Life and development are complex, and I honour these complexities by trying to (w)holistically understand the many layers of a person’s experience that impact how they function.  My name is Mel and I am a senior OT specialising in child mental health and parent/caregiver support.  My passion lies with understanding the reasons behind a child’s presenting behaviours and emotional dysregulation, and guiding the child, and their caregivers, to a place of understanding and connecting that can foster behavioural changes and emotion (co) regulation.

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I have experience supporting children of all ages with complex needs, chronic conditions, trauma and neurodiversity, but I can also support a child (and their caregivers) who is presenting with behaviours and challenges that don’t have a diagnoses. Sometimes we just need some extra support to get through life, and I’m here to offer that. My work with parents/caregivers is to empower them in their role, and shine a light on ways to connect and understand their child better. I enjoy advocacy work, and ensuring every child, and their family, is well supported and understood in the environments that they exist in, particularly in school and at home.  

 

My practice is informed by my post-graduate studies in youth counselling, family and relationship therapy, childhood trauma and functional medicine, along with evidence-based interventions including Circle of Security parenting, CBT, Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch-up and Mentalization Based Treatment.  My therapy approach draws upon sensory processing, attachment and systems theories and Family and Relationship therapies. I am an endorsed Occupational Therapist with Medicare (Chronic Disease Management plan), clients are also eligible under private health and NDIS (self or plan managed).