Why Tempo?
Tempo has existed as a concept in my mind for so long now. I’m talking 15 years or so… swirling through many forms and iterations in my imagination as I’ve shape shifted through phases of life.
I’ve used it as a reference point in other professional roles - “if this were Tempo would I do that/make this decision?”; and have banked endless ideas about the kind of business I wanted, for when the concept was made manifest - always somewhere on the distant horizon.
It wouldn’t have progressed beyond a fantasy if about two years ago I hadn’t started asking questions like “what if Tempo never happens?”. It was in a time of uncertainty, change and grief. We’d lost our beautiful Mum to cancer; I was planning to relocate from a life I’d built and loved in Adelaide to be with family in Newcastle, was leaving friends and a couple of workplaces with communities that meant a lot to me. Plot twist soon to come of an unexpected pregnancy.
Through the change, heartache and joy, although still just a thought, Tempo felt stabilising. Not something I had to leave behind, but something I could keep building.
Now, as I’m peeping out into the world beyond the maternity leave bubble planning next steps, not taking action on Tempo feels more uncomfortable than doing it. The cascade of doubts that kept me stuck don’t feel so prominent after surviving the recent trials, and designing a life aligned with my desires and values feels vitally important moving forward… and let’s face it very ‘OT’.
The Name
So this is the official beginning of Tempo. A simple word that feels good and punchy to say, and one that reflects a common thread woven through my three enduring interests: occupational therapy, music, and yoga. Tempo speaks to rhythm, pacing, timing, and flow - and to how deeply our wellbeing is shaped by our relationship to these. In this sense, tempo refers to the natural rhythms within us and around us, and our capacity to live in alignment with them. From internal rhythms such as breath, nervous system and energy fluctuations, attention and cognitive patterns, to more external rhythms like work-rest cycles, movement and stillness, daily transitions, relationships, and seasons, this alignment matters. I believe it is one of the most powerful drivers of nervous system safety, regulation, and overall wellbeing - and it sits at the heart of this service.
The Vision
Tempo was created with a belief that healing and growth cannot be rushed. As mental health occupational therapists, we see the impact of chronic survival - in nervous systems, relationships, families and communities. The vision of Tempo is to honour the current tempo of each individual while also contributing to a broader shift within our profession and community, from crisis-driven care to sustainable thriving. Through therapy, education and trusted resources, Tempo aims to bridge clinical depth with real-world function, supporting people to move beyond coping and into meaningful, regulated, connected living.
I’m excited for Tempo to take shape in real life and hopefully keep up with sharing the experience with you all.
Warmly,
Alex
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