Susannah Tierney

Accepting private work.

I have experience across the lifespan in the following areas:

Intellectual disability
Neurodivergence
Inpatient and community mental health
Dementia and aged care
Adults with complex health needs
Community and wellbeing

Wellington

I am a Registered Music Therapist (MMusTh Hons, First Class Honours) based on the Kāpiti Coast, working across disability, mental health, aged care and community settings through private practice and contracted services. My practice is person-centred, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming, and I see music therapy as a collaborative process that grows out of relationships, curiosity and shared experiences. I value working closely with participants, whānau and other professionals to support what matters most to the people I work alongside.

Alongside my private practice, Kāpiti Music Therapy, I currently work with clients through Music for Life and Little Musical Caravan, supporting people across a range of ages, settings and communities.

Kāpiti Music Therapy

susannah@kapitimusictherapy.co.nz

I was drawn to music therapy by the idea that music in our everyday lives has the capacity to move us to tears, bring us joy, help us feel connected, and communicate something that words sometimes can’t. I love that music therapy can work with that same human experience of music in intentional and relational ways.

Research and Publications

Master’s Thesis (2026): Therapeutic Songwriting Through a Trauma-Informed Lens: Exploring Student Practice at an Acute Adult Inpatient Mental Health Unit.

https://openaccess.wgtn.ac.nz/articles/thesis/Therapeutic_Songwriting_Through_a_Trauma-Informed_Lens_Exploring_Student_Practice_at_an_Acute_Adult_Inpatient_Mental_Health_Unit/31697113?file=62742898