About
the
house
Mary Matthews
Mary Matthews is the founder and director of Dovelily House. Mary is a mental health endorsed Occupational Therapist with extensive experience and a passion for women's health. Mary has been practicing for over 30 years in both England (psychiatric hospitals and day clinics) and Australia (Mater Hospital Brisbane). She believes that telling your story is the beginning of the therapeutic journey and will accompany you along the road to self-discovery and increased authenticity in your life. Mary believes we all have the power to rewrite our story, and in doing so can live more from our essence of self, or Inner Being. Mary is focused on providing person-centred care and neuro-affirming practices to ensure every woman feels understood, respected, and empowered.
Mental Health Endorsed OT
As a recognised mental health professional, Mary provides services eligible for Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
Trauma Trained
Mary has a special interest and training in trauma-informed care, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all clients.
Therapeutic approaches
Occupational Formulation
Mary is deeply interested in hearing each woman's story and uses occupational formulation to develop personalised therapeutic plans. This approach ensures that care is tailored to the unique experiences, strengths, and needs of each individual.
Body Awareness (Bottom-Up)
Techniques that focus on increasing body awareness and addressing physical sensations to promote healing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Top-Down)
Cognitive-based strategies that help clients understand and change their thought patterns and behaviours.
Therapeutic Modalities
Mary’s holistic and integrative approach ensures that each client receives personalised care tailored to their unique needs. Her dedication to empowering women through all stages of life makes her a compassionate and effective advocate for mental health and wellness.
Mary’s training
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): An evidence-based approach that helps clients understand and change their thought patterns and behaviours.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): A form of psychological acupressure that helps reduce emotional distress.
Polyvagal Theory: Understanding and using the body's nervous system responses to improve emotional regulation and resilience.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): A therapeutic model that helps clients heal by understanding and harmonising different parts of their psyche.
Mary’s publications
Mary has a story published in this book:
FND Stories
Mary has contributed to this book, published in June 2024
Enhancing Women’s Wellbeing During Matrescence, Motherhood, and Perinatal Transitions
Narrative Therapy: An approach that helps clients reframe their life stories, emphasising their strengths and capabilities to overcome challenges.
Pain Neuroscience Education: Educating clients about the neuroscience of pain to help them manage and reduce pain symptoms.
Schema Therapy: Identifying patterns (schemas) that contribute to unhelpful behaviours and aiding clients in transforming these behaviours to improve their overall well-being.