Alissa Westphal

Alissa Westphal is a registered Occupational Therapist employed by the University of Melbourne’s Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age as a Lecturer in Dementia Care.

She has completed honors research in the use of multi-sensory therapy in dementia care in addition to post graduate qualifications in Applied Statistics.  Alissa has extensive experience in aged mental health and has a special interest in utilising non-pharmacological approaches to more effectively enable, engage and care for those with dementia that experience behavioural and psychological symptoms.  She actively conducts research and enjoys presenting and providing education nationally and internationally. Alissa is the author of a number of publications including the chapter “Occupational Therapy in Dementia Care” in the 5th edition of “Dementia”, edited by Professors Ames, Burns and O’Brien.