Trauma, Blue Knot Foundation, 2019
Australian Neurological Music Therapy Training, Neurological Music Therapy Institute, 2014
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Individuals | 50 minutes
$150 (GST inclusive)
Some reduced fee spots available, please inquire
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Trainee Member of Australia and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP)
Full Member of Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
I adhere to established professional and ethical guidelines, maintaining confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, and respect for each client’s autonomy. My practice is guided by ongoing supervision, and a commitment to providing safe, competent, and ethical care at all times.
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Whilst medicare and private health rebates are not available, NDIS funding may be utilised for plans or self managed participants
The Place Within operates on the land of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal Peoples. We acknowledge these peoples as the traditional custodians of this land. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ wisdom, culture, dreaming and ongoing connection to Country. Sovereignty was never ceded.
We also recognise the strength and diversity of all marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+ people, and are committed to fostering an inclusive, affirming space for all.
