Anna McCauley Occupational Therapy

Get to know Anna McCauley Occupational Therapy

From Anna McCauley Occupational Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  Anna's therapy is play-based and developmentally appropriate, combining neuroscience and attachment-based strategies to help children manage big feelings and build confidence. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, sensory skills and school readiness through child-led play, with the therapist observing your child's everyday activities and interactions. Rather than just one session per week, the emphasis is on building your skills and confidence as a parent so strategies are woven into your child's whole week at home and preschool. Sessions are individualised to your priorities and may include creating calmer routines, nurturing social skills, setting up your home environment, or exploring how to support your child's specific needs. Parent coaching is included throughout, and you stay in the driver's seat, deciding what to focus on and trying strategies at your own pace.

• Working with families

  Anna works primarily with you as the parent rather than the child alone, keeping you in the driver's seat throughout. Sometimes she observes sessions with your child present to see their skills and interactions, and other times she guides you without them there so they don't hear themselves discussed. She welcomes working with both parents or other family members to ensure everyone is on the same page, and can offer flexibility with parent sessions after work or online for your convenience. Together you talk openly as a team about what's working and what isn't, discussing play, routines and strategies so you feel confident applying them across your child's whole week.

• Meet the team

  Anna McCauley is a paediatric Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience working with toddlers and preschoolers. She is registered with AHPRA (OCC0001719509), holds current NSW Working with Children Check, and is a member of Occupational Therapy Australia.

• Your first visit

  At a first appointment, you'll have a free 15-minute consult to discuss your child and your goals. If you proceed, an initial assessment follows where Anna talks with you about what you're noticing about your child and reflects on your concerns and priorities, taking a holistic view of the whole family. She'll observe your child during everyday activities and play to understand their skills, then you'll discuss and agree together on goals and practical techniques to try at home. Between sessions, you'll notice and apply what's working and what isn't, reviewing progress together at your next appointment and planning what to try next.