Clare Gillespie

Clare Gillespie is a Lecturer in the Occupational Therapy & Arts Therapies Division at Queen Margaret University (QMU), specializing in Music Therapy. With a clinical background spanning over two decades, she holds qualifications including BA (Hons), PG Dip MT (Guildhall School of Music and Drama), and an MA. Her expertise focuses on learning disabilities, with a particular interest in trauma, bereavement, and complex psychological needs. Currently, she works in the Joint Integrated Specialist Adult Learning Disability Service and collaborates on developing trauma pathways for individuals with learning disabilities.

Clare chairs the Learning Disability team’s CPD committee, organizing biannual training events on topics such as transitions, dementia, and trauma. She co-developed the 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' training program to enhance psychological awareness among support staff. Her teaching roles at QMU include coordinating the Therapeutic Skills module and providing supervision for postgraduate students.

Affiliations include the British Association of Music Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council. Her research explores Quality of Life in individuals with learning disabilities through qualitative methodologies.