I was fortunate to have occupational therapy pointed out to me by my brother who was studying medicine at the time,” Josephine says.
“My main interest in it was to help others. My personality and creative nature meant the career suited me.”
Josephine started with an occupational therapy degree and later completed a masters research degree. She has volunteered for The Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, taught at Deakin University and supervised La Trobe University students on placement.
In her work, Josephine helps children with special needs, and their families, using different therapeutic strategies and sensory-based therapy.
“Our goals are to develop the child’s potential for participating in life through use of fine and gross motor skills, postural abilities, cognition, attention and emotion.”
She sees children age two to adolescents, working on individual programs and group therapy sessions.
“My other interest is in the spirituality of children with special needs and how this impacts their development and requirements in therapy.
“The small group therapy sessions promote social interaction and understanding and target other skills in a fun, playful atmosphere.”
Josephine has a practice consulting with individual children and their families through therapy, assessments and building special relationships.
“I travel to the child’s school or kinder to assist others involved in their care and development.”
She says there are many benefits to her career.. “The rich personal relationships you develop with clients is of great importance.
“Being able to teach and encourage others as head of an occupational therapy department, and work as a mentor, have been enjoyable.”
Josephine is now undertaking a PhD in spirituality and occupational therapy and plans to write and present papers in this challenging area.
“It’s important to understand that occupational therapists don’t work only with children, and that it’s a complex area of work that needs dedication and lots of experience.
Outside of helping others, Josephine enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending church, gardening and exercising.
