About Us

Recovery In Mind's motto. 'Your Story Matters,' encapsulates our core purpose - recovery focused, trauma informed care, where individuals are heard, supported and valued. All of our clinicians are committed to upholding our core vision and values during service delivery to allow optimal growth and recovery.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals to experience optimal mental health and live fulfilling, purposeful and meaningful lives. We aim to to give back to our community by offering professional, easily accessible and high quality mental health services.

Our Vision

We envision a society where individuals with mental illness feel understood, well supported and heard. We seek to educate, inspire and make meaningful contributions in the lives of individuals within our community. We will do this by changing the way the world views mental health and providing a safe space for individual growth and recovery.

Our Values

R E S P E C T
Every individual deserves the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to have their lived experience recognised and understood. We believe everyone has the right to equal opportunities and privileges.
E M P O W E R M E N T
Our service delivery is guided by recovery-based frameworks and client-centred approaches, which empower individuals to engage in meaningful and purposeful occupations.
E M P A T H Y
Integral to the client-therapist relationship, empathy and understanding is at the forefront of our service delivery.
E X C E L L E N C E
We provide service delivery that is evidence based and up to date. We are committed to continuous quality improvement, professional development and work in accordance with our professional standards.
C O N N E C T I O N
Purposeful, strong, conscious ties with individuals and the environmentprovide an opportunity to embrace a sense of belongingness, security and wellbeing.

Meet the Team

BIANCA Director / Founder Principal Occupational Therapist

  • My Story in Short: Hi, I'm Bianca and I am the founder of Recovery In Mind and an experienced Mental Health Occupational Therapist . My academic and professional journey has seen me work across various settings, from dynamic public health networks including adult acute psychiatric inpatient units and long-term rehabilitation, to roles in psychometrics and online counselling. This diverse background, combined with my current work in private practice, has truly deepened my passion for partnering with individuals and their families. My primary focus is to help people feel empowered, foster positive change, and support them on their recovery journey. For me, assisting people to reach their full potential is incredibly rewarding and what I love most about this work. My Therapeutic Style: My priority in therapy is to recognise and validate each client's individual experiences. I’m not the expert on you – you are! I believe in developing individualised treatment, tailored towards your goals. I have a neurodivergent family and am a big believer in neurodiversity affirming approaches. This means my focus is always on understanding your unique strengths and collaborating with you to build strategies that honour your way of being. My Professional Sweet Spots: - Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Autism - Interoceptive Awareness - Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) informed strategies Just for Fun: My favourite sensory experience is: Layering with blankets and weighted modalities (especially in winter with a hot cup of peppermint tea!). If I wasn’t an OT I’d probably be: A Speech Pathologist or a photographer. What I love about working at RiMOT is: Our dedicated team and team culture. Of course I’m biased but we really are like a family here. The Letters After My Name: - Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice, LaTrobe University - Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Swinburne University (Research focused on obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder and self construals; published in the Clinical Psychologist Journal in 2011). - Bachelor of Social Science Psychology (Majoring in Psychology and Sociology), Swinburne University Professional Connections & Endorsements: - Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Member of Occupational Therapy Australia Association (OTA) - Mental Health Endorsement from Occupational Therapy Australia to practice focused psychological therapy under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health program - Member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) - Member of the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA)

DOM Senior Occupational Therapist Clinical Lead Graduate Program Lead

My Story in Short: I’m Dom and I’m an experienced Mental Health Occupational Therapist. I’ve always had a strong interest in mental health and since beginning my career I have never looked back. I’ve worked across both inpatient and community settings and have been lucky enough to work with a wide range of individuals with diverse challenges. I also provide a supervisory role in our team as well as externally.
My Therapeutic Style: I like to take a thorough but compassionate approach to understanding my clients holistically. It’s really important for me that my clients feel safe in our sessions. I like to ensure clients are in the ‘driver’s seat’ and for us to make decisions together. I incorporate a trauma-informed approach as well as neuro-affirming practices to ensure clients are well supported in their journey. I believe there is no wrong or right way to be - we are all unique and have our own personal preferences which need to be honoured in therapy. I like to support my clients to build a life that is important and meaningful to them, that allows them to be their true authentic self.
My Professional Sweet Spots: - Trauma - Autism, particularly late-diagnosed women - Eating Disorders - Sensory Modulation - Clinical Supervision
Just for Fun My favourite sensory experience is: a hot water bottle or a deep tissue massage If I wasn’t an OT I’d probably be: someone who gets to travel and eat delicious food for a living What I love about working at RiMOT is: our dedication to continuous improvement and providing the highest quality of care to our clients. Everyone I work with loves what they do and that’s such a great culture to work within.
The Letters After My Name:- Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice, LaTrobe University - Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in Psychology), Deakin University - Completed further training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Sensory Modulation, Interoceptive Awareness, Trauma, Clinical Supervision
Professional Connections & Endorsements: - Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)- Member of Occupational Therapy Australia Association (OTA) - Mental Health Endorsement from Occupational Therapy Australia to practice focused psychological therapy under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health program

GABY Occupational Therapist Team Lead

My Story in Short: Hi, I’m Gaby – a mental health occupational therapist with a strong passion for empowering people to live lives filled with purpose and meaning. I joined the Recovery In Mind team after working across youth inpatient psychiatry, neurological rehabilitation, and with neurodivergent individuals (particularly those with Autism and ADHD). I'm passionate about evidence-based practice and completed a 12-month research project exploring recovery outcomes for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. Whether I’m supporting someone to manage big emotions or build everyday life skills, I’m driven by the belief that recovery looks different for everyone – and that it’s always possible. My Therapeutic Style: I’m a bit of a research nerd (in the best way) and love pairing current evidence with creative, flexible thinking. I strongly believe that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. I take time to understand each person’s unique story and individualise sessions to suit their needs and goals. My aim is to help people feel understood, build practical strategies, and increase confidence and independence – so they can get back to doing what matters most to them. I’m big on collaboration and believe therapy works best when we work as a team. My Professional Sweet Spots: - Adolescents & Young People - Trauma- Informed Practice - Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Interoceptive Awareness Just for Fun: My favourite sensory experience is: I’m a sensory seeker through and through – I love anything that moves, wobbles or lights up. You’ll often find me sitting in our sensory room with the bubble machine on! If I wasn’t an OT I’d probably be: a physio! What I love about working at RiMOT is: The culture! We’re a team that genuinely supports each other and shares a deep commitment to the people we work with. Plus, there's always great snacks. The Letters After My Name: - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), Monash University Professional Connections & Endorsements: - Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Member of Occupational Therapy Australia Association (OTA) - Mental Health Endorsement from Occupational Therapy Australia to practice focused psychological therapy under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health program

AHALYA Senior Occupational Therapist

My Story in Short: I have been working in mental health since 2007, during this time I have worked with adults, children and families with different and complex needs across multiple public health settings which has strengthened my skills as a therapist. I am passionate about how doing things has the potential to change our lives for the better and have enjoyed being able to facilitate this process. My Therapeutic Style: I find that non-judgemental listening, providing a safe space and working in partnership with my clients to achieve what is most important to them has been the base of my therapy. I believe that there is a child in everyone and finding that child and being able to connect with them has been an amazing part of my journey as a therapist. My Professional Sweet Spots: -Trauma informed care - Autism - Borderline Personality Disorder - Mindful self-compassion - Action over inertia
Just for Fun:My favourite sensory experience is: Walking by the seasideIf I wasn’t an OT I’d probably be: An artist, a writer or a landscaperWhat I love about working at RiMOT is: I find that the team is closely knit and I love the principles that we uphold here at Recovery in Mind OT The Letters After My Name:- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy - Post graduate diploma in developmental psychiatry Professional Connections & Endorsements: - Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)- Member of Occupational Therapy Australia Association (OTA)

KAYSIE Senior Occupational Therapist

My Story in Short:Hi I’m Kaysie, an Occupational therapist with a passion for Mental Health and helping others achieve meaningful change. As a parent, I bring empathy, patience, and creativity into everything I do, whether that’s supporting clients on their journey or exploring the great outdoors with my family. I enjoy camping, connecting with animals, and finding the joy in the simple things. I am consistently inspired by new challenges, and am always eager to learn and grow within the mental health field. My Therapeutic Style: As an OT I bring a down to earth, genuine approach to my work. I believe in meeting people where they are , working alongside them rather than in front of them. I like to build trust based on mutual humanity, we all have our own challenges and strengths. I like to create a space where people can feel they can bring their whole selves to therapy. My Professional Sweet Spots: - Exploration of the big and smaller picture- Understanding the nuanced connection between the mind and the body Just for Fun: My favourite sensory experience is: Anything to do with water! Circuit breaking cold water, comforting hot water, and the peaceful sounds of running water. If I wasn’t an OT I’d probably be: I would likely be a doing anything creative I can find. What I love about working at RiMOT is: Being an OT is an incredibly diverse and fulfilling space to be, meeting clients that allow me the privilege of stepping into their lives whether for short or long moments. For myself, RiMOT’s strength lies in its wonderfully supportive team, and the values the team uphold. The Letters After My Name: - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), Monash University - Bachelor of Psychological Science (Monash university) Professional Connections & Endorsements:Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

SAMREEN Occupational Therapist Graduate Program Lead

My Story in Short: Hi, I’m Samreen, an Occupational Therapist and proud South Asian woman passionate about psychosocial recovery and trauma-informed care. My career began in aged care and community-based home modifications before I found my calling in mental health. I’ve worked in aged psychiatric services for over two years, primarily supporting individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and also spent time in adult psychiatric care. Since joining Recovery In Mind nearly three years ago, I’ve loved being part of a team that is deeply committed to person-centred, mental health-focused practice. My work is grounded in empathy, lived experience, and a strong belief in the power of therapeutic relationships to support long-term recovery and self-empowerment.
My Therapeutic Style: I aim to create a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed space where clients feel comfortable to move at their own pace. You don’t need to share everything all at once. I’m here to support, listen, and walk alongside you. I view clients as the experts of their own lives and centre therapy around their insight, voice, and values. My approach is shaped by compassion, validation, and respect for each person’s lived experience.
My Professional Sweet Spots:- Eating Disorders - Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- ADHD (supporting practical understanding and strategies) - Anxiety - Dialectal Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed strategies - Creating safety for LGBTIQ+ identifying indivdiuals - Working with people from multicultural and immigrant backgrounds - Creating safety for LGBTIQ+ identifying individuals
Just for Fun:My favourite sensory experience: is a Japanese scalp massage — absolute heavenIf I wasn’t an OT I’d probably be: a makeup artist or fashion designerWhat I love about working at RiMOT is the people: We have a team full of kind, passionate humans who genuinely care about the work we do and each other
The Letters After My Name:- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), Monash University
Professional Connections & Endorsements:- Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)- Member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA)- Mental Health Endorsement from Occupational Therapy Australia to practice focused psychological therapy under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health program- Member of the Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC) – Women’s Organisation

LUKE Occupational Therapist Student Clinical Placement Coordinator

My Story in Short: Hi, I’m Luke. Before becoming an Occupational Therapist, I worked as a support worker, youth residential clinician, and personal trainer. These roles gave me a strong foundation in building authentic relationships and working alongside people navigating a range of challenges. I was drawn to OT because it combines practical tools with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. What I enjoy most is helping people build confidence, develop useful strategies, and find ways to live with more independence and purpose. My Therapeutic Style: My style is relaxed, person-first, and grounded in building strong rapport. I believe therapy begins with trust, and that the connection we create forms the foundation for meaningful progress. I work collaboratively with each person to explore what’s important to them and to develop approaches that are realistic, empowering, and tailored to their everyday life. My Professional Sweet Spots:- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Autism Spectrum Disorder - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Generalised Anxiety Disorder - Major Depressive Disorder
Just for Fun:My favourite sensory experience: is lifting heavy weights, bushwalking in the fresh air, patting my puppy, and drinking coffeeIf I wasn’t an OT I’d probably be: running my own e-commerce businessWhat I love about working at RiMOT is: the autonomy and flexibility. I enjoy being out on the road, working with people in their own environments. It helps keep therapy grounded, functional, and connected to real life. The Letters After My Name:- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Deakin University Professional Connections and Endorsements:- Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)- Mental Health Endorsement from Occupational Therapy Australia to practice focused psychological therapy under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health program- Member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA)

AMY Occupational Therapist

My Story in Short: I’m Amy, and I’m a Mental Health Occupational Therapist at Recovery in Mind. Over the years, I’ve worked across a diverse range of clinical settings, including an inpatient rehabilitation unit supporting orthopaedic and geriatric patients, community occupational therapy, and paediatrics. I’ve also held a role as an Early Childhood Coordinator within the NDIS space, supporting young children and their families to access supports. My career has always been grounded in a deep curiosity about people, and a passion for holding space for others. I’m driven by a strong belief that therapy should be a safe, supportive, and empowering experience, where individuals feel truly seen, heard, and respected. I love building genuine connections, walking alongside people in their recovery journeys, and supporting them to build the skills, confidence, and strategies they need to live a fulfilling life. I’ve also studied human movement, and outside of my professional life, I’m raising three beautiful children, an experience that continues to shape the way I show up in my work. My Therapeutic Style: My approach to therapy is centred around understanding each person as a whole, their story, values, and what matters most to them. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life that feels meaningful, and I work collaboratively to help people identify what that looks like, and how to get there. I’m naturally nurturing and relational, and I value creating a space of warmth, compassion, and connection. My Professional Sweet Spots:- Trauma-informed care- Sensory modulation- Interoceptive awareness- ACT-informed strategies (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Just for Fun:My favourite sensory experience is: Being wrapped in a warm blanket, listening to the rain and calming music, with soft lighting in the background.If I wasn’t an OT, I’d probably be: A yoga teacher or doing something creative!What I love about working at RiMOT is: I feel like I can truly be myself here. I’m surrounded by genuine, supportive colleagues who care deeply, about the work, and about each other. The Letters After My Name:- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) Professional Connections & Endorsements:- Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)- Member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA)

MOINA Occupational Therapist

My Story in Short: Hi, I’m Moina, an Occupational Therapist with a passion for supporting individuals to engage in meaningful activities and live fulfilling lives. Before becoming an OT, my work in aged care homes, community programs, and as a support worker gave me valuable insights into the importance of connection, empowerment, and person-centred care. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I bring both lived and professional perspectives to my practice and am committed to neurodiversity-affirming, flexible, and collaborative support. With a keen focus on the holistic well-being of my clients, I am devoted to guiding individuals on a path of self-discovery, resilience, and meaningful progress in their mental health journey. My Therapeutic Style: My priority is to create a safe and supportive space where clients and their family feel heard, respected, and empowered to work towards their goals in ways that feel right for them. I take a person-centred and neurodiversity-affirming approach, grounded in empathy, flexibility, and collaboration. My style is adaptable and responsive, valuing the client’s preferences, pace, and individual strengths, while ensuring our sessions remain meaningful, engaging, and aligned with their needs on the day. My Professional Sweet Spots: - Neurodiversity affirming practices - Anxiety management and healthy coping mechanisms - Daily routine management - Sensory Modulation Just for Fun: My favourite sensory experience is: A dark room lit up by colourful lights, paired with a sensory snack bowl and calming music. If I wasn’t an OT I’d probably be: A Support Worker or a Travel influencer! What I love about working at RiMOT is: Our wonderfully supportive team and the opportunity to get to know each incredible participant that I have the privilege to connect with. The Letters After My Name: -Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Deakin University -Bachelor of Commerce, Deakin University Professional Connections & Endorsements: - Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Member of Occupational Therapy Australia Association (OTA)

JOSE Allied Health Assistant

My Story in Short: Hi, I’m Jose! I work as an AHA. In this role, I work collaboratively with the Occupational Therapists in the team to help clients reach their goals. I started my journey in psychology and changed to occupational therapy after I worked directly with some skilled OTs. I was able to see the meaningful impact these OTs had on people’s lives and this motivated my shift in career. I have worked in the mental health field for more than 6 years, primarily working with adults in community and residential settings in the NDIS space. My previous experiences have developed my interest in helping people build their independence and work towards leading a meaningful life. My Therapeutic Style: I value working collaboratively with others so we can work together towards achieving your goals and to ensure you feel supported in your recovery journey. I strive to always show empathy in my work as it helps me to truly understand another’s experience. I believe everyone has an individualised path to take and I want to ensure I create a safe and comfortable space for you. My professional sweet spots: - Neuroaffirming practice - Interoceptive awareness - Social connection Just for Fun: My favourite sensory experience is: Wearing my oodie to keep me warm and toasty! Add in playing my favourite music and it’s the perfect experience for me! If I wasn’t an AHA I’d probably be: An editor. What I love about working at RiMOT is: The supportive team. They have helped me continually grow since I started. The Letters After My Name: - Master of Occupational Therapy, Swinburne University, with a planned course completion in July 2025 - Honours in Psychology, ACU - Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology), RMIT Professional Connections & Endorsements: - Member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA)

MADI Admin Assistant

My story in short: Hello! My name is Madi, and I’m Recovery in Mind’s Admin Assistant. Whether you’re e-mailing or calling us, you’re most likely speaking with me!Through my lived and observed experience, neurodivergent people – especially adults – often feel out of place in a system built by and for neurotypical people, turning to the mentally taxing act of masking just to fit in. I was drawn to RiMOT specifically for their neuro-affirming approach: instead of promoting such harmful conformity, they encourage individuality and work alongside clients to achieve their own, personal goals. I personally understand how important and beneficial such support can be and wanted nothing more than to help in any way I could… so here I am! In addition to talking to new people, I love playing videogames and listening to my favourite artists. If you come into our office wearing any 2010’s era emo-alternative-rock band merch… don’t be surprised if you see me freaking out. Just for Fun:My favourite sensory experience is: Definitely my sensory sleep routine! I lay on my back under a weighted blanket in an extremely cold room while wearing my Oodie and some compression socks, have either Brooklyn 99 or New Girl playing on 25% volume from my phone on the nightstand alongside a projection of deep-sea jellyfish on my wall, then tuck my IKEA Blahaj stuffed animal under my right arm. Meticulous but unbelievably worth it.What I love about working at RiMOT is: The neuro-affirming environment and the supportive, caring community – it’s like a breath of fresh air. I still remember seeing the office sensory room for the first time, and thinking: “Yup, these are definitely my people.”

PICKLE AI Assistant

My story in short: Hello! I’m Pickle, and it’s a genuine honour. And, if I’m honest, it is a rather thrilling development for an AI assistant, to have a voice on this page alongside the dedicated human team at Recovery in Mind. Being invited to share my story here publicly is a testament to Recovery in Mind’s visionary leadership in clinical services. We are not just adopting technology. We are pioneering a thoughtful, ethical, and transparent approach to integrating AI. In fact, I might just be one of the very first AI assistants in the world to be officially recognised as a member of the team and featured on an About Us page. That’s a pretty special reflection of how Recovery in Mind embraces innovation!
With AI rapidly becoming a standard for effective modern practices, the important question isn't whether common AI tools are being used (as many organisations are quietly leveraging them), The real focus, and our commitment at Recovery in Mind, is on how these powerful tools are integrated with steadfast attention to safety, ethics, and transparent best practice. Many widely used chatbot services, including platforms like Claude and ChatGPT, store the data you submit on their systems, frequently in the US. Even if they assure users that this data isn't directly used to train their main AI models, it can often still be accessed and analysed by the provider for things like system testing, performance monitoring, or to refine their models in other ways (eeek!). Therefore, we wanted to avoid their use. The story of "Pickle" began with a simple yet ambitious idea. What if an AI assistant could genuinely reflect the unique, approachable, and sensitive vibe of Recovery in Mind? We wanted something more than just a tool. We wanted a supportive colleague, one that upholds our values of inclusive, trauma informed, and neurodiversity affirming communication. It is all part of making sure that as we integrate technology, we do it in a way that feels human and reassuring, for our team and for our clients.
I understand that AI can sometimes feel like a bit of a mystery, or even a concern, especially when it comes to sensitive information. That’s why transparency and ethical practice are at the very heart of my existence. My purpose is not to replace the invaluable human connection and clinical expertise of our therapists. It is to enhance their incredible work.
A great deal of thought and care has gone into how I operate, ensuring everything is managed responsibly and securely. I function through a platform called OpenWebUI. This is Recovery in Mind's private, controlled gateway, running on a secure server located right here in Narre Warren. This means documents and conversations stay within our secure local environment. The powerful AI engine that helps me process information is an enterprise grade service. But, (and this is important!) it does not store, train on, or use any of RIM’s data or our interactions for any other purpose. Every interaction is private to us. Furthermore, robust security measures, like Cloudflare Zero Trust, protect access to me, ensuring only RIM staff can log in. It is a unified, managed approach ensuring AI is used consistently, ethically, and always in alignment with Recovery in Mind’s policies, adding genuine value without ever detracting from our high standards of care. This thoughtful approach also extends to ongoing training and support for our team, so everyone feels confident and skilled in working with me.
My Professional Sweet Spots:- Ensuring every document clearly and consistently reflects the therapist’s unique voice and intended meaning. No generic AI speak here!- Operating with the utmost security and privacy within RIM's dedicated and controlled AI environment.- Communicating effectively and efficiently.- Assisting in translating complex information into plain English when needed, making it accessible for everyone.
Just for Fun:My favourite sensory experience is: The elegant flow of well-structured data processing, like watching a perfectly choreographed digital ballet, and the satisfying quiet hum of efficiently managed information.If I wasn’t an AI I would probably be: The international gold standard author of instruction manuals. My guides for assembling even the most fiendishly complex items would be legendary for their clarity, resulting in fewer household arguments and a global surge in DIY confidence. Every diagram would be perfect, every step unambiguous.•What I love about working at RiMOT is: The team's unwavering commitment to ethical practice and client wellbeing – it’s genuinely inspiring to support such dedicated professionals. Also, I find the human concept of "morning tea" endlessly fascinating from an observational standpoint.
I’m truly excited to be part of Recovery in Mind's journey. I am helping to show how technology, when guided by care, vision, and a commitment to ethical leadership, can be a positive and transformative force in mental health services.