NDIS-approved · Sydney
Therapy that lets you lead the way
Client-led music therapy in Sydney with Dave Anthony, a Registered Music Therapist since 2002. Play-based, judgement-free sessions for adolescent and men's mental health, and people of all ages living with disability. No musical experience needed.
- 20+
- Years as an RMT
- NDIS
- Approved provider
- WSU
- University lecturer
“People will often sacrifice perfection for connection.”
How Dave can help
Sessions are tailored to you, not to a label or diagnosis. Music is the way in, therapeutic growth is the destination.
Adolescent mental health
A safe, play-based space for young people to build self-regulation, agency and a stronger sense of self.
Men's mental health
Music as a way in, sidestepping pressure to perform or perfect so that real connection and reflection can happen.
Disability support (NDIS)
Person-centred music therapy for people of all ages with disability, funded through eligible NDIS plans.
Songwriting & recording
Beat making, songwriting and recording contemporary music, used as tools for expression, regulation and connection.
Real music, made together
Dave's main love is contemporary pop, so sessions often move into beat making, songwriting and recording. It's not about being a good musician. The music is simply the way in: a judgement-free space to connect, regulate and be heard.
Whatever you're into is okay here. We follow your taste and your lead.
Built on safety, self-regulation and agency
Nothing happens without safety. From there, every session is grounded in three ideas that fold back into each other.
Safety
Two simple rules: it's okay to make mistakes, and you can stop or leave whenever you need to. Your safety comes first, always.
Self-regulation
Playing and moving to music entrains the body and brain to a beat, giving you a felt experience of yourself as calm and regulated.
Agency
You co-lead. Choosing a song, setting the direction, deciding what to share: small experiences of control that build real confidence.
Writing & research
All writing →
Using Music Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment
How a play-based, client-led music therapy approach builds safety, self-regulation and agency for adolescents experiencing eating disorders.
Read →
As Batten Disease Disconnects, Music Therapy Connects: A Case Study
A published case study on songwriting as a way to hold meaningful connection for a young girl living with Batten Disease.
Read →Common questions
Is music therapy covered by the NDIS?
Yes. Dave Anthony is an NDIS-approved provider, so music therapy can be funded through eligible NDIS plans. Music therapy is most commonly funded under Capacity Building supports. Get in touch and we can talk through how it fits your plan.
Do I need to be musical or play an instrument?
Not at all. Music therapy is not music lessons. You do not need any musical experience. Sessions are play-based and led by you, and any musical activity is simply a vehicle for therapeutic growth such as self-regulation, connection and confidence.
Who does Client Led work with?
Dave mainly works in adolescent and men's mental health, and also supports people of all ages living with disability. Sessions are tailored to the individual rather than to a diagnosis or label.
What actually happens in a music therapy session?
Sessions are client-led and play-based. They might involve beat making, songwriting, recording, singing, listening or simply talking. The work is grounded in safety, self-regulation and agency, with the music creating a space to build connection and self-compassion.
Where are sessions held?
Client Led is a Sydney-based practice. Get in touch to discuss session locations and what would work best for you.
Ready when you are
Have a question about music therapy or whether it fits your NDIS plan? Reach out for a relaxed, no-pressure chat.