About Fiona

My Professional Background

In 1992 I graduated as an Occupational Therapist from Curtin University of Western Australia with Distinction.

For 18 years I have worked as an Occupational Therapist in private and public community mental health services in hospital and community services. My clinical work has involved counselling and mental health rehabilitation on an individual and group basis.

I have extensive knowledge of child development, physical and mental health disabilities and mental health community support services and resources.

Counselling and therapeutic methods I use include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),

Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

In recent years I have developed a special area of interest in prevention and early intervention in child mental health. I feel children with emerging emotional, behavioural and social problems can benefit from early and timely therapeutic work to prevent lifelong mental health difficulties.

Child Centered Play Therapy is a form of counselling and psychotherapy for children aged 3 - 10 years. I have completed further study to work as a Play Therapist. A Play Therapist is a child mental health professional who has specialist skills to provide therapy to children with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.

Child Centered Play Therapists believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship with the child. The Play Therapist focuses on the child they are working with—not the child’s problem.

To further my professional and clinical skills as a Play Therapist I am now completing Post Graduate Training in Play Therapy.

As an Occupational Therapist I also have specialist knowledge in child development and the impact of emotional, social and behavioural difficulties on the child, the family and at school and in social environments.

My work as a Play Therapist has provided an opportunity to combine my counselling skills with early childhood practice. My approach is collaborative, where I will work closely with parents and family members when requested.

Most importantly I am the mother of two wonderful boys who have taught me so much more than a book or formal education can. They have been great advisors, each helping to select my therapeutic toys and have given valuable suggestions when I was planning my playroom—thank you!. My sons have reminded me to laugh and play even when life gets hectic.

Professional Qualifications & Memberships

· Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) with Distinction at Curtin University of Western Australia (1992)

· Registered with the Occupational Therapy Registration Board of WA

· National and State member of the Occupational Therapy Association

· Certificate in Play Therapy Skills, Play Therapy Australia

· Completing Post Graduate Diploma of Play Therapy with Play Therapy Australia

· Working with Children Check (WWC)

· Completed Narrative Therapy Training, Centrecare Australia

· Completed Solution Focused Brief Therapy Training, Centrecare Australia

· Registered as an Occupational Therapist, with specialist mental health skills, under Medicare Better Access To Mental Health Care Initiative

· Member of Paediatric Occupational Therapists’ Interest Group

· Member of Children of Mentally Ill Consumers Group (COMIC WA)