Question 1

What age range do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with teenagers and young adults, roughly from the teens through the twenties. I support young people through life transitions and focus on areas such as identity, relationships, communication, education and work, and building independence.

I focus more on life stage than age, so there is some flexibility. If you’re unsure whether I’d be a good fit, please feel free to ask.

Question 2

What mental health conditions do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I am a non-pathologising therapist, and you don’t need a formal diagnosis to access support. I work with young people experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges, including:

Disordered eating and Eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Atypical Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Stress, anxiety and burnout
Depression
Grief
Trauma
Psychosis
Personality disorders
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Nightmares and sleep difficulties

Supporting neurodivergent young people (e.g. autistic people or those with ADHD) is a core part of my practice, and I work in a way that recognises how mental health challenges often intersect with neurodivergence.

If you’re unsure whether I’d be a good fit, please feel free to ask.

Question 3

What therapies do you use?

Accepted Answer

I draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including:

Adolescent Focused Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (AFT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Sensory-based approaches
Family and parent-guided strategies

My approach is always collaborative and flexible, often weaving together different therapeutic approaches to best support your needs.

Question 4

What does a mental health occupational therapist do?

Accepted Answer

I help people do the activities that are important to them when mental health challenges get in the way — such as:

Attending school, TAFE, or university
Managing daily life and self-care
Leaving the house and going into the community
Building and maintaining relationships, including dating
Participating in interests, hobbies, or work

I use both talk-based therapy and practical, doing-focused therapy, which can include:

Self-exploration and counselling
Learning helpful and doable strategies 
Practising strategies and skills in real world situations

For many people, this integrated approach — combining talk-therapy with practical, doing-focused support — offers a holistic and accessible form of therapy.

Question 5

What is neurodiversity affirming care?

Accepted Answer

Neurodiversity-affirming care is based on the idea that brains work in many different ways — and these differences are not problems to be fixed.

It supports neurodivergent people (such as autistic people or those with ADHD) to understand themselves, build on their strengths, and navigate a world that isn’t always designed for them. The focus is on adjusting supports, expectations, and environments so they can thrive, rather than trying to change who they are.

Question 6

How do you include parents/carers in a young person’s care?

Accepted Answer

Parents and carers often play an important role in a young person’s care. How they are involved depends on the young person’s age, needs, and preferences, and is discussed at the start of care. Parents and carers might:

Attend the first appointment to understand how therapy works and share important information 
Have separate appointments to ask questions, share information, and receive guidance on supporting their young person
Learn practical strategies to support routines, skills, and emotional wellbeing at home, as well as guidance for looking after themselves while providing support

Some young people may want boundaries around what is shared, or may prefer that parents/carers are not involved. These choices are always respected. The goal is to support the young person’s safety, comfort, and autonomy, while helping parents and carers feel informed, supported, and equipped to play a positive role in care.

Question 7

What if I don’t want my parents/carers involved?

Accepted Answer

That’s completely okay. Your choices about what’s shared and who is involved are always respected. I work with you to decide if and how parents or carers are involved, and make sure your appointments feel safe and comfortable.

Question 8

What funding can I use to access Zigzag Occupational Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Funding options depend on your eligibility, and the following may be available:
NDIS — self-managed and plan-managed NDIS funding can be used (NDIS-managed plans cannot).
Medicare rebates — with an appropriate referral from your GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician, Medicare rebates may be available under a:Mental Health Care PlanEating Disorder PlanChronic Disease Management PlanComplex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Plan
Private health insuranceIf you’re not sure which option applies to you, your GP is a great place to start.

Question 9

How much does an appointment cost?

Accepted Answer

The fee for a standard 50—minute appointment is $250, with varying rebates or reimbursements available depending on if you have a Medicare plan, NDIS funding, or private health insurance.

Question 10

Where are you located and do you offer online appointments?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Leichhardt – inner west Sydney, on a quiet leafy street with easy access to parking and public transportation. Further details, including photos and a map, are provided after initial contact. I also offer telehealth (video) appointments when suitable, which can be a flexible option for those who live further away or have mobility challenges.

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