Harbour View Health

Get to know Harbour View Health

From Harbour View Health's website.

• Our approach

  Sessions at Harbour View Health incorporate occupational therapy through a combination of physical, cognitive, and psychological exercises tailored to each child's individual needs. The therapists bring a creative flair to sessions and incorporate children's individual interests to make learning fun and engaging. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the philosophy centres on understanding that children develop at different rates—some need occasional support while others need a special combination of strategies tailored just right for them. Sessions are always held in the child's usual environments like home or school, so skills can be practiced in real life. The goal is to help children develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily activities, from fine and gross motor skills to functional abilities like eating, dressing, writing, and interacting with peers.

• Working with families

  Parent and caregiver involvement is central to therapy at Harbour View Health. The initial assessment includes an interview with the family to understand individual needs, and therapists provide parent or caregiver coaching so that skill-building can be continued outside of therapy sessions. The practice values empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions about their health, safety, and wellbeing. Regular communication ensures families understand the goals and can support their child's development in daily life.

• Meet the team

  Harbour View Health is founded and led by Melanie Cook, a passionate occupational therapist, and operates as a small, family-run practice. The team consists of experienced occupational therapists with years of practice who are proud to provide high-quality services. The therapists have extensive experience working with children, teenagers, and adults across a diverse range of conditions including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and physical or neurological disabilities. By keeping the practice small, they are able to provide consistent and individualised services to each family.

• Your first visit

  During an initial assessment, the therapist completes a range of standardised and non-standardised assessments to determine the underlying causes of any functional difficulties your child may be experiencing. This assessment includes an interview with both the child and their family to understand individual needs and goals. Following the assessment, the therapist makes recommendations tailored to your child's situation, which might include skill-building sessions, equipment items, or environmental modifications to support development. This thorough initial evaluation helps establish a clear picture of your child's abilities and informs the direction of ongoing therapy.