Child and Adolescent Occupational Therapist , Mental Health Clinican, Parent groups, Educator, Professional development.
About Us
How We Help Children, Families & Professionals
Built Like Me is a boutique Occupational Therapy practice supporting children and young people to build emotional regulation, understand their sensory preferences, and develop skills for everyday life.
We work with children who are experiencing challenges such as anxiety, autism, depression, sensory sensitivities, and the impact of stressful life events. A formal diagnosis is not required to access support.
We take a whole-child, whole-family approach, partnering with parents, schools, and other professionals to ensure strategies are practical, consistent, and person-centred. By helping children and families better understand their strengths and challenges, we create tailored therapy plans that support confidence, connection, and resilience.
In addition to individual therapy, Built Like Me offers:
- Parent Education Programs designed to extend support beyond the therapy room in a cost-effective way
- Professional Development for educators clinicians and youth focused organisations wanting practical tools to better support young people in their care.
About Carmen Houlihan, Occupational Therapist
Carmen Houlihan is a Registered Occupational Therapist with a Mental Health Endorsement from OT Australia and over 15 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health.
Her practice focuses on emotional regulation, sensory processing, and the mental health needs of young people navigating today’s complex world.
Carmen sees every child as a capable, unique individual. Her strength-based approach is warm, respectful, and empowering, designed to build confidence, deepen understanding, and promote long-term wellbeing.
A core part of Carmen’s approach is working in partnership with parents. She ensures families feel supported, informed, and equipped with practical tools they can use at home, school, and beyond.
Workshops & Training for Educators and Health Professionals
Helping children thrive is not just the role of therapists, it’s a shared effort. Carmen provides professional development that supports educators and clinicians to feel more confident and capable in their work with children.
She partners with:
- Early childhood educators
- Primary and secondary school teachers
- Allied health professionals and teams
- Local sport and community organisations
Workshops are practical, interactive, and respectful of the knowledge professionals already bring. Carmen draws from her extensive background in public mental health and private practice to offer strategies that are evidence-based, adaptable, and relevant to real-world challenges, like emotional dysregulation, sensory needs, trauma-informed care, and neurodivergent support.
Whether you're seeking to build your team's confidence or refresh your approach, Carmen offers tailored PD solutions that make a lasting impact.