Accepting new referrals in Adelaide, Gold Coast, Brisbane & Cairns

Quality support, quickly. It’s that simple.

Occupational therapy, functional capacity assessments and positive behaviour support for people living with disability, mental illness and complex needs across Adelaide, Gold Coast, Brisbane & Cairns.

Within 24 hours

We respond to every referral and enquiry

12+ years

Senior clinical experience behind every plan

Adelaide, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns & telehealth

We come to your home, school or workplace

Within 24 hours

We respond to every referral and enquiry

12+ years

Senior clinical experience behind every plan

Adelaide, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns & telehealth

We come to your home, school or workplace

Why we are called Common Ground

Decades ago, mental health care could be summarised as a pill, a bed and rest. Today the vision is far more human: a job, a home and a friend.

Those three things are not luxuries. Whatever our background, language, culture, diagnosis or life experience, they are what every one of us needs. That is our common ground, and it is where every plan we write begins.

Curiosity about the person behind the diagnosis or the behaviour.

Simone Gouws

Founder & Practice Lead

Support that fits the life you are actually living

We provide Occupational Therapy and Positive Behaviour Support for people with disability, neurodivergence and mental health challenges. Our support is person-centred, practical and grounded in what matters to you — not simply a diagnosis, a behaviour or a list of things you find difficult.

Occupational therapy

Practical, everyday support to build the skills, routines and confidence that make daily life work — at home, at work and in the community.

Functional capacity assessments

Clear, evidence-based reports that describe what someone can do, what gets in the way, and what support would genuinely help.

Positive behaviour support

Understanding what behaviour is communicating, then changing the environment and the response — not just the person.

How a referral works

No long waits, no runaround. Here is exactly what happens after you get in touch.

Send the referral

Use our online form, email or call. Participant details and NDIS plan dates are enough to start.

We call you back

Within one business day we confirm whether we are the right fit and what funding is needed.

Meet your therapist

A first session at home, in the community or by telehealth to understand goals and priorities.

Get to work

A plan in plain language, regular reviews, and reports written in time for your plan dates.

Curious whether we are a good fit?

Have a conversation with us before you commit to anything. We will be honest about our availability and whether we are the right team for the job.

Prefer email? Send it to info@commongroundot.com.au

Hi, I’m Simone

Founder | Occupational Therapist | Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner

I am an Occupational Therapist with more than 12 years of experience across South Africa and Australia, working predominantly alongside people with disability and complex mental health needs. I am also an Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner, bringing together an OT understanding of everyday life with a strong interest in behaviour, mental health and what helps people genuinely participate, belong and thrive.

Common Ground grew from my desire to practise a little differently. Becoming a mum prompted me to build something smaller, more personal and connected where good clinical practice and genuine human relationships sit comfortably alongside each other. I believe support should happen with people rather than to them, because at the end of the day, a good life is the goal.

Let’s find your common ground

Tell us a little about what you need. We will tell you honestly whether we are the right fit, and how soon we can start.

Occupational therapy and positive behaviour support across Adelaide, built on unhurried relationships and clinical quality.

A home. A job. A friend.

Get in touch

We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide Plains, where we live and work, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. Common Ground is a safe place for people of every culture, ability, gender and sexuality.

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