Bridging Minds Therapy Services

Get to know Bridging Minds Therapy Services

From Bridging Minds Therapy Services's website.

• Our approach

  Bridging Minds uses a family-centred approach to occupational therapy, believing that working closely with parents, siblings, carers, teachers and other professionals helps children reach their full potential. Sessions are professional, fun, innovative and creative, designed to give children tools and strategies to improve their quality of life in self-care, sensory-motor, leisure, play and social skills. The therapist tailors intervention to address each child's individual goals and needs through face-to-face sessions in home or school environments, combined with hands-on treatment and education. Telehealth services are also available when needed. Assessment uses a mix of standardised and non-standardised assessments, with functional therapeutic goals set in partnership with families to address their concerns.

• Working with families

  Parents are central to the therapy process at Bridging Minds. During assessment, families are given a chance to discuss any areas of concern and goals they would like to address with the therapist, and these are incorporated into the functional therapeutic goals. The therapist works closely with key people in the child's life—including parents, siblings, carers, teachers and other allied health professionals—to support the child in reaching their full potential. This family-centred approach ensures that therapy is coordinated with the important relationships and environments in the child's daily life.

• Meet the team

  The practice is led by Surabhi, a qualified Occupational Therapist fully registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with over 17 years of experience. She has worked in diverse settings across India, Singapore and Australia, specialising in sensory integration therapy, neurodevelopmental therapy, handwriting and feeding interventions. Her experience spans children aged 0–18 with mild to complex developmental, intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delays, learning disabilities, chromosomal disorders and cerebral palsy. She established her private practice in 2021 and provides mobile services throughout Western Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.

• Your first visit

  At the first appointment, the therapist assesses your child's skills to determine areas affecting their engagement, participation and performance in daily activities. The assessment may take place in your home or at school, using a range of standardised and non-standardised tests tailored to your child's needs. Following the assessment, functional therapeutic goals are set collaboratively with you as the parent, giving you a chance to address any areas of concern and goals important to your family. This family-centred approach ensures the therapy plan reflects both the therapist's professional observations and your priorities for your child.