PHYSICAL + PSYCHOSOCIAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Rachel Smyley

Originally from New Zealand, Rachel is a dedicated and down-to-earth occupational therapist who brings a holistic and practical approach to her work. She completed her Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) at Auckland University of Technology, following earlier certifications in Performance Nutrition Coaching and Exercise Consulting. This diverse foundation allows her to blend evidence-based therapy with a deep understanding of physical health, lifestyle balance, and goal setting.

Since moving to the sunny Gold Coast, Rachel has supported both paediatric and adult clients across clinic-based, telehealth, and outreach settings. She is passionate about helping individuals improve their daily functioning, build independence, and participate more meaningfully in home, work, and community life. Her experience includes completing functional assessments, managing high caseloads, and delivering clear, outcome-focused recommendations in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Warm, approachable, and client-centred, Rachel believes in creating personalised care plans that meet people where they are and empower them to reach their full potential both physically, emotionally, and socially.

When she’s not supporting clients, you’ll find Rachel enjoying the Gold Coast lifestyle — beach walks, sunshine, and time spent connecting with friends and family.

Please see Rachel’s clinical areas + availability below.

    • Paediatric Clients + Family Therapy

    • Adolescent + Adult Clients

    • Aged Care Clients

    • Neurological Disabilities

    • Psychosocial Disabilities

    • Physical Disabilities

    • Reporting: FCA, SDA, SIL, ILO

    • Home + Living Assessment

    • Aids + Equipment Prescription

    • School + Workplace Assessment

    • Disability Support Pension

    • Aged Care Report

    • Complex Developmental Intervention

    • Psychoeducation + Training - Carers, Parents, Teachers + Support Workers

    • Family Therapy

    • Play Based Therapy

    • Emotional, Sensory + Behavioural Regulation

    • Minor Home Modifications

    • Wheelchairs, 4WW, mobility scooters, seating, shower chairs, bed and mattress prescription

    • Falls prevention

    • Handwriting

    • Gross + Fine Motor Development

    • Stress + Burnout

    • Routine Development

    • Transition Support (i.e., School to University)

    • Sleep Hygiene + Fatigue Management

    • Memory + Cognition Support

    • Paediatric Milestone Development + Planning

    • Independence + Skill Development for Everyday Activities

    • Community Integration

    • Social Skill Development + Training

    • School + Workplace Development

    • Toileting + Incontinence Support

    • Motivational Interviewing

    • Paediatric Ages + Families

    • Teenagers & Adults

    • Psychosocial Conditions (i.e., Anxiety + Depression)

    • Neurological Conditions (i.e., Autism (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Psychological Condiitons (i.e., BPD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD))

    • Shame, Grief + Loss

    • Emotional Dysregulation

    • Self-Esteem + Confidence Issues

    • Adjustment Issues

    • Anger Issues

    • Indigenous Health

    • Sensory processing + Interoception Issues

    • LGBTQI+ support

    • Pervasive Drive for Autonomy/Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) + Declarative language

    • Self-care (sleep, eating, dressing, toileting,
      daily routines, life skills, independence)

    • Sensory processing + Interoception

    • Mood issues

    • Adjustment difficulties

    • Self-esteem + Confidence

    • School + Workplace Issues

    • Occupational + Vocational Issues

    • Stress + Burnout

    • Social Isolation + Friendship Issues

    • Pain Management

    • Interpersonal + Relationship Issues

  • Monday to Thursday

    8:00am to 6:30pm (after hours may be supported)

    Gold Coast

  • Full registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

    Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy), Auckland University

    Member of the Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA)

  • NDIS: Yes, Self + Plan Managed

    CTP Insurance: Yes

    Private Health: Yes

    Medicare: Yes

    Comcare: Yes

    Age: 4 +

Work with Rachel Today