Hi, I’m Sonya!
[Image description: A candid portrait of Sonya from the waist up. She has black hair worn in a pony tail, dark eyes and a light brown complexion. She wears a white teeshirt with the words ‘Be Kind’, a yellow skirt and hoop earrings. She is seated facing one side, smiling.]
“I think group work is transformational in a way that can’t be replicated in other modes of therapy - and is especially important for teenagers and young adults who are exploring who they are in the world outside of their family. It can also be fun which I think is important and often overlooked - who doesn’t need more fun in their life?!
The bits that make me ME: I was born in Melbourne as a second-generation immigrant to parents from the Philippines, so I know what it’s like to grow up not feeling like I quite fit in. I love going out to eat (especially dumplings) with friends, and I dream of the day the Bombers finally win an AFL premiership. I have very energetic twin boys who keep me on my toes, and you’ll find me either travelling, or planning and saving for my next trip.”
Clinical Experience
Sonya has worked as an occupational therapist for 16 years. She has primarily worked in mental health settings during that time, across both public and private settings in Melbourne.
Sonya has worked with many adults and young people experiencing a range of difficulties with their mental health, including people experiencing psychosis, personality disorders and substance use disorders. She has also worked extensively with people who identify as neurodivergent. Alongside direct clinical work, she has held a variety of supervisory, administration and consultation roles, where she has learned the important need to specifically tailor her work to who is on the receiving end.
Sonya has a passion for supporting the growth of the mental health OT workforce, and has spent time in teaching roles across several Melbourne universities, as well as nurturing the graduate OTs in the mental health settings she has worked in.
Sonya has specialist skills in facilitating group work for young people and their families, delivering training for professionals and supervision with professionals. She often can’t decide which part of her job is her favourite as she enjoys supporting young people directly as much as she enjoys supporting those who do the supporting themselves! She has a genuine way of making people feel comfortable, wherever they have come from, and whatever they want to work towards.
(The Boring Bits)
Sonya holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) and a Bachelor of Behavioural Neuroscience
She is a registered OT with AHPRA and endorsed by Medicare as a Better Access to Mental Health (BAMH) provider.
Sonya is a member of Occupational Therapy Australia