Greenhouse Health Hub really values working with people on what is important to them. Whether it be gaining employment or enrolling in education, taking up surfing or rock climbing, meeting new friends and re/learning how to socialise, improving self care or even working on sleep. Our occupational therapists are keen to help out, and will ensure that you’ll have fun in the process.
John is a 10 year old boy with a diagnosis of ASD Level 1, generalised anxiety and behavioural issues. He was engaged heavily in gaming and screen time to the detriment of his basic self care tasks and activities of daily living. He had limited interests beyond his games, Netflix and YouTube. When his parents tried to set limits around his gaming John would lose control of his emotions, act out and start smashing things.
After rapport building, John decided to join his Greenhouse therapist and surf instructor for some surfing lessons. Through surfing John explored and challenged certain sensory difficulties including sand and tight fitting clothes (rashie) in a safe manner. He was gradually exposed to anxiety provoking situations and was equipped by his therapist to explore and use coping strategies in real time. He learned mindfulness and being present with the ocean. He learned that emotions, like waves can feel big and powerful, but with time they pass. He learned that emotions and waves can take you away, but you don’t have to catch every wave. He learned to allow emotions and waves to pass him by. John improved his core strength, gross motor, fine motor and motor planning skills. John developed a new interest beyond gaming and developed a weekly routine around his surf lessons. This new interest and new found confidence through a sense of mastery allowed him to start exploring new activities to fill his week with around school such as mountain biking and Dungeons and Dragons. John no longer watches YouTube and games once a week as per his parents request.
Edward is a 22 year old man who has experienced his first episode of psychosis. The experience had rattled him and he struggled with motivation and he complained of having a foggy brain. He dropped out of Uni and lost his part time job. His sleep was poor and his mood had been really low. His medication made him sedated and he had gained a lot of weight. Leading into his episode he became increasingly paranoid, smoked more cannabis than usual and withdrew from his social groups and hobbies.
He met with Greenhouse who discussed the loss of Occupation contributing to to his low mood, poor sleep, foggy brain and motivation. He worked with them to identify that his time use currently was mostly sedentary and unrewarding. He worked with them on scheduling previously enjoyed hobbies and exploring new adventure sports. Gradually his mood improved and confidence returned. He found that he was making new and healthier relationships through shared activities. His weight returned to a healthy range through exercise, sleep routine and healthier food choices. As he had returned to organising his time use he easily transitioned into new part time employment and is currently enrolled to start a new course next semester.
Em is a 23 year old gender fluid person who has a passion for art and their job at the Animal Welfare League. They have had two major depressive episodes and the most recent one culminated in loss of relationships, loss of employment and finally an attempt on their life. With input from the Greenhouse Therapist and wider treating team, Em’s mood continued to improve as they returned to meaningful activities. Em was able to recognise the dark place they were in, and wanted to avoid going back there.
Em set a goal with Greenhouse to develop a relapse prevention plan. Together Em and the therapist explored triggers, ways to stay well generally, early warning signs and tested evidence based strategies for the early warning signs. This is a dynamic document that changes and grows over time. When Em checks the relapse prevention plan each week, they check their list of early warning signs. If they have had early warning signs that week, they use the corresponding strategy to improve their mood. The tool has given them the confidence to take control of their mental health and well being.
Megan is a 19 year old woman who’s anxiety saw her avoiding social outings with friends, sleeping all the time though still being tired, losing weight and eventually she would only leave the house for work. She was referred to Greenhouse by her parents. Megan was reluctant to engage at first, though as she didn’t need to leave the house she was agreeable. Greenhouse used a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and behavioural activation to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. She was able to start seeing select friends at different times within a week and within 2 months had plans for moving into a flat with her old school mate.
The Greenhouse therapist assisted her to identify the skills needed for living independently through a Living Skills assessment. The pair then set about learning budgeting, shopping and cooking skills through weekly therapy sessions. She can now independently prepare six healthy affordable meals from six different countries, has started compiling her own cook book and has saved enough for the bond payment for her new rental.
Jerem was recommended to me by a psychologist and from the first contact I felt confident that he was best suited in helping my son. My son warmed to him easily and looks forward to his sessions. I find the sessions constructive and well thought out with a game plan on helping him. One session he had my son actually standing up on a surfboard which I was shocked. Jerem actually cares for his clients. Highly recommended.
Daniel R
Jerem’s professionalism in completing a Functional Assessment for my teenager was extremely easy and was really helpful in the NDIS process
Natalie C
As a supervisor, Jerem utilises his encyclopaedia type knowledge to guide you in identifying your own areas for improvement, and develop strategies for upskilling. He provides a safe and non-judgemental space to debrief, problem solve and critically reflect on practise. Jerem has been key in my professional development as a social worker over the last 3 years.
He’s a fully sick goofball, book in with him now.
You won’t regret it.
Danielle Price
Jerem was incredible at explaining all the content, providing adequate examples that were relatable and easy to understand. He also had an element of humour that was appropriate but kept the engagement high within the large group and heavy content. He had great energy and an endearing demeanour. He made the course enjoyable and was clearly very passionate about the mission.
Jerem is a wealth of knowledge and it is clear to see he is passionate about his work. He was easy to understand, entertaining and made sure we all understood what we needed to know. The course was so very informative. Jerem had no hesitation in going off script if we had questions and covered a vast amount of information.
Jerem has been an enormous support in my development as a clinician and without him I wouldn’t be in the senior position that I hold today. In the supervisory space, he skilfully provides a balance between support and challenge to help you meet your professional development goals. I highly recommend his training, supervision and clinical services to anyone that is looking for a brilliant occupational therapist on the Gold Coast.
Jenna Morgan
Jerem has a really great down to earth vibe and an open book. He gave us real life examples and gave extra support and information on specific areas in which we were interested in or needed extra guidance. He pushed us to think deeper and gave simple but effective strategies to implement into out lives and workplace. Would definitely recommend and use him again for more training and education.
Nov 16 - 17, 2023 Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Registration Closed
March 14 - 15, 2024 Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Registration Open