For occupational therapist Selena McMurray, the line between personal and professional insight is beautifully blurred.
Based in South Sydney, Selena brings a depth of lived experience to her work at LiveBig, a specialist allied health and assessment services provider for people with disability, including those on the NDIS. As a mother of two neurodiverse children, her own parenting journey has shaped the way she connects with her clients—delivering therapy that is practical, empathetic, and grounded in real life.
“Lived experience helps you tune in differently,” Selena says. “You’re not just thinking clinically—you’re thinking as someone who’s walked alongside these challenges. You get the nuance. You know when to push, when to pause, and how to adapt.”
One of the most profound supports for her family has been Watson, a trained assistance dog who joined their household two and a half years ago. Watson is more than a companion—he’s a therapeutic presence, attuned to her son’s emotional state and trained to offer deep pressure support when needed.
“Watson senses when my son is dysregulated and will rest his head in his lap or lie beside him to help calm his nervous system. It’s beautiful to witness. He’s become a partner in my son’s growth and confidence.”
Selena’s son, who completes his learning through distance education, has found comfort and motivation with Watson by his side. He’s even taught Watson to play hide and seek and give hugs—skills that are both playful and grounding.
At LiveBig, Selena’s experience resonates with a broader organisational value: that clinicians with personal insight into disability and neurodiversity bring something uniquely valuable to their work.
“We know therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all,” says Selena. “It’s about building trust, understanding individual needs, and empowering people to live on their own terms. I feel really aligned with that vision at LiveBig.”
LiveBig CEO Juliet Middleton agrees.
“Selena represents exactly the kind of clinician we’re proud to have at LiveBig—compassionate, knowledgeable, and deeply connected to the lived realities of the people we support,” she says. “We actively seek out team members whose personal experiences inform their practice. It helps create an environment where therapy is not just delivered—but felt, understood, and made meaningful.”
