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Background 

Mary is an RCOT (Royal College of Occupational Therapists) and HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registered Occupational Therapist specialising in bipolar disorder, psychosis, and eating disorders.

Mary’s practice focuses on supporting people with psychiatric symptoms to develop a balance of self-care, leisure, rest and productive activities that they find fulfilling and meaningful. She incorporates techniques from systemic family theory, psychoeducation, CBT, mindfulness, and sensory techniques alongside theoretical models of human occupation.

Mary has over 10 years of experience working with adults and children with complex needs. She has worked as both an Occupational Therapist and educator in the fields of: bipolar disorder, eating disorders, physical and neurological rehabilitation, child and adolescent mental health, forensics, and learning disabilities. This experience has developed her understanding of the complexities of human experience and a therapeutic stance that is collaborative, non-judgemental, and flexible.

Alongside her work as an Occupational Therapist, Mary has developed interests in working with family and friends of people with mental illness and quality improvement. In her spare time, she likes gardening, reading, cycling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Education and Training 

• BA (History and English) / Dip Ed (Macquarie University), 2008
• MSc Occupational Therapy (The University of Sydney), 2015

Selected professional development courses

• Intermediate Systemic Practice: Working with Families (Prudence Skynner Family & Couple Therapy Clinic), 2022
• Foundations of Systemic Practice: Working with Families (Prudence Skynner Family & Couple Therapy Clinic), 2021
• Improvement Capability Modules (Institute for Healthcare Improvement)   2019
• Skills Training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (The Linehan Institute), 2019
• ACAT Introduction (Augustana Centre), 2018