Jeanette Sewell, Professional Lead for Leisure Therapy at Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, has dedicated over two decades to improving the lives of patients through the transformative power of leisure and recreation. Her career in healthcare began Diversional Therapist role at a Moreton Bay Nursing Care Unit before she transitioned into the mental health sector in 2002.
Now, Jeanette holds the distinction of being the only HP5 leisure therapist in Queensland, a role that involves using recreation therapy to help individuals overcome mental health and physical challenges. She is responsible for leading a team of leisure therapists across the region, a position that holds personal significance due to the limited number of trained leisure therapists in the state.
Leisure therapy is a holistic approach that tailors recreational activities to enhance a person’s quality of life. The goal is not just physical recovery, but fostering a sense of identity, purpose, and connection. For individuals suffering from mental health issues, chronic illness, or physical disabilities, Jeanette’s work focuses on helping patients maintain their interests or adapt them to new circumstances. Whether it’s a person recovering from a spinal injury or someone managing a mental health condition, leisure therapy provides a framework for individuals to regain control over their lives through activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of self-worth.
"Leisure therapy is about more than just passing time—it’s about creating hope and purpose," said Jeanette.
"For many of our patients, it’s about finding something they can enjoy, something that gives them a reason to get up every day."
This therapeutic approach is especially crucial for those in mental health recovery.
"It’s about helping individuals move beyond their diagnosis,"
"Instead of just being seen as a person with mental illness, they can be someone who enjoys photography, plays sports, or takes part in creative arts."
Jeanette points out that it helps patients maintain a sense of normalcy and self-esteem. For example, one patient, a young man who experienced his first psychosis episode, struggled with weight gain due to medication and felt isolated from his social circles. Jeanette helped him reconnect with his love for sport by introducing him to a local cricket team, which ultimately improved his self-confidence and mental health.
“One of the key outcomes for him was the social connection,” she said.
“He had been isolated and felt disconnected from his old life, but by joining the cricket club, he not only regained his physical fitness but also felt a sense of belonging.”
"When people are unwell, leisure can be their anchor. It provides a break from the illness, and for many, it helps them cope with the ups and downs of life."
Looking ahead, Jeanette is focused on raising awareness of leisure therapy’s significance, particularly as it pertains to mental health. She envisions a future where more leisure therapists are integrated into healthcare settings across Queensland, helping people not just manage their illnesses, but truly enriching their lives.
In Jeanette’s eyes, leisure therapy is not just a profession—it’s a way to help people reclaim the joy and fulfillment that should be a part of every life, no matter the challenges they face.