Child and Adolescent Occupational Therapist , Mental Health Clinican and Speaker.
About Us
What Do We Do
Built Like Me is a small private practice offering Occupational Therapy and Professional Development services focused on promoting positive mental health. We work with children and young people who face challenges in managing their emotions, sensory preferences, or both.
Carmen collaborates closely with each child, their family, school, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive, team-based approach. By empowering young people and their families to better understand their unique strengths and challenges, Carmen helps develop personalized strategies and plans to manage and overcome the difficulties they face.
With extensive experience in using Occupational Therapy to support young people dealing with a variety of challenges, Carmen assists those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, autism, and the impact of stressful life events. It is important to note that a formal diagnosis is not required to benefit from our services.
In addition to individual therapy, we offer professional development sessions for health and education professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to better support the children and young people in their care.
Who Am I
Carmen is a Registered Occupational Therapist with a Mental Health Endorsement from OT Australia. With a wealth of experience in Child & Adolescent Mental Health, emotional regulation, and sensory strategies, Carmen is dedicated to helping young people develop the essential skills they need to navigate the challenges of today’s world.
Carmen view's each child as an incredible individual, recognising their unique strengths and the valuable contributions they can make to the world. Her approach is focused on empowering them to reach their full potential, while building confidence and resilience along the way.
Carmen believes that a crucial part of working with children is partnering with parents. By providing ongoing support and education, we ensure parents are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to continue supporting their child's growth and progress outside of the therapy room..
Professional Development
Helping children and their families achieve meaningful progress is incredibly rewarding. Equally fulfilling is working with fellow professionals to expand their skill sets, enabling them to positively impact more children every day.
Carmen partners with early childhood educators, primary and secondary school teachers, and other healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge, skills, and practical experience.
Together, we focus on identifying effective strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into their work. In this collaborative process, Carmen acknowledges the expertise and dedication that professionals already bring to their roles, while also addressing the challenges and limitations they face in their day-to-day work.
In addition to her clinical practice, Carmen stays actively engaged with current developments in the field, ensuring she remains up-to-date on the latest approaches and insights. With years of experience in both public mental health and private practice, she has a proven track record of supporting teaching professionals in overcoming a wide range of classroom challenges.
Our People
Carmen: Owner and OT
Carmen is an Occupational Therapist, Mental Health Clinican, Speaker and owner of Built Like Me. After completing a degree in Occupational Therapy in 2008 she went on to complete post graduate studies in Community Mental Health. Carmen spent over 10 years working in Public Mental Health Services. Primarily working within Child & Adolescent Mental Health before moving to private practice in 2019. Carmen loves using play, sensory modalities, interoception, and accessing the local community to assist young people with a variety of concerns. Carmen believes it is important to understand the whole person and focus on an individuals strengths and interests.
When not working Carmen loves spending time with friends and family, eating out and planning her next holiday.