Shannon Gilbert

Shannon graduated from Curtin University with a BSc (Occupational Therapy) in 2002 and has worked as an OT in predominantly adult community and inpatient mental health settings, with both individuals and groups. Shannon has skills and experience in OT assessment and intervention with clients experiencing psychosocial disability, and clients with neurodevelopmental diagnoses. She uses a trauma-informed, person-centred and strengths-based approach. Shannon aims to build rapport with all clients based on the individual’s interests, communication style and goals, to optimise outcomes for therapy. 

While Shannon works with a wide range of clients with varied levels of function and diverse goals, her particular areas of interest include skills training in emotional regulation through sensory strategies, development of interoceptive awareness, and mindfulness skills training. She believes that targeting these skills is an important foundation for achieving longer term goals. She has training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and regularly draws on this modality, as well as basic principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, in supporting clients. Shannon applies her training together with her personal experience of implementing evidence-based techniques to support people to maintain mental wellness, implement gradual steps towards longer-term meaningful functional outcomes, and enhance overall quality of life. 

Previously when raising a young family Shannon took a break from OT to work in the volunteer services sector, coordinating and supporting volunteers to achieve meaningful and rewarding outcomes for clients, She also worked in the sleep industry, in the assessment and treatment of clients with Sleep Apnea, and understands the importance of establishing good sleep hygiene in promoting mental health.

Shannon is registered with AHPRA and is a member of OT Australia and has a commitment to ongoing professional development. She enjoys the diverse and varied role of supporting clients of all backgrounds and abilities as an Occupational Therapist. 

Outside of work Shannon enjoys travel and has lived overseas for 3 years; studying in France, working as an OT in the UK, and teaching English in Poland. She also loves the simplicity of a South West beach holiday or farmstay with her husband and kids. Shannon regularly attends meditation classes and retreats based on teachings from wisdom traditions, to better understand the wide-ranging benefits and application of mindfulness from a first-person perspective.