At Kamala Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit in Lismore, Occupational Therapist Olivia (Liv) Gay is part of a close-knit team helping young people reconnect with everyday life.
The people Liv and her teammates support are going through severe acute mental health challenges and need inpatient support. This may include psychosis, mood disorders, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts or intense emotional distress.
“Many of the young people we support struggle to find meaning in how they spend their time,” Liv said.
“My role is to help them discover or rediscover that sense of purpose, and I do that alongside a really supportive team.”
Each day begins with a morning meeting that brings staff and patients together for mindfulness, gratitude and movement. It’s a shared moment that sets the tone for the day.
Liv works closely with nurses, psychologists, social workers and families, as well as schoolteachers in partnership with the Department of Education, to create a safe and encouraging environment. She runs therapeutic groups, supports patients in managing distress and helps build trust through simple routines.
“Dysregulation is really just distress. We all experience it in different ways,” Liv explains.
“It’s about recognising when you’re feeling uneasy and having strategies to manage that.
“Those strategies often come from the people around you.”
Kamala is a technology-free zone, which encourages young people to explore other ways to engage.
“We’ve got planter pots for gardening, a basketball hoop and lots of activities,” Liv said.
“We also offer weekly sessions of music therapy and art therapy.
“Sometimes it starts with something as simple as brushing your teeth. That can be the first step to opening up the rest of the day.”
She uses a graded approach to build engagement, always guided by the patient’s readiness. “If someone can only tolerate brushing their teeth for 30 seconds, that’s where we start. It’s about meeting them where they’re at, and the team is right there with them.”
Patients may stay for a few days or a few weeks. Discharge planning is a team effort, with community teams and families involved from the start.
“There are numerous staff involved in each patient’s care,” Liv said.
“My role wouldn’t be effective without the nurses continuing that support throughout the day or other staff members helping families navigate the system.”
Originally from Boorowa near Canberra, Liv moved from Orange to take on the role. “It all happened quickly. I saw the job, applied and got it. I feel very lucky to be here, especially with such a passionate and skilled team.”
One exciting development is the approval of a sensory swing – a lycra hammock suspended from an A-frame.
“I haven’t seen one in an inpatient unit before. It’ll be a great tool for managing distress and supporting least restrictive practice. Everyone’s excited to see it in action!”
Outside of work, Liv finds balance through co-regulation.
“I spend time with my partner and our dogs, Barney and Tilly. We go for walks, catch up with friends and recently started whale watching. I also play netball – we won our grand final last weekend!”
Reflecting on her first year, Liv says it’s been a journey of growth and collaboration.
“Before I started, there hadn’t been an OT in the role for a few years,” Liv said.
“It’s been a team effort shaping what occupational therapy looks like here.
“I’d love to see even more patient engagement and help them carry that meaningful connection beyond Kamala.”
From left: Erikha, Nicky, Jen, Chloe, Tess, Liv, Lorinda, Jen.
From the left back: Jen, Ada, Justin, Connah, Mike, Hira, Tess, Liv, Brendan, Jen, Rebecca.