Occupational Therapy
Build sustainable routines that support your
focus, energy and everyday roles.
Living with chronic illness means juggling more than most people realise.
You might be managing work, study, caregiving or community roles, all while trying to care for a body that doesn’t always cooperate and a brain that’s working overtime just to keep up.
You’re doing your best to hold it all together, but routines fall apart, and pacing advice doesn’t always translate into real life. It’s hard to find support that truly understands both your body and your life.
At Zebras Australia, we understand how difficult it can be to find practitioners who truly get what it means to live with a rare, chronic or complex condition. You deserve care that meets you where you are, and works with your mindbody, not against it.
Find out more...
"Maybe I just need to try harder..."
We hear this a lot from people who’ve internalised the message that their symptoms are a personal failing. But the truth is: your challenges aren’t due to lack of willpower or motivation.
Your nervous system, environment and daily demands all interact in complex ways—and occupational therapy can help you make sense of that picture. At Zebras, we look beyond quick fixes. Together, we explore compassionate, sustainable ways to support your body, brain and roles—without compromising who you are.
Your nervous system, environment and daily demands all interact in complex ways—and occupational therapy can help you make sense of that picture. At Zebras, we look beyond quick fixes. Together, we explore compassionate, sustainable ways to support your body, brain and roles—without compromising who you are.
Imagine having the freedom to focus on what matters most to you.
Picture yourself going about your day with confidence, supported by care thoughtfully tailored to your unique needs.
At Zebras Australia, our team work with you to expand your capacity and move towards a life that feels big, full and bright.
Picture yourself going about your day with confidence, supported by care thoughtfully tailored to your unique needs.
At Zebras Australia, our team work with you to expand your capacity and move towards a life that feels big, full and bright.
who are we?
We are an audacious Australian healthcare organisation supporting people with rare, chronic and complex conditions — and the practitioners who walk alongside them.
We’ve supported thousands of people on their journey, and we would be honoured to do the same for you.
We’ve supported thousands of people on their journey, and we would be honoured to do the same for you.
what is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy supports you to engage more fully in the activities that bring meaning to your life—whether that’s working, parenting, resting, socialising or simply getting through the day.
At Zebras, our occupational therapists understand the intersecting challenges of living with chronic illness, neurodivergence and fluctuating capacity. We take the time to hear your story, explore what matters to you, and create practical, flexible strategies that support your wellbeing.
Co-created by you and your occupational therapist, our care plans are designed to:
It’s about more than managing tasks. It’s about making life feel more livable, one gentle step at a time.
At Zebras, our occupational therapists understand the intersecting challenges of living with chronic illness, neurodivergence and fluctuating capacity. We take the time to hear your story, explore what matters to you, and create practical, flexible strategies that support your wellbeing.
Co-created by you and your occupational therapist, our care plans are designed to:
- Develop pacing routines and rest strategies that actually work
- Navigate executive function challenges like memory, planning and focus
- Manage sensory overload and create supportive environments
- Explore tools, supports or equipment to make daily life more sustainable
- Advocate for your needs in work, study or healthcare settings
- Reclaim identity and confidence in the roles that matter to you
It’s about more than managing tasks. It’s about making life feel more livable, one gentle step at a time.
Occupational therapy can support with:
- Executive function challenges such as memory, planning, time management or task initiation
- Energy management and pacing strategies for fluctuating symptoms like fatigue or pain
- Designing supportive daily routines that reflect your values, capacity and roles
- Sensory processing needs, including overwhelm, shutdown or overstimulation
- Creating or adapting environments (home, work, study) to better fit your mindbody needs
- Exploring tools, equipment or low-effort solutions to increase comfort, access and autonomy
- Building self-advocacy skills and confidence in communicating your needs
- Reconnecting with the activities, roles or identities that may have felt out of reach
- Navigating occupational imbalance—when rest, productivity and play feel out of sync
- Finding ways to feel more at ease in your body, your space and your everyday routines
Want to get your occupational therapy journey underway?
Book your discovery call here...
Three ingredients we consider essential for supporting our community. Our occupational therapist has made a conscious choice to support those with rare, chronic and complex conditions. We are tertiary-trained, and proudly integrate new science with old wisdom into our approach. We acknowledge that science is a moving frontier and are committed to furthering our understanding and sharing new discoveries with you along the way.
Knowledge, passion and experience
Trauma is a fundamental human experience, and our occupational therapist is sensitive to the needs of those who experience this in an ongoing way. We have carefully considered our space and offering to feel inclusive and nurturing for all brains and minds, as well as complimenting trauma therapies with our own unique approach.
Trailblazing trauma-informed care
To heal is to become whole, and you are more than your diagnoses to us. There is an intimacy in our work, as we endeavour to know you as a person, your stories, experiences and aspirations. Our occupational therapist creates individualised plans integrating nervous system support, sensory awareness and practical tools for daily life.
We see you as a whole
What makes occupational therapy at Zebras different?
what can I expect?
At Zebras, our consultations are designed to meet you where you are at. Here’s what you can expect…
Curious about how occupational therapy at Zebras can support you?
- A mindful start... Each session begins with an intentional check-in to help you settle, reconnect with your body and ease into the space.
- Co-creating an agenda… We co-create an agenda for the session based on your priorities and capacity on the day. Whether we're building on a longer-term goal or troubleshooting a specific challenge, we move at a pace that works for you.
- Analysing activities… We’ll look closely at the tasks or routines that are feeling hard, identifying what’s getting in the way and exploring ways to adapt or modify them with intention.
- Managing your energy… We'll guide you through energy conservation tools, pacing techniques, sensory regulation supports or executive functioning strategies, always tailored to your life.
- Creating resources... We can help you to design a checklist, visual schedule or support plan to help you engage in specific activities or roles more easily.
- Exploring tools and equipment... We can suggest tools or low-effort supports to make daily life feel more accessible, comfortable or manageable.
- Future planning… At the close of each session, we’ll reflect on what felt supportive and decide on next steps together, whether that’s refining a strategy, introducing a new tool or simply allowing space to integrate.
- Take-home support… Depending on the focus of your session, we can offer optional take-home resources to support you day-to-day.
- Collaborative care… With your consent, we collaborate with your broader circle of care to ensure everyone is working in alignment with your needs.
Reach out to our client experience team here...
Zebras Australia is a private clinic and a fee for service applies. The following sessions are available virtually:
- Initial Occupational Therapy Consultation (80 minutes) $370.00
- Long Occupational Therapy Consultation (50 minutes) $220.00
what are the associated costs?
frequently asked questions
If you're looking for support that helps you build a more sustainable way of being in the world, occupational therapy could be a great fit.
Occupational therapy is especially helpful if you’re:
- Living with chronic illness and navigating persistent symptoms like pain or fatigue
- Managing executive functioning challenges such as memory, planning, time management or task initiation
- Experiencing sensory overload, shutdown or difficulty regulating your environment
- Feeling overwhelmed by everyday routines, or unsure how to balance rest, work, self-care and connection
- Wanting to participate more fully in the roles that matter to you—whether that’s parenting, studying, working or simply getting through the day
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to access care with us. if your symptoms are impacting your everyday life, we’re here to help.
Your first consultation—an extended 80-minute session with our occupational therapist—is all about creating a safe, supportive space to begin understanding your story.
We’ll start with an open conversation about what’s brought you to Zebras. You’ll be invited to share about your daily routines, relevant diagnoses, life roles and the challenges you’re currently facing—whether that’s fatigue, executive overload, sensory overwhelm or difficulty balancing the demands of everyday life.
Together, we’ll explore the occupations that matter most to you—things like rest, work, caregiving, self-care and play—and identify the barriers that are getting in the way. Using a structured self-assessment, we’ll begin to prioritise focus areas and set some early goals that feel manageable and aligned with your values.
This first session lays the groundwork for care that’s flexible, collaborative and paced to suit your needs. With your consent, your occupational therapist can also connect with your broader support team—within or outside Zebras—so your care feels integrated and well-supported.
Above all, this is a space where your experience is valid, your pace is respected, and all parts of you are welcome.
We’ll start with an open conversation about what’s brought you to Zebras. You’ll be invited to share about your daily routines, relevant diagnoses, life roles and the challenges you’re currently facing—whether that’s fatigue, executive overload, sensory overwhelm or difficulty balancing the demands of everyday life.
Together, we’ll explore the occupations that matter most to you—things like rest, work, caregiving, self-care and play—and identify the barriers that are getting in the way. Using a structured self-assessment, we’ll begin to prioritise focus areas and set some early goals that feel manageable and aligned with your values.
This first session lays the groundwork for care that’s flexible, collaborative and paced to suit your needs. With your consent, your occupational therapist can also connect with your broader support team—within or outside Zebras—so your care feels integrated and well-supported.
Above all, this is a space where your experience is valid, your pace is respected, and all parts of you are welcome.
You don’t need a referral to book an occupational therapy session at Zebras. However, if you'd like to access a Medicare rebate, you’ll need a referral and a Chronic Disease Management Care Plan from your GP.
Without one, you’re still very welcome to access support as a private client or through private health insurance (depending on your cover).
Without one, you’re still very welcome to access support as a private client or through private health insurance (depending on your cover).
Absolutely. We believe in whole-person care, and many of our clients benefit from working across disciplines.
With your consent, your occupational therapist can collaborate with your other practitioners at Zebras to ensure your care is integrated, supportive and aligned with your goals.
With your consent, your occupational therapist can collaborate with your other practitioners at Zebras to ensure your care is integrated, supportive and aligned with your goals.
Services provided by our occupational therapist may be covered by private health insurance, attract a Medicare rebate or be funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Please see our frequently asked questions for more details on financial assistance.
Please see our frequently asked questions for more details on financial assistance.
If you are interested in accessing occupational therapy at Zebras Australia, please complete this preliminary questionnaire and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
