In Australia, only 8% of occupational therapists (OTs) are male. This makes male representation in the field not only rare but also incredibly valuable. At Therapy Partners, we believe diversity within our therapy team isn’t just a checkbox – it’s a strength that directly benefits our clients. We’re proud to be one of the few therapy providers with a team that includes eight outstanding males as part of our occupational therapy support team. That’s more than 5x the national average for male representation in occupational therapy – an achievement that reflects our long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion. For a small, community-focused provider, it’s a unique point of pride for us – and a reflection of our commitment to offering inclusive, client-centred care for every individual and family we support.
Gender diversity brings richness to any professional environment, and in therapy, where connection and rapport are essential, it can have a direct impact on participant outcomes. Our male OTs are not only excellent clinicians, but they also broaden our capacity to support individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and preferences. By reflecting the diversity of our community, we make therapy more accessible and inviting to everyone who walks through our doors. In this post, we explore the importance of gender diversity in occupational therapy, introduce our team of male OTs, and highlight the real-world impact of male therapists in supporting positive client outcomes.
Importance of Gender Diversity in Occupational Therapy
Diversity within therapy teams plays a crucial role in delivering personalised, responsive care. A diverse occupational therapy workforce allows families and individuals to choose practitioners who align with their cultural background, communication preferences, or simply who they feel most comfortable with. When clients feel seen and understood by their therapist, they are more likely to engage meaningfully in therapy, making progress that is not only measurable but personally significant.
For some clients – particularly boys and adolescent males – working with a male occupational therapist can be deeply impactful. It can foster trust more quickly, create a sense of relatability, and promote stronger engagement in therapy. This connection can be especially important in paediatric and adolescent settings, where therapeutic rapport is essential for goal attainment. Whether it’s addressing emotional regulation, developing social skills, or navigating behavioural challenges, having the choice of a male OT can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
In practice, we often see increased participation from young male clients when matched with a therapist they can relate to. Male OTs may also bring unique lived experiences and communication styles that resonate more naturally with some clients, particularly in therapy that involves physical activity, skill building, or practical daily routines.
Gender representation also contributes to reducing stigma. For many families, especially those new to therapy, seeing male OTs actively involved in paediatrics, mental health, and disability support helps shift outdated perceptions that therapy is a “female-only” space. When children and teenagers see male professionals working in care-based roles, it reinforces inclusivity and reshapes societal expectations around gender and empathy. This has a ripple effect – normalising emotional intelligence, compassion, and interpersonal connection as strengths for everyone, not just traits associated with women.
Meet Our Male OTs
At Therapy Partners, our male OTs are not only highly skilled clinicians – they’re mentors, role models, and passionate collaborators. They each bring a unique combination of clinical experience, personal interests, and professional passion, which collectively enrich our practice.
- Cody F: Cody is a client-centred and evidence-based OT with deep experience in assistive technology and housing solutions. His focus areas include wheelchair scripting, complex seating for postural and pressure care, and navigating the SIL/SDA space. He brings both technical skill and advocacy experience, having successfully supported clients through tribunal processes to secure suitable housing. His passion for functional fitness and balanced lifestyle reflects his commitment to holistic wellbeing, both for himself and the participants he supports.
- Cody M: With expertise in paediatrics and adolescent therapy, Cody M works with clients with ASD, ADHD, GDD, trauma-related needs, and more. He delivers evidence-based, family-focused interventions that empower children and their caregivers. Cody is also proficient in functional assessments and sensory profiling, and enjoys helping young people reconnect with meaningful activities that support their development and wellbeing.
- Jody: As Director of Therapy Partners and a senior OT, Jody combines leadership with hands-on clinical expertise. With a Master’s in Occupational Therapy and a background in biology, Jody brings a comprehensive and holistic perspective to his work. He is highly experienced in supporting children with autism, OCD, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, and trauma-related needs. As a parent himself, Jody understands the importance of partnering with families to maximise function and provide reassurance. In adult therapy, he has a particular interest in intellectual disability and neurological conditions. Jody is also highly proficient in report writing, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and timely delivery of client-centred assessments.
- Luke: Luke brings a practical, hands-on approach to his work with adolescents and adults with diverse disabilities. His holistic, occupation-focused practice helps clients build real-life skills and confidence. He’s especially skilled in transition support for adolescents moving into young adulthood, and in conducting functional capacity assessments for adults. Outside work, Luke’s love of football, mountain biking, and motorbikes makes him relatable to many of his clients, especially those with shared interests.
- Sam: Sam’s broad clinical experience spans paediatrics, adolescent mental health, adult mental health, and hospital settings. He’s supported clients with complex needs such as FASD, trauma histories, ASD, and intellectual disabilities. Sam’s strength lies in his ability to meet clients where they are – building trust, tailoring interventions, and collaborating with families and other providers to ensure cohesive, effective therapy.
- Shae: Shae is passionate about helping adolescents and adults increase their independence and social participation through meaningful, holistic therapy. With a love of outdoor activities and a calm, positive demeanour, he fosters strong connections with his clients. Shae is especially skilled in supporting young people to engage in activities of daily living and develop confidence in navigating social environments.
- Tenzin: A compassionate and highly skilled paediatric and adolescent OT, Tenzin is known for his strengths in emotional regulation and social skill development. He uses a collaborative, family-centred approach that ensures therapy is not only evidence-based but also engaging and fun. Tenzin works with a broad range of neurodiverse clients, supporting them to thrive in their environments. His personal interests – books, video games, and sports – make him an accessible and approachable figure for many young clients.
- Pasquale (Speech Pathologist): Though not an OT, Pasquale plays a key role in our multidisciplinary team. He supports clients across the lifespan with communication and swallowing needs and brings a wealth of training in autism studies and dysphagia care. Pasquale’s background in music, autism studies, and advanced speech techniques enables him to provide versatile and effective therapy in a variety of settings.
Together, they contribute to our multidisciplinary model, bringing a wide range of clinical skills and a shared commitment to evidence-based, client-centred care. Their presence enhances our ability to offer specialised services like male occupational therapy for children and male OT-led behavioural interventions on the Gold Coast.
When Having a Male OT Can Make a Difference
There are specific situations where clients or families actively request a male occupational therapist – and with good reason. These requests are never just about preference; they are often about fostering safety, comfort, and therapeutic trust. Having the choice of therapist gender can be a key factor in therapeutic engagement and long-term success.
- Behavioural support for boys: Boys navigating behavioural or emotional challenges may engage more readily with a therapist they view as a relatable male role model. This is especially important in school-aged children dealing with regulation, impulse control, or social skill development.
- Adolescent male engagement: Teenage boys often benefit from male therapists who understand the nuanced issues of growing up male in today’s world. They may find it easier to explore topics like peer relationships, identity, and independence when supported by someone who can personally relate.
- Cultural and personal comfort: Some cultural backgrounds place significant importance on gender roles, particularly in caregiving relationships. Offering the option of a male OT honours these preferences and contributes to building culturally safe therapy environments.
- Trauma-informed care: In some cases, clients with trauma histories involving female caregivers may feel safer and more open with a male therapist. The ability to choose a therapist who does not trigger past trauma is an essential part of respectful, trauma-informed practice.
Our team regularly sees the impact that a gender match can have on therapy engagement, particularly in early sessions where rapport is still forming. We respect each client’s journey and strive to provide an environment where their comfort and agency are prioritised.
Why More Men Should Consider Occupational Therapy as a Career
Despite the impact male OTs can have, there are still misconceptions that occupational therapy is a “female profession.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. OT is about problem-solving, innovation, and supporting people to live meaningful lives – qualities not confined to any gender.
We need more male OTs, especially in schools, paediatrics, mental health, and disability services. These areas benefit enormously from gender diversity. Male practitioners bring unique perspectives and approaches to therapy, and their presence alone can be a positive influence for young clients who may not otherwise see men in nurturing, empathetic roles.
There is also an urgent need to reshape public narratives about occupational therapy. Men entering the profession are not just joining a workforce – they’re becoming role models who demonstrate that compassion, creativity, and care are powerful traits for everyone. For men who want a career that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply human-centred, occupational therapy is an incredibly fulfilling path.
At Therapy Partners, we actively encourage diversity in recruitment and mentorship. We support new graduates and experienced professionals alike, ensuring that every OT – regardless of gender – feels supported, valued, and part of a collaborative, high-performing team. Our male OTs are testament to how inclusive leadership and supportive workplaces can attract exceptional talent that enriches therapy for everyone.
We’re grateful to have seven outstanding males as part of our occupational therapy support team, each contributing unique strengths and perspectives to our practice. Their expertise, empathy, and energy contribute to a vibrant, well-rounded therapy team that reflects the diverse community we serve. If you are seeking a male OT on the Gold Coast or Brisbane, seeking support for a teenage son, or want a therapist who just “gets it,” we offer personalised care tailored to each person’s preferences and needs.
Currently, several of our male occupational therapists have capacity for new clients across South Brisbane and South Gold Coast, offering flexibility and timely access for families in those areas. If you’re looking for a therapist who aligns with your child’s preferences or family needs, we encourage you to reach out. Whether you’re seeking short-term strategies or long-term therapy, we understand the importance of finding the right therapeutic match and our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you’re connected with the right support.
