Occupational Therapy for Children, Young People, Families and Individuals

 

How Karena Works

Karena works alongside children, young people, adults and families in natural everyday settings, including home, clinic, community and learning environments. She supports parents caring for a child, as well as young people and adults managing day-to-day life, with a family-centred approach that encourages meaningful participation in daily activities.

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Therapy Approach and Support

Drawing on both occupational therapy and family systems perspectives, Karena supports children’s developmental needs and therapy goals within their family, home and community. She offers a welcoming space for therapy, individual counselling and small-group work, helping people work through challenges that feel stuck or difficult to shift.

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Occupational Therapy Sessions

Occupational therapy sessions are available on: 

• In-person or Telehealth on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Warragul Natural Health (Room 4)

• In-person home visits, school or other settings observation visits or Telehealth usually on a Thursday

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Occupational therapy includes:

• A phone call to explore if Karena can support your area of needs (unbilled)

• An Initial Appointment to understand more about you, your child and your family and areas of concern or needs

• Therapy Sessions

  • Goal-setting​

  • Assessments as needed including Sensory Profile-2, COPM, Beery VMI, Via Character Strengths Survey and more.

  • Individualised therapy sessions to support you and your child to reach for your potential.

  • Evaluation of goals, therapy, strategies, interventions, therapeutic relationship, availability etc.

  • Other setting observation visits (school, kinder etc.).

  • Collaboration with other Care Team (medical, allied health, school, case managers, support coordinators).

  • May include pauses in therapy sessions to allow space, growth and development, other therapies as needed.

  • Report writing as required.

• Duration of Therapy

  • weekly, fortnightly, monthly

  • varies according to needs, preferences and funding​

  • pauses in therapy during school holidays for child and family rest

  • regular evaluation of therapy needs and goals ensures a 'right fit' for you and your child

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Qualifications and Experience

• Karena has a background across family, health, education and community settings.

• Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts, General Registration Nursing Certificate, and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice.

• She has extensive experience supporting children with disabilities and learning difficulties in school settings.

• She brings 20 years of personal and professional experience in Family Systemic Constellation Work, including extensive study with Australian and international master facilitators.

• Her recent training includes Occupational Therapy CPD on sleep hygiene, food and eating, sensory integration, rhythms and routines, effects, signs and symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders ASD, ADHD, ID; Mark Wolynn’s, It Didn’t Start with You training, Holly Bridges’ Anxiety Reframe Technique (A.R.T.) brief training, Tilby Rose Blanch’s Therapist resourcing, Stephan Hausner’s Online Learning Circles, Francine Jorda’s Family Constellation Resources for Individual Practice and ongoing Supervision with Francine.

• Karena has attended many Intensives and Immersive, the latest being ANZCI 2026, where she met with international facilitators Maria Dolence (Australia and Slovenia), Bill Mannle (USA) and Raquel Schlosser (Mexico).

• She continues to engage in ongoing personal and professional development in both Occupational Therapy and Family Systemic Constellations.

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A Guiding Reflection

 

“Moments of heartfelt awareness help us transform our life’s challenges into our life’s gems.”

- Karena J Coller

 

Just as gems form under pressure, life’s challenges can shape resilience, depth, and strength. Each experience—whether difficult or transformative - refines who we become and reveals new possibilities.

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Getting Started

A complimentary 15-minute call is available to help you determine which option best suits your needs.

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Contact Karena

SMS: 0434 674 753

Email: karena@besidethesea.au

Explore pages here: www.besidethesea.au