What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 7pm Tuesday 9am - 7pm Wednesday 9am - 7pm Thursday 9am - 7pm Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, 39 Henry Street, Leichhardt, Sydney (2026)

25/06/2023

Navigating behavioural issues can be a challenging journey for both parents and children. 👩‍👦‍👦🌈

Does your child struggle with behaviours such as:

😢 Frequent temper tantrums or meltdowns

🔍 Difficulty focusing or paying attention

🌙💤 Inconsistent sleep patterns

👥 Difficulty with social interactions

💨 Hyperactivity or impulsiveness

These behaviours can often be a sign of an underlying issue like ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder. But remember, these challenges don't define your child. They're just part of their unique journey.🌻🌿

While each child is different, there are a few strategies that can be helpful for managing challenging behaviors:

- Consistent Routine: Having a structured daily routine can help children understand what to expect and reduce anxiety or resistance.⏰📚

- Clear Communication: Explain expectations, potential consequences, and rewards clearly and consistently. 💬👂

- Sensory Safe Space: Create a calm, comforting space where your child can go when they feel overwhelmed or anxious to help them reset.🌈🏠

- Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward good behaviour. This can motivate children to repeat those behaviours in the future.🌟

At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, we believe in the power of understanding, patience, and consistency in dealing with behavioral issues. Our therapists are equipped with tools and strategies to guide your child towards better behaviour management.👩‍⚕️💚

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're here to provide support and resources every step of the way. 🤝🌼

22/06/2023

The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be both an exciting and challenging time in one's life. It's often referred to as 'emerging adulthood' – a period of life where individuals explore their identity, independence, and take on new responsibilities. 🔄🌱

However, for those with mental health concerns, this period can present unique challenges. The symptoms of mental health issues can make it difficult to navigate this complex stage of life, with its changing roles and responsibilities, and evolving social dynamics.

Often, these challenges can be intensified due to several factors such as:

1. The changing brain: The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotion regulation. This can make managing mental health conditions even more complex. 🧠🔄
2. Increased responsibility: The shift towards more independence can be overwhelming, particularly when managing a mental health condition. Tasks such as time management, budgeting, and maintaining a home can feel daunting. 🏡⏰
3. Societal pressure: There can be a societal expectation to 'have it all figured out' by a certain age. This pressure can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, particularly if one is struggling with the other aspects of transitioning into adulthood. 🌍🏃‍♀️

At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, we understand the unique challenges of this transitional period. As occupational therapists, we work to support individuals in developing the skills they need to succeed as an adult, focusing on areas such as executive functioning (like planning and decision-making), social skills, and managing responsibilities. 🛠🎯

It's important to remember that everyone moves at their own pace, and there's no set timeline you need to adhere to. There is strength in seeking support, and with the right tools and strategies, navigating this transition can become a manageable, even empowering, journey. 🚶‍♀️💪

21/06/2023

Occupational Therapy is more than just fine motor skills and handwriting, especially when it comes to adolescents. At Brain Seed, we understand that teenagers, particularly those who are neurodiverse, need a more comprehensive approach.

Why? Because OT should resonate with the individual's unique life situation.

Teens often feel disconnected when treatment plans don't align with their personal needs, interests, and goals; when therapy seems to focus more on childhood skills rather than the skills and capacities they aspire to develop as emerging adults.

This can lead to feelings of being condescended to, or of being treated as immature, which in turn can create a barrier to effective therapy.

When therapy plans seem irrelevant or disconnected from a teenager's reality, it's easy to understand why they might feel disengaged or resist participation. Yet, this time of life is crucial for developing the functional abilities and coping strategies they will need as they transition to adulthood.

That's why at Brain Seed, we prioritize listening and understanding the individual needs and desires of our adolescent clients.

We aim to create a therapeutic environment where they feel recognised and empowered, leading to more effective, engaging, and meaningful therapy sessions.

We believe OT should empower teens, not limit them.

That's why our treatment plans go beyond the conventional. We offer:

- Life Skills Training: From time management to budgeting, we teach skills that boost independence and confidence.

- Social Skills Coaching: We help adolescents navigate complex social landscapes, improving communication and building meaningful relationships.

- Mental Health Support: Our team provides strategies to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

- Career and Vocational Guidance: We assist with the transition to work or further education, including strategies for job applications, interviews, and coping with workplace dynamics.

- Healthy Habits and Self-Care: We help in establishing routines for physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and personal hygiene, crucial for overall health and well-being.

- Executive Functioning Skills: Improving abilities such as organisation, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

- Technology Skills: Guiding teens in the digital age, from computer literacy to safe and responsible online behavior.

- Sensory Regulation: Providing strategies and interventions to help manage sensory sensitivities and improve processing.

At Brain Seed, we're more than just OT – we're a partner in our client's journey toward independence, confidence, and fulfillment.

To learn more about our approach, visit our website: www.brainseed.com.au

21/06/2023

Does it ever feel like you're stuck in the mud, no matter how hard you try to move forward in therapy? It's a common experience - you're attending sessions regularly, taking prescribed medications, but still feeling as if you're not making any progress. This stagnation can lead to frustration and a sense of hopelessness. 🔄😕

But remember, recovery isn't a straight line. There will be ups and downs, and periods of slow progress don't mean you're failing. It's part of the journey.

At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, we understand this struggle. Our approach includes:

1. Personalised Care: We tailor our interventions to meet your unique needs and goals. 🛠🎯
2. Empathy and Validation: We acknowledge your feelings and experiences, providing a supportive environment. 🤝💖
3. Progress Evaluation: We continually review and adjust your therapy plan to ensure it's working for you. 🔄📈
4. Empowerment: We work to strengthen your self-efficacy, reinforcing that you have the ability to influence your own recovery. 💪🚀

We're here to help you navigate through the highs and lows, the fast and slow periods, and the ups and downs of your journey towards improved mental health. And remember, it's okay to move at your own pace. 🐢🐇

20/06/2023

Social anxiety - it's more than just shyness or a fear of public speaking. It's a persistent fear of social situations, a worry about embarrassment, or a fear of being judged. For those with social anxiety, everyday interactions can feel overwhelming and lead to avoidance of social situations. 👥⁠
⁠
It can impact various aspects of life, from work and education to personal relationships. Yet, it's essential to remember that help is available and improvement is possible.⁠
⁠
This is where Mental Health Occupational Therapy (MHOT) comes into play. At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, our approach includes:⁠
⁠
1. Skill-building: We help develop coping strategies and social skills to handle anxiety-provoking situations. 🛠🧘‍♀️⁠
2. Environment adaptation: We assist in identifying and modifying anxiety-inducing aspects of your surroundings. 🏡🏢⁠
3. Activity modification: We support you in breaking down tasks and social interactions into manageable parts. 🗂👥⁠
4. Supporting self-understanding: We help you better understand your unique experiences and reactions. 💭📚⁠
⁠
Through MHOT, we aim to empower those experiencing social anxiety, helping them to engage more confidently with the world around them and lead fulfilling lives. We're here to support you every step of the way on your journey to better mental health. 🤝⁠
⁠

20/06/2023

Trauma doesn't just leave emotional scars, it can also lead to physical changes in the brain. Specifically, it can affect the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for our executive functions – those higher-level cognitive skills that enable us to navigate daily life. 🧠

When a traumatic event occurs, our body's stress response goes into overdrive, flooding the brain with cortisol. Over time, this can actually shrink the prefrontal cortex, while amplifying the amygdala, our brain's fear center. The result? An imbalance that can disrupt our ability to think clearly, make decisions, and regulate emotions. 😰

As a result of this neurological shift, individuals may experience several types of executive dysfunction, including:

1. Impulsivity: Acting on a whim without considering the consequences. ⏭
2. Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks, conversations, or reading. 📚💬
3. Problems with Organisation: Finding it hard to manage time, space, or work. ⏰🗂
4. Trouble with Planning and Prioritising: Challenges in foreseeing outcomes or setting goals. 📅🎯
5. Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty controlling or appropriately expressing emotions. 😢😠

At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, we understand the deep connection between trauma and executive functioning. We take a trauma-informed approach to therapy, providing strategies to help manage these challenges and promote resilience. 🛠🌱

We focus on practical techniques to improve organisational skills, enhance focus, regulate emotions, and facilitate decision-making. We're dedicated to supporting each individual's unique journey to improved daily functioning and overall wellbeing. 🤝

19/06/2023

Did you know? According to the groundbreaking ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study, nearly two-thirds of participants reported at least one ACE, and more than one in five reported three or more ACEs. This study shone a light on the widespread nature of trauma and its profound, long-lasting impacts on health and wellbeing. 🌿🧠

With these findings, 'trauma-informed practice' becomes even more vital in occupational therapy. It's all about understanding, recognising, and responding to all types of trauma. It's about creating a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for clients who have experienced trauma.

At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, we integrate trauma-informed care principles into our daily work. Here's how:

1. Safety: We focus on creating a safe space where clients feel at ease to express themselves. 🏠
2. Trustworthiness & Transparency: We believe in open communication about the therapy process. 👥
3. Peer Support: We foster crucial peer support systems that help cultivate safety and hope. 💪
4. Collaboration & Mutuality: We view therapy as a partnership, working alongside our clients. 🤝
5. Empowerment: We acknowledge and build on our clients' experiences and strengths. 🚀

Being trauma-informed means recognising the profound impacts of trauma and creating a therapy space that supports safety, choice, and control. In the wake of the ACE Study, we understand that everyone's healing journey is unique, and we're here to accompany you every step of the way.

19/06/2023

Embarking on a journey of healing and self-discovery with the right therapist can be a transformative experience.

But finding that perfect match? It can feel like a journey itself.

At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, we recognise the importance of a good therapist-client match. To assist you, we've put together a 7-step guide to help you discover your ideal therapist:

1. Identify Your Needs: Understand the challenges you're facing and what you hope to achieve through therapy.
2. Research Their Approach: Understand your potential therapist's methods and specialties to see if they align with your needs.
3. Check Credentials: Ensure they're licensed and trained in the areas relevant to your challenges.
4. Communicate Openly: Be honest about your expectations, fears, and concerns in therapy.
5. Observe Your Comfort Level: Gauge if you feel safe, heard, and respected during your sessions.
6. Trust Your Gut: Sometimes, your intuition can guide you towards whether a therapist feels 'right'.
7. Give It Time: A good therapeutic relationship often develops over time.

Remember, finding the right fit might take time, and that's okay. At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, we're here to support you on this journey, because everyone deserves the right help on their path to wellness.

18/06/2023

In the realm of mental health, stigma often casts a long and intimidating shadow. This stigma can take many forms: Public Stigma, where society discriminates against individuals with mental health disorders; Self-Stigma, where individuals internalise these public attitudes and start to feel shame; and Label Avoidance, where people avoid mental health care to prevent being labeled as 'mentally ill.'🌱

Imagine this: A bright uni student named Jake has been grappling with unexplained feelings of constant worry and fear. He struggles to concentrate, has trouble sleeping, and often feels his heart racing for no apparent reason. He's aware something's off, but he dreads seeking help.

Why?

Because he fears being labeled, being seen as 'weak' or 'unstable'. He's afraid of the judgement that might come from friends, family, and even professors if they found out he's seeking mental health support.

This is the power of stigma. It can freeze us in our tracks, and prevent us from seeking the help we need.

At Brain Seed Occupational Therapy, we understand the harmful effects of stigma and we're here to fight against it. Here's what we're doing:

1. Creating a safe, judgement-free space for therapy.
2. Promoting mental health education and awareness in our communities.
3. Encouraging open conversations about mental health in our social networks.
4. Advocating for policies that promote mental health inclusivity.
5. Providing resources and support for individuals and families affected by mental health disorders.

We believe in a world where anyone, including Jake, can seek help without fear of judgement. We're here to provide a safe, supportive space for everyone. Because no one should have to navigate the path of mental health alone. 🧠✨

Help us break the stigma. Let's create a world where mental health is addressed with compassion and understanding.

Therapy

01/06/2023

"Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding." - Robert John Meehan.

At Brain Seed OT, we see the potential in every child. Let's unlock it together! 💪

01/06/2023

At Brain Seed OT, we use assistive tech to enhance sensory processing. Here are some tools we use:

🛋️ Vibrating Cushions: Provide calming sensory input, aiding children with difficulties sitting still.

🧶 Therapy Balls: These tools help improve balance, body awareness, and coordination.

🎧 Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Create a quieter environment for kids sensitive to sound.

💡 Smart Lighting: Allows for control over light intensity and colour, which can help soothe and focus.

🌈 Bubble Tubes: Captivating and calming, these engage visual processing.

🤗 Weighted Blankets: Offering deep pressure input, these blankets can promote a sense of security and calm.

Remember, every child is unique and so is their sensory experience. At Brain Seed OT, we aim to tailor our strategies to each child's individual needs.

31/05/2023

🧠 Sensory processing: it's a complex function, key to how we interact with the world.

This process enables our brain to receive, interpret, and react to sensory information from our surroundings through seven sensory systems:

👀 Visual (Sight)
👂 Auditory (Sound)
✋ Touch
👅 Taste
👃 Smell
💃 Vestibular (Balance and Movement)
💪 Proprioception (Body Awareness)

Why crucial for kids and teens? Let's take an example: when a teenager listens to a teacher in class, their auditory system sends sensory data to the brain. The brain processes this info, enabling them to comprehend the content and respond appropriately. This is sensory processing in action. 🎧

Sensory processing supports growth, development, learning, and social-emotional wellbeing in children and teens.

But some might face sensory processing issues, causing over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sensory stimuli. This can lead to challenges in daily interactions.

At Brain Seed OT, we tailor strategies and interventions to help kids and teens improve sensory processing, promoting effective interaction with their world. 🌍

Brain Seed Occupational Therapy

25/06/2023

22/06/2023

21/06/2023

21/06/2023

20/06/2023

20/06/2023

19/06/2023

19/06/2023

18/06/2023

01/06/2023

01/06/2023

31/05/2023

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	9am - 7pm
Tuesday	9am - 7pm
Wednesday	9am - 7pm
Thursday	9am - 7pm
Friday	9am - 7pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm