
About
The journey to develop this practice was ignited by the life-giving process I went through of my own self-discovery as a late-diagnosed autistic occupational therapist. It is my absolute pleasure to be creating a space to welcome neurodivergent women! For years I wasn’t in alignment with my true values in work and social contexts, and tolerated - which ultimately lead to burnout. This is the work that energises me, meaning I can be my best self, to be my best self for you.
In my younger years, I always struggled to fit in - feeling different from my peers, and struggling in conversation - especially small talk. I wondered why I had such a need for routine. Why being in certain environments were intolerable, but others seemed fine. I was told I had an eating disorder (not specified) when I was 11, which was what I now realise an extremely dysregulated nervous system, and struggles with food textures, which moulded into body image issues.
Now, after getting the help I needed, cultivating the connections that nourish me, engaging in my own self-help practices, and time in introspection, I feel ready to help people more specifically in this space. Now, I embrace and express my quirky sense of humour and way I relate. I can feel grateful for my curiosity, love of learning, and deep research on topics.
I acknowledge my nervous system state, and embrace my sensory needs. I endeavour to continue to create a life where I am able to manage my time and energy more effectively, and live in alignment with my needs and values. My hope is for you to be able to do the same. There’s of course still areas of improvement, I have my days of struggle, and am on the path, like you.
I resonate with being a highly sensitive person, deeply processing emotional, social, and sensory stimuli. I enjoy in depth conversations, and am highly attuned, compassionate, and astute. While I am able to bring lived experience into my practice, I acknowledge every individual experience is unique, and I am here for you to feel seen and heard.
My sensory joy = the ocean - it’s such a haven for me, everytime. The soothing touch of melting into the sand, the sound of the waves crashing, the smell of the ocean, the love of moving my body through water, space to express myself, seeing other people experiencing innocent joy, and the sense of community in bodily freedom.
I am a passionate meditator and student of life. In my spare time you’ll find me somewhere around the world, in the garden, painting, listening to a record, in the kitchen, or moving about in nature.
Originally, my interest in OT was sparked after observing a stroke rehab gardening group when I was working in plant nursery. I initially worked with a broad age range including children, teens, and adults. In a previous life, I worked in film and TV.
My areas of interest in occupational therapy are mind-body connection, inclusive spaces, yoga and intuitive movement practices, and nature based interventions. I value working with a multidisciplinary team, and work closely with other OTs and health professionals locally and further abroad.
Carolyn Gillen, Occupational Therapist
BOccThy Deakin University
Certified yoga teacher (200hr)
Certificate III Horticulture
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) trained
2025 professional development:
Inner Health Coalition healthcare practitioner training with Dr Joe Dispenza
Level 1 Meditation Teacher Training - Melbourne Meditation Centre
Womens health and hormones
ARFID
Eating disorders
Food and Mood - diet and mental health
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
Level 1 sound healing