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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.
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Meet the Team
Bianca Parsons
DIRECTOR / PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
BIANCA PARSONS is the founder of Recovery In Mind and is an experienced Mental Health Occupational Therapist. She is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a proud member of the Occupational Therapy Australia Association (OTA), the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA). Bianca has also received mental health endorsement from OT Australia to practice under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health program to practice focused psychological therapy.
Bianca completed a Bachelor of Social Science Psychology, majoring in Psychology and Sociology at Swinburne University in 2007. She then went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (2009). Encompassing a biopsychosocial model, her research focused on obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder and self-construal’s which was published in the Clinical Psychologist Journal in 2011.
In 2013, Bianca completed a Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice at LaTrobe University and went on to work for several years in major public health networks. Bianca has worked in a variety of roles including psychometrics, online counselling, adult acute psychiatric inpatient settings, long term rehabilitation and private practice.
Bianca has developed a strong passion for working closely with consumers and their families to feel empowered and promote positive change and recovery. Bianca gains immense satisfaction from assisting people to reach their full potential and from developing individualised treatments plans to improve skills such as self-care, cognition, self-regulation, social skills, social connectedness, and activities of daily living. Bianca's priority in therapy is to recognise and validate each client's individual experiences. Bianca is well versed in treating various psychiatric conditions, with a special interest in adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Mood Disorders. She is a big believer in neurodiversity-affirming approaches and is experienced in a range of interventions including Sensory Modulation, Behavioural Activation, Interoceptive Awareness and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
When Bianca isn’t working, she is kept busy by her inquisitive, son and in her free time, enjoys live music, reading, travelling, trying new food and spending time with family and friends.
Bianca completed a Bachelor of Social Science Psychology, majoring in Psychology and Sociology at Swinburne University in 2007. She then went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (2009). Encompassing a biopsychosocial model, her research focused on obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder and self-construal’s which was published in the Clinical Psychologist Journal in 2011.
In 2013, Bianca completed a Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice at LaTrobe University and went on to work for several years in major public health networks. Bianca has worked in a variety of roles including psychometrics, online counselling, adult acute psychiatric inpatient settings, long term rehabilitation and private practice.
Bianca has developed a strong passion for working closely with consumers and their families to feel empowered and promote positive change and recovery. Bianca gains immense satisfaction from assisting people to reach their full potential and from developing individualised treatments plans to improve skills such as self-care, cognition, self-regulation, social skills, social connectedness, and activities of daily living. Bianca's priority in therapy is to recognise and validate each client's individual experiences. Bianca is well versed in treating various psychiatric conditions, with a special interest in adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Mood Disorders. She is a big believer in neurodiversity-affirming approaches and is experienced in a range of interventions including Sensory Modulation, Behavioural Activation, Interoceptive Awareness and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
When Bianca isn’t working, she is kept busy by her inquisitive, son and in her free time, enjoys live music, reading, travelling, trying new food and spending time with family and friends.
Dom
SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
GRADUATE PROGRAM LEAD
DOM joined the Recovery in Mind team at the end of 2021. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia. She is an experienced Occupational Therapist and has worked in a variety of roles including youth mental health and adult psychiatric inpatient services. She has worked with a wide variety of diagnoses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and personality disorders. She is also well versed in facilitating group based therapy. Dom has also received mental health endorsement from OT Australia to practice under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health program to practice focused psychological therapy.
Dom completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology at Deakin university in 2010 and went on to complete a Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice at Latrobe University in 2013. She has also completed further training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Sensory Modulation. Dom has a strong passion for supporting individuals living with mental illness to live a life that is meaningful and value-driven. She uses a collaborative client-centered approach to assist clients in building their independence and believes that the client is always the expert in their own care. She has a particular interest in using sensory modulation to support self regulation. In her downtime, Dom loves reading, baking and checking out new brunch spots.
Samreen
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
GRADUATE PROGRAM LEAD
SAMREEN completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University in 2018. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia. Samreen has also received mental health endorsement from OT Australia to practice under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health program to practice focused psychological therapy.
Samreen has worked in various areas within the public health space, including aged and adult psychiatric inpatient units and community occupational therapy focusing on home modifications and increasing independence within the home. Samreen is passionate about mental health and empowering consumers to help achieve their goals and overcome barriers to maintain their recovery and wellbeing. Samreen enjoys using sensory modulation frequently in her therapy sessions and focuses on developing an individual’s choice and freedom of expression. Samreen creates a safe space for her clients within her therapy sessions and maintains a trauma informed care focus. Samreen also shares a passion for learning and continues to engage in professional development to maintain best-practice. In her spare time, Samreen enjoys fitness, listening to music, hiking in nature, spending time with her family and playing with her cheeky toy poodle Kiko.
Gaby
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
STUDENT CLINICAL PLACEMENT COORDINATOR
GABY has a passion for mental health that prompted her to join Recovery in Mind at the end of 2021. She is an Occupational Therapist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Gaby completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University. She has experience working in inpatient psychiatry (youth), neurological rehabilitation and in the neurodiverse population (Autism). Gaby is dedicated to evidence-based practice and completed a 12-month research project focusing on measuring recovery outcomes for individuals with a Dual Diagnosis (mental health condition and co-occurring substance use disorder).
Gaby has a passion for research and knowledge, complimented by abstract thinking, enabling her to consistently improve services and quality of care. Gaby is a strong believer in that no single approach is right for every individual. Hence, she strives to ensure that each of her clients receive treatment programs that are individualised and meaningful to them.
Gaby is devoted to promoting recovery and independence, enabling others to take control and build the appropriate skills required to improve their quality of life. Gaby aims to empower people to engage in meaningful activities, to live a life driven by purpose.
Gaby specifically enjoys working with adolescents and young adults. She has a special interest in using sensory modulation to provide her clients with the skills needed to effectively self-regulate and respond appropriately to their situation or environment. Gaby also finds joy in connecting others through group work. This includes groups based upon emotional regulation, creativity and sensory modulation.
Gaby is a bright and bubbly individual who enjoys spending time with her friends and spontaneously making plans. She loves to cook, bake and experiment with new recipes. She enjoys being active and moving her body through walking her Kelpie, going to the gym and playing netball.
Gaby completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University. She has experience working in inpatient psychiatry (youth), neurological rehabilitation and in the neurodiverse population (Autism). Gaby is dedicated to evidence-based practice and completed a 12-month research project focusing on measuring recovery outcomes for individuals with a Dual Diagnosis (mental health condition and co-occurring substance use disorder).
Gaby has a passion for research and knowledge, complimented by abstract thinking, enabling her to consistently improve services and quality of care. Gaby is a strong believer in that no single approach is right for every individual. Hence, she strives to ensure that each of her clients receive treatment programs that are individualised and meaningful to them.
Gaby is devoted to promoting recovery and independence, enabling others to take control and build the appropriate skills required to improve their quality of life. Gaby aims to empower people to engage in meaningful activities, to live a life driven by purpose.
Gaby specifically enjoys working with adolescents and young adults. She has a special interest in using sensory modulation to provide her clients with the skills needed to effectively self-regulate and respond appropriately to their situation or environment. Gaby also finds joy in connecting others through group work. This includes groups based upon emotional regulation, creativity and sensory modulation.
Gaby is a bright and bubbly individual who enjoys spending time with her friends and spontaneously making plans. She loves to cook, bake and experiment with new recipes. She enjoys being active and moving her body through walking her Kelpie, going to the gym and playing netball.
Luke
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
LUKE is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and joined the team at Recovery In Mind in 2022. He completed a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy at Deakin University.
Luke has extensive experience supporting and working with adults and youth in residential and community-based settings, providing psychosocial strategies including independence in daily living skills and emotional regulation skills. Luke also has experience working within schools, focusing on fine and gross motor skill development and emotional regulation strategies to assist with concentration in the classroom environment.
In October 2021, Luke conducted a research project for the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitaton, which consisted of sourcing and interpreting several pieces of current peer reviewed psychosocial rehabilitation literature into infographcis and animations, following universal design principles.
Luke is also a qualified personal trainer, completing Certificate IV in Fitness in 2013. Luke is an advocate for the positive impact an exercise routine can have on a person's mental health and wellbeing.
In his spare time, Luke enjoys being outside and staying active, cooking, gardening, trying new cafes and restaurants, watching football, NBA and walking his dog Betty.
Amy
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
AMY is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and joined the team at Recovery in Mind in 2022.
Amy completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University in 2016. She has worked in various areas within the public health and community space, including a focus on orthopaedic rehabilitation, home modifications, equipment prescription, mental health, and paediatrics. She has also spent time working with the NDIS in the early childhood space supporting parents and carers navigating the NDIS.
Amy is passionate about mental health and developing therapeutic relationships through learning about the person, their environment, and their stories. She is passionate about understanding the needs of her clients and seeing the potential for what they can do and how they can grow.
Amy has an interest in sensory modulation, creativity, organisation and planning. She believes in advocating for living well with meaningful movement, connection, rest, nature, mindfulness and gratitude. She enjoys supporting people to find their purpose by doing things that ‘light them up’. Amy is a strong believer in empowering people to live their life their way, and supports them doing this by introducing skills that promote independence and bring meaning to their lives.
Amy enjoys spending her time with her three young children. She enjoys reading, growing her own vegetables in her garden and being creative with hand-sewing toys with wool felt, watercolour painting and knitting whenever time allows. Before having her children, she loved snowboarding, swimming, playing netball and travelling.
Amy completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University in 2016. She has worked in various areas within the public health and community space, including a focus on orthopaedic rehabilitation, home modifications, equipment prescription, mental health, and paediatrics. She has also spent time working with the NDIS in the early childhood space supporting parents and carers navigating the NDIS.
Amy is passionate about mental health and developing therapeutic relationships through learning about the person, their environment, and their stories. She is passionate about understanding the needs of her clients and seeing the potential for what they can do and how they can grow.
Amy has an interest in sensory modulation, creativity, organisation and planning. She believes in advocating for living well with meaningful movement, connection, rest, nature, mindfulness and gratitude. She enjoys supporting people to find their purpose by doing things that ‘light them up’. Amy is a strong believer in empowering people to live their life their way, and supports them doing this by introducing skills that promote independence and bring meaning to their lives.
Amy enjoys spending her time with her three young children. She enjoys reading, growing her own vegetables in her garden and being creative with hand-sewing toys with wool felt, watercolour painting and knitting whenever time allows. Before having her children, she loved snowboarding, swimming, playing netball and travelling.
Moina
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
MOINA is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia. Moina completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University and is experienced in the well-being space within aged care homes and community-based settings, promoting individuals to engage in meaningful activities with the focus of maximising independence and quality of life.
Moina is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their goals, and committed to creating a supportive and empathetic space where clients feel heard and understood. With a keen focus on the holistic well-being of her clients, Moina is devoted to leveraging her skills as an Occupational Therapist to guide individuals on a path of self-discovery, resilience, and meaningful progress in their mental health journey.
In her spare time, Moina enjoys exploring Melbourne and trying new things, watching mystery TV shows, travelling overseas, spending time with family and friends and going to the park with her dog Luka
Rheanna
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
RHEANNA is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at Monash University. Prior to this degree, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Victoria (located on the west coast of Canada). She is enthuastic about making sure individuals feel included, taking a kind approach to working with clients. She has supported neurodivergent individuals, people with mental health disabilites, physical disabilites, amongst others. She has worked in various roles, such as working as a support worker for several years and an Emergency Care role through the Canadian Red Cross. She has completed extensive volunteer opportunities, such as volunteering with an OT at Queen Alexandra Children’s Health centre, taking part in the Global Community at the University of Victoria, and even volunteered overseas in Fiji. In her free time, Rheanna enjoys hiking, travelling, art, nature photography and skiing.
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JOSEPHINE
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
JOSEPHINE (JOSE) joined the team at Recovery in Mind in early 2024. Jose has worked in the mental health field for 6 years, primarily working with adults in community and residential settings in the NDIS space. Josephine works closely with her clients to help connect them to services and work towards building their independence.
Jose has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) from RMIT and a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from ACU. Jose is currently studying a Masters of Occupational Therapy at Swinburne University.
Jose values working collaboratively with people to help them work towards their goals and support them in their recovery journey. Jose is passionate about empowering people to engage in activities that are meaningful to them. In her spare time, she enjoys going on nature walks, reading books, art and playing board games with friends and family.
Jose has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) from RMIT and a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from ACU. Jose is currently studying a Masters of Occupational Therapy at Swinburne University.
Jose values working collaboratively with people to help them work towards their goals and support them in their recovery journey. Jose is passionate about empowering people to engage in activities that are meaningful to them. In her spare time, she enjoys going on nature walks, reading books, art and playing board games with friends and family.
Jacinta
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
(CURRENTLY ON LEAVE)
JACINTA is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and joined Recovery in Mind in early 2021. Jacinta is an experienced Mental Health Occupational Therapist with a range of experience across the public clinical mental health sector and psychosocial disability rehabilitation and support services. Jacinta’s practice spans across both inpatient and community settings, and throughout the lifespan from child and adolescence through to youth and adult populations. Jacinta has a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) from Swinburne University, and in 2013 completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice at La Trobe University. She has additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy. Jacinta views the therapeutic relationship with her clients as a significant priority and believes it is important to view mental health rehabilitation through a client centred focus, using the person’s strengths to work towards collaborative goals and improved mental health and wellbeing. Jacinta takes a reflective approach to her work, and recognises that it is a privilege that she is in a position where she can be a supportive part of an individual’s recovery journey. In her spare time, Jacinta loves playing netball, and walking her energetic puppy, Honey.
