Brea Thornton Occupational Therapy
About
The Why
I was frustrated and burnt out from working for large service providers with high pressure on billable hours and targets rather than the individual client's needs and preferences. I have lived in the Macedon Ranges for 15 years and there is a significant lack of support available in the area, particularly for adults with mental health conditions and neurodivergent women.
This led to creating my own business in 2021 so I can provide high-quality therapy that is flexible and uses lived experience to support clients to achieve their goals.
About Me
I love animals and have two dogs, two cats, and two rabbits. I spend my free time hiking, drawing, and curled up on the couch with a cup of tea and a book. I also enjoy gaming and I'm a Dungeons and Dragons nerd.
My Values
What's important to me as a therapist and how I work with clients
Individualised Therapy
You aren't a box to be ticked and there is no one size fits all approach. Your experience and opinions are valued and we set goals and work out solutions together.
I take the time to get to know you and tailor any therapy recommendations to your specific interests, strengths, and challenges.
​
​
Neurodiversity
Affirming Practice
Therapy has traditionally tried to make neurodivergent individuals 'blend in' and comply with neurotypical expectations. For example, teaching ways to sit still or make eye contact. This is emotionally damaging and does not support the individual to participate in meaningful activities.
​
Neurodivergent affirming practice views neurodivergence as a different brain type that is part of a person's identity, not something that is inherently 'bad' or should be 'fixed'. That is not to say there aren't challenges for neurodivergent people in a world that was not designed for us, but we can work with our unique brain wiring instead of against it.
​
This approach focuses on providing supports, accommodations, and skill development that empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive authentically as themselves.
Recovery Based Approach
The ‘recovery approach’ to mental illness is about helping you take control of your own life. You decide what is important for you and what you would like your life to look like, not just in terms of mental health symptoms, but holistically.
​
Recovery is about all of your life, not just treatment and management of your symptoms (which is ‘clinical recovery’). It involves:
​
-
finding hope, and having a positive sense of self
-
developing self-esteem and resilience
-
having a sense of purpose and meaning in your life
-
building healthy relationships
-
gaining independence
-
understanding your strengths and limitations
Evidence Based Practice
Combining the best available research with clinical expertise and client values.
​
I have completed further training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), animal assisted therapy, the hearing voices approach, mental health first aid, sensory modulation, strengths based practice, and trauma informed practice.
LGBTQ+
Inclusive
Therapy is a safe and non-judgmental space where you don't need to justify your gender identity or sexual orientation. Preferred names and pronouns are always used.
The Journey
I have worked in a variety of roles from the NDIS, adult mental health in the community, paediatrics, and animal assisted therapy. Here's a snapshot:
2012-2014
Bachelor of Science - The University of Melbourne
Majoring in Genetics
2016-2017
Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice -
La Trobe University
Experience in emergency wards in hospitals, public mental health, and inpatient rehabilitation.
2018-2020
Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for the NDIS
Meeting with participants to understand their needs and make recommendations to the NDIS about funded supports.
Helping participants understand their NDIS plan and how to use their funding.
2020-2021
Community based Occupational Therapy
for a private company
Working with NDIS participants aged from 3-65 in their homes.
Providing assessments, recommendations, and ongoing therapy services as well as reports for NDIS.
2021