ATOT
Mental Health Occupational Therapy Service in Naarm & beyond
ATOT is a well respected group of experienced Mental Health Occupational Therapists providing high quality services face to face in the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne and via telehealth for those living outside of these metropolitan areas.
Our founder, Alissa proudly originates from rural NSW and this informs ATOT's values of equitable access to quality healthcare for all individuals regardless of their geographical location. We offer excellent telehealth assessments and therapy services for clients with Psychosocial Disability through NDIS, Medicare and for private clients.
ATOT provides a range of therapy services to support individuals with working towards their goals, capacity building and increasing meaning in one's life.
We are a Trauma aware, Neuro-affirming and evidenced based service. ATOT is focused on providing a trusting space for you to explore what's meaningful and develop skills to nurture your mind, body and spirit.
ATOT acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional custodians of the lands and water of the Kulin Nation; on whose country we live and work. We pay respect to their culture and elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to cultivating inclusive environments and relationships. ATOT respects, values and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.
ABOUT US
Alissa Terlich is our Founder and Mental Health Occupational Therapist
She has over 22 years experience working in public and private Mental Health services in both Australia and the UK.
Alissa is passionate about providing evidence informed and high quality OT services to individuals with a Psychosocial disability. She enjoys building strong therapeutic relationships with clients and fostering self advocacy. Alissa's interest areas include: sensory modulation and its role in enhancing participation and wellbeing of individuals; and working with individuals with complex trauma and ADHD.
Outside of work, Alissa enjoys sunshine, beach swims, lifting weights and travelling with her family.
Alissa is an accredited Occupational Therapist with the regulation body, AHPRA.
She has Medicare Better Access to Mental Health outcomes (BAMH) endorsement.
Currently Alissa sees clients face to face living in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne. She also offers telehealth for those living outside of this area.
Marieke Kersten, Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Marieke has been working as a Mental Health OT for 13 years and has worked across both public and private mental health settings. She offers a warm, person-centred, collaborative and empathetic therapeutic approach.
Marieke enjoys working with adults with a variety of diagnoses and has a particular interest in supporting AuDHD and other neurodivergent individuals as they explore a deeper understanding of themselves. Her approach focuses on increasing understanding of sensory preferences and building interoceptive awareness in order to respond to one's own needs.
Outside of work Marieke enjoys walking her dog, being with her family in nature, op shopping for books and attempting to bake sourdough.
She is an accredited Occupational Therapist with the regulation body, AHPRA.
Marieke currently sees clients in the Western suburbs of Melbourne or via telehealth.
Emily Zalitis, Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Emily has been working as an Occupational Therapist for 10 years and has specialised in Mental Health for the past 5 years. She completed a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health in 2023.
Emily is deeply passionate about being the voice for those experiencing mental health challenges and truly advocating for client needs across the NDIS space.
She is highly experienced in completing assessments for NDIS including FCA, Home and Living & NDIS access reports.
Emily enjoys working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, C-PTSD and bipolar affective disorder. She has a strong interest in the nervous system and its impacts on health and wellbeing.
Outside of work Emily enjoys practicing daily yoga and spending time outdoors in nature.
Emily is an accredited Occupational Therapist with the regulation body, AHPRA.
Emily offers assessments via telehealth and has current availability
WHAT TO EXPECT
ATOT offers an individualised and practical approach towards understanding a person's challenges and the impact of these on their ability to do what's important in their daily life.
Occupational Therapy is skills focused, using meaningful activities and environmental adaptations to enhance participation in life.
The initial consultation is an opportunity to begin to develop a trusting working relationship and when ready, set goals and collaborate on a plan moving forward.
Transparency with recommendations for evidence based interventions is offered in addition to regular evaluation of a person's progress in a collaborative, respectful and recovery focused way.
'In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way that their bodies interact with the world around them. Physical self awareness is the first step in releasing the tyranny of the past'
Bessel van der Kolk
Author of The Body Keeps the Score
SERVICES
Services offered include:
Functional Capacity Assessment
Home & Living Assessment
Sensory Assessment
Skill building with taking care of oneself (Self Care), meaningful contribution (Productivity) and participating in enjoyable activities (Leisure)
Supporting community connection and community access
Routine development
Building healthy relationships
Sensory Diet individualised plans
Emotional regulation
Vocational and pre-vocational support
Stress management and Distress tolerance training
Recommendation of Assistive Technology to support pursuit of goals
NDIS Plan review reports
Therapy modalities used:
Sensory Modulation
MOHO (Model of Human Occupation)
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
DBT informed (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
Mindfulness
Self Compassion
Interoception
Therapy is underpinned by Trauma Informed care, Polyvagal Theory & the Recovery framework.
