diversity OT

Mental Health Occupational Therapy

Holistic, inclusive, community and nature based approach to health & wellbeing

At diversiTy OT, we respond to the needs of individuals and communities in a way that is tailored, practical and culturally responsive. We believe that each person's physical, psychological and spiritual healing is unique, and occurs in the context of a colourful life story. We know that healing occurs in our own homes, communities and natural places of significance, so we are flexible to work from where you feel safe and comfortable. We build collaborative and trusting relationships, and work with your goals in mind. Our combination of pragmatic occupational therapy, critical anthropological knowledge and body-mind-spirit yoga framework offers a unique skill base for meaningful methods of whole-life healing.

Contact us today to make a positive shift in how you feel and find deeper meaning and purpose in your life.

Who We Work With

We welcome people from first nation communities and from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

We work with professionals, carers, NDIS participants, and individuals in remote and rural communities.

Find out more about our services.

Stress & relaxation

  • Professionals struggling with work related stress and purpose

  • People with depression, anxiety, stress, social isolation, trauma and complex issues

  • Women managing family related stress & trauma

  • Women and relationship issues

Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • Mental health & wellbeing (including for carers and family)

  • NDIS mental health clients, family and support coordinators including remote FIFO

  • Supervision & Mentoring

  • Mental Health care plans

Holistic & Integrative therapies

  • Explore holistic, intuitive, eco/nature based and integrative therapies to improve quality of life

  • Dance & movement

  • Yoga - Okido (Japanese), Sivananda and trauma informed yoga practices

  • Meditation

  • Women’s circles and empowerment

  • Plant based nutrition

Meet Linda

Linda Rylands is a well-respected health practitioner with over 20 years of experience in occupational therapy. Linda’s passion for guiding people to better mental health has led her to work in a diversity of mental health sectors, including disability, multicultural communities and holistic healing.

Personally, Linda is a big advocate and lover of world dance and is an intrepid global explorer of global healing modalities and healthy lifestyles.

Read more about Linda.

Our Approach

Mental Health Occupational Therapy is a client centred and practical approach where we assess how your mental health is impacting your day to day life. Changes can be implemented from the first session to result in an improved quality of life immediately.

Questions you may be asked to consider:

  • Can I care for myself in ways that nourish me?

  • Am I experiencing pain or physical health issues because of my mental health?

  • Am I feeling overwhelmed with burn out that is impacting me at work?

  • Am I confident to carry out my role as a friend/partner/child/worker/community member/neighbour?

  • Do I find purpose, meaning and joy in my life?

  • Am I feeling socially isolated?

We offer a safe, nourishing space to be yourself and find light and flow again in your life to build a life worth living!

Bookings available remotely (via Zoom, Skype), or via phone.

Testimonials

“Most friends and young women I know could benefit from sessions with Linda.”

“Honestly, Linda is a true healer and I feel so lucky to have found her on my journey, at just the right time. I appreciate the way you could hold supportive space for me even at my lowest, encourage me to keep going, help make sense of the intense and confusing emotions/situations, or even share a laugh or a tear.

Thank you for helping me grow into the strong, resilient and loving woman that was waiting to come out all along.”

— Female Client, 23, Melbourne

 

"This project is so different to anything we’ve heard before. A need was identified in the community, and acted upon so fittingly. The environment supports the journey, and your passion and curiosity to explore different healing modalities takes a lot of courage and bravery.”

- OT Student, University of Namibia

 

“Linda is very in touch with female power and her approach to empower the feminine with sensitivity and delicacy was much appreciated.

I felt like we worked together to uncover things I had hidden, it was very much a collaborative relationship, very nurturing and supportive.”

— Female Client, 29

“I think her talent is in seeing beyond limitations. Linda is patient, caring, kind, calm and has a welcoming energy. I felt she created a safe place for me to speak my mind, she’s an excellent listener too.”

— Male Client, 37

I feel so privileged and grateful to have received mentoring from Linda. Initially, I sought help in regards to the professional aspects of my life, however I received so much more on a deeper level. From a professional level, my work contract was extended. On a deeper and more personal level, Linda supported me with my ongoing journey, in further discovering my true potential, strengths and resilience in all aspects of my life.

- Male Mentor Client, Australia

“We are different”

We are politically engaged and inclusive of indigenous world views, diverse healing modalities, and advocate for decolonisation, sustainability and ecological restoration.

Find out more about how we support people, the environment and community outreach.