About Grounded Connection Therapy
Grounded Connection Therapy provides personalised occupational therapy for adolescents and adults across the Colac Otway Shire and surrounding communities.
Services are tailored to each participant's individual goals and are available in the home, community, or through equine and animal-assisted occupational therapy. We work collaboratively with participants, families and support networks to develop practical strategies that enhance participation in everyday activities, promote independence, and support long-term outcomes.
Whether the goal is developing daily living skills, improving emotional regulation, increasing community participation, or building confidence, therapy is individualised, evidence-informed and focused on what matters most to each participant.
Our Story
Grounded Connection Therapy was created from a desire to provide occupational therapy that feels personal, flexible and genuinely participant-focused.
After spending more than 12 years working within the disability sector as a support worker, therapy assistant and Occupational Therapist, I saw the value of taking the time to truly understand each person's goals, strengths and aspirations. I wanted to create a practice where therapy could be delivered in environments that felt comfortable and meaningful, while allowing participants to progress at their own pace.
Grounded Connection Therapy reflects those values—providing individualised support that empowers participants to engage more fully in the activities, roles and experiences that are important to them.
About Shamley
Hi, I'm Shamley, founder and Occupational Therapist behind Grounded Connection Therapy.
I hold a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Deakin University and bring more than 12 years of experience working within the disability sector across a variety of settings.
Throughout my career, I have supported people with a diverse range of strengths, goals and support needs. This has included working alongside individuals with complex presentations, trauma histories, and varying levels of support, shaping a flexible, compassionate, and person-centred approach to occupational therapy.
My practice is grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed, and strengths-based care, with a strong focus on understanding each person's unique goals, values, and experiences. I believe meaningful outcomes are achieved through genuine collaboration, practical strategies, and therapy that is tailored to the individual.
Alongside community-based occupational therapy, I have completed additional training in Equine Experiential Learning and Animal-Assisted Play Therapy, allowing me to offer unique, evidence-informed experiences that support regulation, confidence, connection, and meaningful participation.
I am passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to work towards the goals that matter most to them.
Qualifications & Experience
Academic Excellence
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Certificate IV in Disability
- Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
With over 10 years of experience in the disability sector, I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure I provide evidence-based, person-centred and trauma-informed occupational therapy.
Therapeutic Mastery
- Qualified Equine Experiential Learning Facilitator
- Level II Trained Animal Assisted Play Therapy
- Mental Health First Aid
Safety & Standards
- Positive Behaviour Support Training
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
- Current First Aid Certificate
- Current Working with Children Check
- Ethical Response Training
- In-Service Mental State Examination (MSE) Training
Our Approach
At Grounded Connection Therapy, we believe every participant deserves to feel heard, respected and supported throughout their therapy journey.
We take a collaborative, strengths-based approach, working closely with participants, families, support coordinators, educators and other professionals to develop meaningful goals and practical strategies that support everyday life.
Whether we're working together in the community, at our equine and animal-assisted therapy space, or through consultation and assessment, our focus is on building genuine relationships and creating opportunities for participants to develop confidence, independence and meaningful participation in the activities that matter most to them.
We understand that every person's journey is unique, which is why every therapy plan is tailored to the individual's strengths, interests and goals.