My name is Andrea and I am a Specialist Occupational Therapist. I have worked as an Occupational Therapist for the last 22 years in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) both in Edinburgh and Sydney. I am now starting my own private business in supporting children and young people who are experiencing low mood, anxiety, and low self esteem due to a variety of reasons. My core belief
in working with young people is the “doing” and how I can best support the young person to problem solve through their own routines, motivations, environment and skills to be who they want to be. I believe that building strong relationships underpins all the therapeutic work I do and allows the young person to make changes at their own pace. Many young people especially since lock down have become increasingly anxious and have struggled with a lack of routine and structure. Other young people have found attending school more difficult especially those who have underlying neurodevelopmental challenges. I can assess and recommend strategies to assist with sensory challenges and emotional regulation. I can carry out sensory assesments which can provide personalised strategies to manage self-care and sensory challenges at school, home and in the community. I can also help the young person link in with community activities and sign post to longer-term community supports. I can receive referrals for young people from age 12-21. Areas that I can support with include developing a routine and structure, help increase independent living skills, linking in with community activities, managing emotions, organisational skills, and transitions especially within education. I am also able to advocate on the young persons behalf and attend meetings with education if needed. I prefer to meet the young person face to face either at home, at school or in a community building, but can also offer on line sessions via zoom. I am happy to discuss any questions so please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
