Find Support
You don't need to figure this out on your own.Dealing with chronic or complex health conditions can be overwhelming, with numerous aspects to consider and manage.
I believe anyone navigating health challenges or struggling with pain or fatigue deserves support. With the right support, you can feel confident when it comes to managing your health, you can feel more connected to your body, and can return to doing the things that bring joy and meaning to life.
My approach is grounded in research, movement, and neuroscience, helping you to find hope, healing, and resilience.
A Little Bit About Me
I have always loved movement.
I first discovered pilates through ballet, and it made all the difference. I developed a new understanding of movement, felt more connected to my body, and so much stronger. This experience lead me to start my pilates teacher training.
From group mat to reformer classes and athlete training, I've had the opportunity to teach pilates in many different forms. Yet, it's the therapeutic aspect of Pilates that truly inspires me. Pilates is an incredible modality for supporting people who have been battling with pain or chronic illness.
An integrated approach.
When I decided to further my studies, I was drawn to Occupational Therapy because of its holistic approach. It combines both physical rehabilitation and mental health, empowering individuals to thrive in their everyday lives.
Occupational Therapy is an incredibly broad profession and I have had the privilege of working across diverse settings, from intensive care to paediatrics and neurological rehabilitation. While I have enjoyed all of these experiences, I have learnt that the part of OT that lights me up is providing support and guidance for people who want to invest in their sense of everyday wellbeing.
With Return to Life I have been able to combine my love of movement and pilates with insights from Occupational Therapy in order to support people navigating health challenges as they move through life.
I love learning, research & teaching.
This is probably why I enjoy working with complex conditions. I feel honoured to be trusted by people who have struggled to find answers when it comes to looking after their health and count it an immense privilege to be able share the knowledge I have gained with other providers.
Qualifications
BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Cape Town
MSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Cape Town Exploring Resilience in Everyday Life
Postgraduate Certificate in Pain Management through Train Pain Academy
BASI Matwork & Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training
Guiding Principles
Wellness & Quality of Life
Healing and recovery is about being able to return to doing the things that bring your life meaning & joy.
Curiosity
An inquisitive approach to understanding yourself, movement, health & everyday wellbeing.
Research Grounding
An approach that is rooted in neuroscience and occupational science.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
A supportive space where you can come as you are because movement & recovery should be available to everyone.
Collaboration
Collaborating with you and your other healthcare providers to support your unique recovery journey.
About the Name
My work as an Occupational Therapist is about supporting people in everyday life.
Return to Life through Contrology is the name of a book by Joseph Pilates that details the original 34 pilates matwork exercises and some of his philosophy about movement, health, and life.
The name Return to Life captured the combination of OT and pilates perfectly.
Movement Based
Occupational Therapy
Why Combine OT & Pilates?
The aim of Occupational Therapy is to support everyday wellbeing. Our everyday lives are made up of movement.
Movement is a powerful modality for therapy. It helps us feel connected to our bodies, more present in the moment, and more comfortable in our own skin.
Movement practices bring together body and mind in the same way that OT addresses both physical and mental wellbeing.
The combination of OT and pilates addresses mind and body and can help you find greater ease in movement and in everyday life.
“Change happens through movement & movement heals.”
— Joseph Pilates