Feeling curious about what a session might look or feel like?

It is completely normal to wonder what will happen when you begin working with someone. For many women, reaching out for support is a big step -especially when the things they are carrying feel personal, vulnerable or difficult to put into words.

Every appointment at The Wild Orange Tree is personalised to you. There is no expectation that you arrive with everything figured out, and there is no need to share anything before you feel ready. We will move at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for you. You are always in control of what we explore, and consent is central to every aspect of our work together – including conversation, body-based approaches and hands-on therapies.

Most importantly we will use your body as a guide for what feels present or what needs to come next. Some sessions may focus more on mental health strategies, reflection and making sense of your experiences through conversation. Other sessions may focus more on your body, pelvic health, menstrual health or physical experiences. Often, we weave together different ways of understanding yourself – thinking, feeling, sensing, moving and being.

I love working at the intersection of the head, heart and body. When it feels right for you, we explore the connections between your physical experiences, emotions, thoughts, relationships, environment and the everyday activities that shape your life.

I aim for sessions to feel relaxed, collaborative and more like a meaningful conversation than a clinical appointment. As an occupational therapist, I am interested in understanding:

Your body

What is happening for you physically, emotionally and within your sense of self?

This may include exploring your menstrual, pelvic, reproductive or digestive health, your nervous system responses, how you experience sensations in your body, or the ways your body responds in different situations.

So often we are taught to view the body as separate parts, but our physical and emotional experiences are deeply connected. Understanding this connection can be an important part of supporting wellbeing through womanhood, motherhood and life transitions.

The world around you

The environments we live in – our homes, relationships, communities, culture and expectations – shape how we experience ourselves and what is possible.

Rather than viewing challenges as something that exists only within the individual, occupational therapy considers the broader context of your life. Together, we explore the supports, pressures, expectations and systems that influence how you show up each day.

The things you do

Occupational therapy is interested in the everyday things that make up your life – the activities, roles and routines that give your days meaning.

We may explore your habits, responsibilities, relationships, self-care, work, rest, movement and mothering experiences. Together, we consider what is working well, what feels difficult and what changes might help you move towards a life that feels more aligned with who you are.

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

— Annie Dillard, The Writing Life

When we work with the body, I firmly believe that the body needs to take the lead.

Before introducing any body-based or touch-based approaches, I will always explain what I am suggesting, why it may be helpful and what you can expect. We will take time to ensure that both your mind and body feel comfortable with the approach before proceeding. A “not sure,” “not today” or “no” is always a valid response.

Your preferences, boundaries and needs regarding touch will always be respected. You remain in control throughout the session and can pause, change your mind or stop at any time.

The approaches I use are informed by my training in pelvic health, embodied care, birth healing and women’s health. These may include soft tissue therapy, abdominal and pelvic approaches, scar tissue support, body awareness, breath, interoception, visualisation and, where appropriate and with explicit consent, internal assessment or treatment.

Touch is never a requirement of working together. My role is not to impose a technique on your body, but to listen, observe and collaborate with you. Together we explore what your body is communicating, what feels supportive and what may help you reconnect with yourself and participate more fully in the everyday experiences that matter to you.