FAQ

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Occupational Therapists are wholistic Allied Health Professionals who's primary purpose if to assist individuals to overcome or remove the barriers to being able to engage in the occupations they need or want to do.

Occupations are all the things we do each day, including self care tasks, playing or interacting with others. Attending kinder, school or work. Playing sport, music or other recreational pursuits.

Some reasons for seeking OT assessment or treatment at Built Like Me include:

• Struggling to concentrate in class.
• Difficulties managing relationships with peers.
• Acting out behaviours at school, home or both.
• Avoidance or refusal of school or other activities.
• Struggling in the yard at lunch time.
• Seeming unhappy, tearful or irritable more often.
• Not wanting to participate in previously enjoyed activities.
• Becoming easily overwhelmed.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are holistic, person-centered healthcare professionals dedicated to helping clients achieve their personal goals. By focusing on individual strengths, goals, roles, and daily functions, OTs work to enhance overall well-being and support independence.

When it comes to Mental Health, OTs have specialized knowledge and skills to support individuals facing mental health challenges. They bring a unique approach to therapy, using practical strategies to help clients manage their mental health in everyday life.

OT's in Mental Health are particularly effective when working with children who may not be comfortable with traditional "talking" therapies. Through creative, hands-on techniques, OT's can help children express themselves, build coping skills, and work towards their goals in a way that feels natural and engaging for them.

All initial and regular appointments occur at our Mooroolbark office. Outreach appointments are available for clients when available on an as needed basis. These are most commonly for school or kinder visits to observe the child in their learning environments and work with the child's teachers and support staff.

1. Who is Carmen? Carmen is a seasoned Occupational Therapist and Mental Health professional with a wealth of experience in helping children thrive. She is deeply passionate about sharing her extensive knowledge to empower others in their work and personal lives. With her diverse clinical background, Carmen brings practical insights and a hands-on approach to every session.

2. What makes Carmen’s sessions different from others? Carmen’s training sessions stand out because they combine  research, real-world clinical experience, and practical strategies. She tailors every session to be immediately applicable, so you can start using the knowledge and tips right away in your daily work or personal life. The result? You’ll leave feeling confident and ready to make a real difference in the lives of children.

3. Who can benefit from Carmen’s education sessions? Whether you're an educator, therapist, caregiver, or anyone working with children, Carmen’s sessions are designed to equip you with valuable skills and strategies. She ensures that each session is relevant, practical, and grounded in the realities of everyday work.

4. What will I learn from Carmen’s sessions? Expect a comprehensive blend of research-backed knowledge, clinical insights, and hands-on tools that can be immediately applied. Carmen focuses on making sure you leave with practical tips, confident in your ability to incorporate new strategies into your work or personal interactions with children.

5. Why should I choose Carmen's sessions over others? Carmen’s wide ranging experience gives her a holistic understanding of the challenges children face. Her passion for empowering others and her ability to make complex topics accessible ensures that each participant walks away feeling confident and prepared to use what they’ve learned in the real world.

6. How will these sessions help me make a difference in my work with children?By integrating Carmen’s expert guidance, you’ll gain practical tools to address various challenges children face in both therapeutic and educational settings. Carmen’s sessions are designed to help you build confidence, enhance your skills, and ultimately have a bigger, positive impact on the children you work with.

Yes our clinic room is located at 10/96 Manchester road, Mooroolbark