Early intervention, developmental support, emotional regulation, mental health support.
Early intervention, developmental support, emotional regulation, mental health support.
As an Occupational Therapist, I support families to address developmental delay, emotional regulation challenges, sensory differences and common mental health challenges through targeted early intervention strategies. Collaborating with parents and educators maximises the impact of Occupational Therapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals and families in the clinic and community, as well as providing professional development to parents and educators to share knowledge. Improving outcomes for all children in my community.
Built Like Me believes that every individual has the potential to achieve their goals and live their best life.
Providing personalised Occupational Therapy to help kids reach their full potential.
Built Like Me is a boutique Occupational Therapy practice dedicated to supporting children and young people to access early intervention specific to your child's needs, staying small means families know they are receiving personalised care from a senior Occupational Therapist dedicated to helping every family that comes through the door.
A formal diagnosis is not required to access Built Like Me. Carmen's whole-child, whole-family approach involves collaborating with parents, schools, and other professionals to ensure that our strategies are practical, consistent, and suit your family. By helping children and families better understand their strengths and challenges she creates and provides tailored therapy that enhances confidence, connection, and resilience.
Carmen Houlihan is a Registered Occupational Therapist With a Mental Health Endorsement from OT Australia and over 15 years of experience. Carmen uses a range of strategies tailored to the mental health needs of young people navigating today’s complex world. Carmen views every child as a capable, unique individual, and her strength-based approach is warm, respectful, and empowering. This methodology aims to build confidence, deepen understanding, and promote long-term wellbeing. A core aspect of Carmen’s work involves collaborating with parents, ensuring they feel supported and informed while providing practical tools to assist at home, school, and beyond. As a dedicated paediatric OT, she is committed to fostering emotional regulation and effective sensory processing in her clients.
As well as individual therapy services, Carmen runs highly valued small group Parent Education Programs designed to further knowledge and support beyond the therapy room in a cost-effective way.
Helping children and families thrive is not just the role of therapists; it’s a shared effort.
Professional Development for educators, clinicians, and youth-focused organisations allows Carmen's knowledge and skills to benefit hundreds of children in the community, not just those who walk through the Built Like Me door.
These can be run as brief education sessions in after school team meetings, or as part of whole and half day workshops during curriculum days.
Carmen provides professional development that empowers educators to feel more confident and capable when supporting children facing a whole range of challenges.
Workshops are practical, interactive, and respectful of the knowledge professionals already bring.
Carmen partners with: Early childhood educators, primary and secondary school teachers, allied health professionals, and local sport and community organisations.
Carmen draws from her extensive background in public mental health and private practice to offer evidence-based strategies relevant that can real-world challenges, that can be implemented immediately without increasing your teams workload. If your team is overwhelmed with struggles around emotional disregulation, sensory needs and classroom disruptions, Carmen offers tailored PD solutions that make a lasting impact.
Ph: 0413 812 295
We are based in Mooroolbark in Melbourne's east. All appointments are conducted from out clinic rooms. Please note our clinic rooms are located upstairs.
Professional Development session can occur at a variety of times and locations.
Built Like Me is not a crisis service if you or someone else needs help urgently please call 000.
suite 10/ 96 Manchester Road, Mooroolbark Victoria 3138, Australia
To enquire about appointments or education programs please complete the contact form above.
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