Hello

As a mental health occupational therapist I'm somewhat like a psychotherapist who also supports you to make practical changes in your life in accordance with your therapeutic goals. These are achieved at your own pace so they can be easefully integrated into your life. I work with people to navigate their mental health challenges, unravel the causes and find solutions to challenging situations. In addition I can help you to develop a support network, improve communication skills through education and role play, and assist you to expand on your coping strategies and stress management skills. I support people to engage in meaningful activities that promote their mental health and well-being, such as hobbies, volunteering, and social activities. Sometimes that includes accompanying individuals in new activities or challenging situations to provide practical and psychological support or for gradual exposure (to reduce anxiety)

My Story

I began my career working in mental health supporting people in residential care with chronic mental health conditions to manage daily life such as shopping, cooking, showering, communicating and engaging with the community. From there I went on to work in an eating disorders ward in Adelaide, then into community mental health services offering one to one support in a multidisciplinary team assisting people needing help with psychosis, depression, personality disorders and suicidality.

Becoming the coordinator of a mental health community based support program arranging activities and outings with people recovering from mental health conditions, in collaboration with those clients, was a highlight. After taking a break to have children I began to work in private practice. I find private practice so rewarding, being able to develop meaningful therapeutic relationships with individuals and their treatment team to make lasting changes in people's lives on their own terms.

I operate from a person centred, strengths based approach. This means I recognise that each person is unique with unique needs and temperaments. What helps one person may not be the best for another. I also believe each person is an expert on themselves, knowing what helps and hinders their wellbeing. The only solutions are the ones people discover for themselves.

I spend time each day to nurture, ground and centre myself to be as calm and centred as possible for myself and knowing that being in a calm, regulated place not only supports my clients to calm and regulate but is the best place for me to be of optimal use to another.

I do prefer to liase with other professionals in your treatment team such as GPs, psychologists and dieticians (with eating challenged people) to offer a coordinated support system for you. This includes family members where that is beneficial.

Please have a look around and feel free to get in contact with any questions or to see if I'm the best person to assist you in your journey.