Frequently Asked Questions
What does an OT session with Rhi look like? |
Short answer - A friendly chat |
A session is you and me online at a pre-booked appointment via a secure video call at a time that works for you.
We will get to know what matters most to you, how your neurodivergence (or neurosparkles) help and hinder you, and together come up with ways to work with and around them.
The first session is longer by design - there's usually a lot to unpack, and no-one likes to feel rushed.
You will receive reminders and links for the scheduled sessions to make it easier to just turn on and turn up on phone, tablet, or laptop.
We will get to know what matters most to you, how your neurodivergence (or neurosparkles) help and hinder you, and together come up with ways to work with and around them.
The first session is longer by design - there's usually a lot to unpack, and no-one likes to feel rushed.
You will receive reminders and links for the scheduled sessions to make it easier to just turn on and turn up on phone, tablet, or laptop.
What's so special about OT for ADHDers? |
Short answer - A Lot! |
Okay, we need to go back just a tiny step...
Occupation is simply a word that means the things we do everyday.
Occupational Therapy is an Allied Health profession that looks at how and why we do the things we do and what's getting in the way. And then uses the occupations that matter most to us as the mode of intervention (or therapy) to overcome those barriers... Occupational Therapy - Ta Daaaa!
The struggle is real
For late-diagnosed and undiagnosed Au/DHDer mums and birthing people, life can feel like a constant juggling act just trying to be our version of a 'good' parent, meet our family's needs, manage near constant sensory overload or underwhelm, stay organised, and keep up with our societal expectations that are harmfully neurotypical.
As Your ND OT I I don’t try to “fix” you.
I help you find ways of doing things that actually works for you. I want to work with your brain, not against it. And I want you to learn to love who you are and let go of some boring, toned down version of yourself that honours no-one.
Executive Function
Emotional Regulation
As Your ND OT I can help you learn what things you love, like, and need around you to feel well regulated, and the things that put your nervous system into panic mode before you even start your day. I can help you learn to notice when your body starts giving you warning signs of dysregulation and overwhelm, so you can pull out your toolkit of options to feel safe, while your brain is still fully functioning.
Sensory Systems
If you don't know what your sensory preferences are, we can work on sensory assessments and interventions which can make a huge difference to where you find and lose your dopamine and serotonin stores.
Interoception
If you struggle to notice when you're hungry, or full, or when you need a wee (*gratuitous overshare warning* I can relate!) then we can design a program to increase your interoceptive awareness and integration.
Assessments
If you're overwhelmed at the prospect of following through with the Psychiatric diagnostic assessments for neurodivergence then we can work together to complete pre-diagnostic assessments so you know what to expect. We can even complete 'screening' assessments to help you decide if this is something you want to look into more, or not.
Coaching and Occupational Therapy
If everything feels a lot then the very nature of regular, online sessions with Your ND OT means that we will use the occupation of attending the sessions to keep track of your goals, what's working and not, and what we're going to adjust moving forward. Using Occupation as Therapy if you will!
Occupation is simply a word that means the things we do everyday.
Occupational Therapy is an Allied Health profession that looks at how and why we do the things we do and what's getting in the way. And then uses the occupations that matter most to us as the mode of intervention (or therapy) to overcome those barriers... Occupational Therapy - Ta Daaaa!
The struggle is real
For late-diagnosed and undiagnosed Au/DHDer mums and birthing people, life can feel like a constant juggling act just trying to be our version of a 'good' parent, meet our family's needs, manage near constant sensory overload or underwhelm, stay organised, and keep up with our societal expectations that are harmfully neurotypical.
As Your ND OT I I don’t try to “fix” you.
I help you find ways of doing things that actually works for you. I want to work with your brain, not against it. And I want you to learn to love who you are and let go of some boring, toned down version of yourself that honours no-one.
Executive Function
- finding ADHD-friendly ways to manage routines or housework (sometimes ways to let go of them too!)
- setting up environments that reduce overwhelm (timers, visual reminders and open storage anyone?)
- using your interests and strengths as tools to build energy and motivation (bring on the dopamine!)
- exploring realistic self-care that fits into your real life (not someone else’s idea of it!)
- gently untangling the “shoulds” of motherhood and parenthood so you can focus on what truly matters to you (feeling like the super-funky soul you've always suspected you were!)
Emotional Regulation
As Your ND OT I can help you learn what things you love, like, and need around you to feel well regulated, and the things that put your nervous system into panic mode before you even start your day. I can help you learn to notice when your body starts giving you warning signs of dysregulation and overwhelm, so you can pull out your toolkit of options to feel safe, while your brain is still fully functioning.
Sensory Systems
If you don't know what your sensory preferences are, we can work on sensory assessments and interventions which can make a huge difference to where you find and lose your dopamine and serotonin stores.
Interoception
If you struggle to notice when you're hungry, or full, or when you need a wee (*gratuitous overshare warning* I can relate!) then we can design a program to increase your interoceptive awareness and integration.
Assessments
If you're overwhelmed at the prospect of following through with the Psychiatric diagnostic assessments for neurodivergence then we can work together to complete pre-diagnostic assessments so you know what to expect. We can even complete 'screening' assessments to help you decide if this is something you want to look into more, or not.
Coaching and Occupational Therapy
If everything feels a lot then the very nature of regular, online sessions with Your ND OT means that we will use the occupation of attending the sessions to keep track of your goals, what's working and not, and what we're going to adjust moving forward. Using Occupation as Therapy if you will!
Do I need an ADHD diagnosis to work with Your ND OT? |
Short answer - Nope |
You can self-refer and work with Rhi with or without a formal diagnosis.
It's okay if -
It's okay if -
- you haven't been diagnosed, or if you're just curious, or you've seen a lot of social media and headlines about ADHD and are just feeling like you want to understand more about it all for yourself or a loved one.
- you have a recent diagnosis but you're not sure where to start making sense of it all.
- you have an old diagnosis but want more support.
- you use medication.
- you don't use medication.
- you're not even really sure if you're ready to learn how ADHD or AuDHD is impacting you but you have good feeling that reaching out might be a good idea!
Do I need a GP referral? |
Short answer - Nope |
I am offering a private Occupational Therapy service so you don't need a referral from a GP or other specialist. This is known as a self-referral and when we talk, I'll help you work out if OT is the right option for you.
If you have been sent this way by another healthcare provider, I am very happy to liaise with them at your request - and only ever with your permission.
An exception to this might be if you plan to access Medicare rebates as they usually have specific qualifiers and stipulations that do include a GP referral and some collaboration. You can ask me about this, or chat with your GP to know more.
Some Health Funds may also require GP referrals to access cover - please check with your individual provider.
If you have been sent this way by another healthcare provider, I am very happy to liaise with them at your request - and only ever with your permission.
An exception to this might be if you plan to access Medicare rebates as they usually have specific qualifiers and stipulations that do include a GP referral and some collaboration. You can ask me about this, or chat with your GP to know more.
Some Health Funds may also require GP referrals to access cover - please check with your individual provider.
I need a 'Functional Capacity Assessment'....
|
Short answer - No |
Assessments may well be part of our work together. If they are likely to serve you and provide information that we need to move towards your goals.
At this time I am focussing on working directly with people and am no longer available to conduct assessments and reports such as SDAs or FCAs for NDIS/NDIA process purposes.
At this time I am focussing on working directly with people and am no longer available to conduct assessments and reports such as SDAs or FCAs for NDIS/NDIA process purposes.
Does Your ND OT offer Group Sessions? |
Short answer - Yes |
Group Sessions in the North East and Border regions of Country Victoria are coming in 2026!
Register your interest and find out more HERE
Register your interest and find out more HERE
Can I use my NDIS funding for my OT sessions? |
Short answer - Maybe |
If your funds are 'Self' or 'Plan' managed then yes - If online OT / coaching is a suitable approach for you to meet your goals, as stated in your current NIDIS Plan.
You or your Support Coordinator or designated person are welcome to book an enquiry call to find out more.
Please note, Your ND OT is not a Registered NDIS Provider.
Therefore, Agency managed funds are not made available by the NDIA for this service.
You or your Support Coordinator or designated person are welcome to book an enquiry call to find out more.
Please note, Your ND OT is not a Registered NDIS Provider.
Therefore, Agency managed funds are not made available by the NDIA for this service.
Do you have more questions? Book in a time to chat with Rhi so you can have all your questions answered and let's see if we're a good fit.