Lilla Mercier

As a qualified occupational therapist, I practise in paediatric occupational therapy and work mainly with children presenting neurological disorders. As an English and French speaker, I can work with children and their families in both languages.

My career has taken me into a variety of clinical environments, from geriatrics and geriatric psychology to a psychiatric crisis unit, before moving gradually towards paediatrics. These different experiences have given me a solid clinical eye, an ability to adapt and great sensitivity to the relational aspect of care.

I have also spent time supporting children with complex histories in an orphanage in Bali, where there were few material resources to depend on. My experience there helped me to develop a creative, pragmatic approach, centred around a child’s own resources.

After a period working in a paediatric clinic in France and then Switzerland, I joined Centre qap in early 2025 to treat children with neurological conditions.

In my work, I focus on creating a good therapist–child rapport and encouraging a child’s confidence in their own ability. I like my sessions to be fun and engaging, and games, motivation and enjoyment take first place. I foster close working relationships with the families and other healthcare professionals.

In my free time, I practise Pilates, yoga, free diving, surfing, and enjoy meditation and creative activities. I am also curious about animal-assisted therapy and, before too long, envisage training in the subject – especially canine support – to further the therapy tools at my disposal.