The OT Lifestyle Movement: Recent Episodes
The OT Lifestyle Movement
Come take a front row seat on the most inspiring OT conversations that will inject you with unbound confidence and leave you feeling lit up and empowered to take action in your life, work and business.
This is for the occupational therapy professionals who dare to think differently, who deeply resonate with a lifestyle approach to therapy and who endeavour to create meaningful change in the lives of others. It’s for the OT’s who are eager to take the roof off their expectations and live up to their own occupational potential.
In this business-focussed episode of The OT Lifestyle Movement, I sit down with Beki Eakins to talk about what building a thriving online OT business actually looks like – the numbers, the strategy and the mindset behind it all. We discuss:
- What Beki's online business looks like today – her offers, her week and how she structures her time across a full work day
- The real numbers behind a successful online OT business
- The marketing strategies that have genuinely moved the needle for her – and what she now teaches others from hard-won experience
- How to attract and serve your ideal clients, even if you're starting from scratch
- The mindset shifts that helped Beki stop playing small and start scaling with purpose
- ….and SO MUCH MORE!
Connect with Beki Eakins: Website: www.bekieakins.com/
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/bekieakins/Instagram: www.instagram.com/otyourselftofreedom/Beki Eakins is a business coach for occupational therapists who are done with burnout, low pay, and building businesses that still depend on their time. After seeing how traditional OT roles keep highly skilled clinicians overworked and underpaid, she built a freedom-based business working just 12 hours a week, generating consistent high-ticket sales and supporting OTs across the world to do the same. Her work challenges the industry norms many therapists feel stuck in, showing them how to move away from referrals, funding dependence, and exhausting caseloads, and into scalable online businesses that create more income, impact, and control. Through her programme, the OT Freedom Collective, and her podcast “OT Yourself to Freedom”, she has helped hundreds of OTs rethink what is actually possible in their career. She is known for her direct, no-nonsense approach, calling out what is not working and showing therapists how to build businesses that actually support their lives.
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The OT Lifestyle Movement, I sit down with Dr. Wendy Stav to explore the heart of our profession - occupation. We discuss:
- Why Wendy never abbreviates “OT” and always says “occupational therapy” - and why language matters
- The difference between occupation as means and occupation as end, and why it matters in practice
- How to hold onto authentic occupational therapy values in highly medicalised systems
- Practical steps to reclaim occupation-centred care
- An introduction to the Dynamic Model of Occupation-Based Practice - what it is and how it supports transformative, occupation-driven work
- ....and SO MUCH MORE!
Connect with Wendy Stav:
Website
The Dynamic Model of Occupation-Based Practice
In this episode Michelle Luken and I discuss:
- Why The Burn In Model is based on a metaphor.
- The flame at the heart of The Burn In Model.
- The flame represents the alignment between who you are (being), what you do (doing) and who and what you're connected to (belonging)
- What it means to tend to your inner flame vs your outer flame
- A breakdown of the 8 Ecosystem Elements that influence alignment:
1. Sticks – the personal and occupational factors that fuel or dampen your fire2. Rocks – boundaries; your foundations of safety, regulation and capacity3. Rain + Wind – physical and social environment4. Coal – burnout5. Smoke – signs and signals of burnout6. Ash – end of life and what we leave behind; lineage and legacy7. Spark – life itself; and where there is life, there is hope8. Embers – the gifts we offer the worldIf you are interested to join our upcoming 6 week guided journey through The Burn In Model, you can learn more here: burninnotout.com
In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Luken, Occupational Therapist and co-creator of The Burn In Model, about how it all began.
We discuss:
- The moment Burn In was first named
- How Michelle and I, on opposite sides of the world, were exploring similar concepts and how the Universe clearly connected us to bring The Burn In Model to life
- What the model means to us now vs. when it started
- How a single post turned into a worldwide co-creationThe development of The Burn In Model - group collaboration, focus groups and over 700 messages between Michelle and I
- The mission to spark a global movement, beyond OT
To join us for a 6 week guided journey - to burn in, not out, head to burninnotout.com
In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Luken - Occupational Therapist, U.S. Army Veteran, and co-creator of The Burn In Model.
We dive deep into the personal stories that sparked this model, including:
- Michelle’s OT journey and the roles she’s held across military and mental health settings
- Her own experience of burnout and why it didn’t feel just like exhaustion, but something deeper
- Why our definition of burnout expands beyond the World Health Organisation’s
- The factors that led to misalignment in my own life and practice
- Why we both began to understand burnout not as a collapse, but as a misalignment — between who we are, what we do, and who and what we're connected to
This is where The Burn In Model begins... with story, reflection and the decision to burn in, not out.
Learn more about our upcoming free Webinar or join our 6 week journey where we guide you through The Burn In Model, so you can use it personally and professionally:www.burninnotout.com
In this episode, I chat with Justine Jecker - an occupational therapist I instantly fell in love with for her grounded wisdom, her realness, her critical thinking and the way she speaks so deeply to the heart of our profession. This conversation is rich, reflective and full of insight into what it really means to be an OT today.
We discuss:
- How our personal identity shapes how we show up as occupational therapists
- What identity means within the OT profession and why it matters
- The rich history of OT and how it influences our current professional identity
- The challenge of defining what OTs do vs. what OT is
- The importance of staying grounded in occupation as the heart of OT
- How we can communicate the value of occupational therapy more clearly
- Why being an OT and something else is becoming more common
- It’s not always about us trying to explain OT - it's can others describe what it is we’re doing?
Justine Valencia Jecker is an occupational therapist with Canadian and European lineage who would self-describe as being a global citizen. She was raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada until the age of 17 before traveling to Japan to finish high school. In the 20+ following years, she has traveled to more than three dozen countries and has personal and professional connections around the world. Justine's academic background include a BSc. Kinesiology, MSc. Occupational Therapy, and a PhD in Educational Leadership. Her occupational therapy background within the past two decades has involved working in Forensic Mental Health, Community Indigenous Health, Interprofessional Education, and National Association work focusing on the practice of OT in Canada. Justine, officially Aussie nicknamed "Juzzy", is passionate about how our personal identities shape our professional lives, and has joined us to discuss this adventurous topic.
Have you ever fumbled to explain what you do as an OT?Questioned your place in the profession because the reality feels so far from what you were taught?Shrunk your words just to be understood - and still weren’t?Felt unseen, undervalued or like you care too much in systems that don’t?
You’re not alone.
Correcting someone who thinks you’re a physio…Trying to justify your value in a system obsessed with KPIs…Shrinking your occupation-based words just to make them easier for someone else to sit with…Wondering if the version of OT you believed in still exists.
This solo episode is a raw and real reflection.
We talk about the disconnect so many OT practitioners are feeling.
This isn’t a teaching episode.It’s a truth-telling one.A space to speak what so many of us have been carrying — and maybe haven’t said out loud.
And if any part of this lands with you, I’d love to invite you to join me for: The Identity We Weave — a FREE, live global event for OTs where we’ll be diving into these exact conversations, alongside Emeritus Professor Gail Whiteford and Professor Elizabeth Townsend.
It’s free. It’s real. And it’s for you.
In this episode we are talking all talking about a wide range of topics that surprisingly have a lot in common! We're talking about emotional regulation, OT coaching and supervision strategies with the wonderful Dr. Áine O'Dea. We discuss:
- How understanding the brain helps OTs in supporting emotional regulation.
- The effects of stress on the nervous system and effective strategies for OTs.
- The integration of bottom-up and top-down therapeutic strategies in sessions.
- Differences between coaching and traditional therapy and when to use each approach.
- The role of neuroscience in coaching and its impact on behaviour change.
- Applying self-determination theory in occupational therapy.
- Key coaching strategies and the transition challenges OTs face in adopting new roles.
- Strategies for supervisors to foster reflective practice and critical thinking.
- Ways supervisors can assist OTs coping with stress and burnout.
Connect with Dr. Áine O'Dea:Website
In this episode we're exploring how to achieve both time and financial freedom. We dive deep into practical strategies and actionable tips with our guest, Doug Vestal, to empower you on your journey towards a more liberated and fulfilling OT life. We discuss:
- What financial freedom and time freedom mean for OTs and how to achieve them.
- The importance of financial literacy for OTs.
- Tips for occupational therapists to gain financial independence, including paying off student debt, diversifying income and automating business operations.
- Understanding and utilizing the "Freedom Number" to set financial goals.
- Aligning spending with personal values and rethinking financial priorities.
- Tackling common financial misconceptions in the OT community and the benefits of financial well-being.
- Strategies for OTs to manage and pay off student debt effectively.
- Practical advice for enhancing financial growth and managing debt for occupational therapists.
Doug Vestal is the author of the book: Financial Freedom for OTs: A Guide to Building Wealth Without Burnout. Doug helps OTs achieve occupational choice and freedom by starting private pay practices. He co-founded The Functional Pelvis, a private pay OT practice with his OT wife, Lindsey Vestal. He has over 10 years’ experience managing an OT private practice and has helped 100s of OTs start private practices. Before working with OTs he spent 15 years in senior management positions on Wall Street. He loves combining his business acumen, passion for entrepreneurship, and his knowledge of OTs to help them find time and money freedom on their terms. He has a Master’s in Financial Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Applied Probability.
Connect with Doug:
Website
YouTube
In this episode, we dive deep with Karlye Williamson, an experienced occupational therapist who has seamlessly integrated stretch therapy and nervous system regulation into her practice. Join us as we explore how Karlye's journey into OT led her to develop a unique approach that enhances both mental and physical well-being.
We discuss:
- Karlye’s journey from traditional OT to specialising in stretch therapy and nervous system regulation.
- The fundamentals of stretch therapy and its application in occupational therapy.
- The role of nervous system regulation in supporting meaningful engagement in daily activities.
- The polyvagal theory and its implementation in therapeutic OT practices.
- Mind-body connection and its importance in healing from chronic stress or trauma.
- Sensory-based techniques for people experiencing mental health challenges.
- An overview of her private practice, including in-person sessions, online programs for clients and OTs, and her upcoming workshops.
- The impact of combining in-person therapy with online resources to enhance client outcomes.
- An introduction to Karlye’s online program, "Regulating Nervous System Pathways," designed for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, and those seeking overall well-being improvement.
You can connect with Karlye and learn more about her programs here:
Website
In this episode we are talking all about integrating coaching, posiitve psychology and occupational therapy for enhanced mental health care. Padraig Danaher and I discuss: Padraig is a senior occupational therapist and psychological coach specializing in trauma, sensory attachment, and positive psychology. Padraig has an extensive background in social care, with over 13 years of … 120 – Revolutionizing Mental Health: Blending Coaching, Positive Psychology and Occupational Therapy ft Padraig Danaher Read More »
In this episode we are talking all about supporting caregivers through the lens of occupational therapy. We discuss: Ali Buchanan created The OT Carer Pathway. It is a specialised program designed specifically for caregivers, addressing the unique challenges they face in their roles. This initiative is crafted to provide targeted support to carers, who are … 119: The OT Carer Pathway: Empowering Caregivers through Holistic Occupational Science-Informed Support with Cat and Ali Read More »
In this episode we are talking to Dave Jereb, occupational therapist, paediatric clinic owner, author and mentor. We talk all about burnout, the static NDIS price rate and finding meaning in OT. We discuss: Dave is a paediatric occupational therapist based here in Australia with over 20 years of experience. He is the co-founder of MoveAbout … 118 – Burnout, Static NDIS Price Rate and Finding Meaning in OT ft Dave Jereb Read More »
In this special episode, I'm on the other side of the microphone! I'm taking the guest seat as I chat with a fellow OT, Jo, who reached out via Instagram. We realised our conversation could benefit a wider audience, tackling some of the most pressing questions in the world of occupational therapy and starting a business. We're diving deep into the issues that matter - to you!
In this episode we discuss:
- Tackling the overwhelming feeling when starting a private practice.
- Understanding the potential in independent private practice for OT and pediatrics.
- How a niche can streamline your practice.
- Strategies for gaining confidence as you start your practice.
- Navigating imposter syndrome.
- Dealing with the fear of not knowing enough.
- Session planning – to do or not to do?
- How to feel assured about the knowledge you impart.
- Handling expectations from clients and their families regarding therapy outcomes.
- Strategies for dealing with challenging interactions in practice.
- Methods to use for evaluating therapy effectiveness.
- Preventing feelings of isolation when running a solo practice.
- Keeping your knowledge and skills up-to-date in a dynamic field.
- Making sure your interventions are genuinely rooted in occupational therapy principles, and you’re not just doing activities.
Jo is a Children's OT based in Bristol and Bath in the UK. She is in the process of setting up Little Rainbow OT, an independent service for children who have handwriting and fine motor difficulties, and desires to bring some art and creativity into her role as an OT through her new business. She has previously worked in social care as a Children's OT in the UK providing specialist seating and equipment to children with physical disabilities. Prior to re-training as an OT she lived in Sydney, Australia and worked in many different roles including an Events Organiser, a Nanny, a Children's Swimming Teacher and an artist selling her paintings in Sydney markets! Now she is excited about tying all these experiences together to create a new business and follow her OT dream. She is a wife and mama to 3 beautiful girls who keep her on her toes. When she has a spare moment to herself, she is usually painting, creating polymer clay jewellery or hunting for wildflowers in the countryside.
In this episode we are talking all about the powerful impact of sensory healing after developmental trauma. We discuss:
- The concepts ‘sensory healing’ and ‘developmental trauma’
- The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics by Dr Bruce Perry
- The 6 R’s of a trauma-compassionate treatment plan: rewarding, relational, relevant, respectful, rhythmic, and repetitive
- Low-cost, budgeted sensory activities to maximise the potential for healing after trauma
- Precautions we need to be aware of when integrating sensory strategies into trauma-informed care
- We we need to move away from traditional behaviour management approaches towards a focus on relational understanding
- Fostering curiosity and a relational approach in therapy
- Animals and farm-based care in therapy
- Real-life clinical examples and Marti’s clinical reasoning
- Writing and publishing a book: self-published vs traditional publishing (Marti has done both!)
- And SO much more!
Marti Smith is an esteemed occupational therapist based in Austin, Texas, where she works at a care farm dedicated to serving individuals who have experienced trauma and adversity. With a profound commitment to healing through sensory integration, Marti has authored two influential books: The Connected Therapist: Relating Through the Senses and Sensory Healing after Developmental Trauma: The Connected Therapist's Guide to Low-Cost Activities for Working with Children. Her work emphasizes the importance of sensory strategies and relational approaches in trauma-informed care, making significant contributions to the field of occupational therapy.
You can learn more about Marti Smith and her books here:
- Marti's website
The CanMOP is an evolution of the Canadian occupational model, previously known as the CMOP and the CMOP-E. This new iteration places a strong emphasis on occupational participation, encouraging therapists to extend their focus beyond just performance and engagement. Occupational participation is placed at the heart of this new model, emphasising access to, initiation and sustaining valued occupations and meaningful relationships and contexts.
In this episode we discuss:
- What inspired the re-creation of the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP)
- Overview of the changes to the Canadian occupation model over the years.
- Why there has been a shift from performance and engagement to participation.
- An overview of the CanMOP and how it might be applied.
- How the CanMOP allows occupational therapists to evolve our practice to better serve individuals and communities.
Image: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Canadian-Model-of-Occupational-Participation-Source-According-to-Egan-Restall-2022_fig2_371248871
Mary is the director of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Ottawa. During the first 10 years of her career Mary worked with adults and children in institutional and community-based settings. She has worked in various regions across Canada. Mary completed graduate work in occupational therapy at the University of Alberta and in epidemiology at McGill University which provided her with the tools to continue her career as an educator and researcher.
Mary’s research is driven by curiosity regarding the legitimate goals of occupational therapy and how these are best reached. She is particularly interested in how people return to valued activities within meaningful social contexts following serious health events. This has led to work, related to how occupational therapy and rehabilitation are conceptualized, and how processes of occupational therapy support – or hinder – occupational participation.
In this episode we are talking all about Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy with Professor Gayle Restall. Gayle is co-editor of the new book; Promoting Occupational Participation: Collaborative Relationship-Focused Occupational Therapy.
Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy underscores the core purpose of occupational therapy—enabling access to, initiation of, and continued participation in occupations. It highlights the essence of occupational therapy as a practice built on collaborative relationships with individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. The focus is on leveraging the strengths, knowledge, talents, and resources of people and groups. Key focuses include:
- Client Relationships: Explaining how therapists work closely with their clients.
- Practice Goals: Defining the main aims of occupational therapy.
- Focus on Justice: Shifting towards promoting fairness, equality, and rights in therapy.
We discuss:
- What Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy is all about
- Why and how we need to evolve from client-centered practice
- A dive into the four elements of Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy: contextually relevant, nuanced, safe and promote rights based self determination
- What inspired Gayle to collaborate with Mary Egan and team of others to conceptualise this new practice
- The components of Canadian Inter-relational Practice Process Framework (COTIPP) and how it is different from other frameworks
Gayle is a Professor Emerita at the University of Manitoba. She lives works, plays, and builds relationships in Winnipeg where she lives. Gayle is a registered occupational therapist with a PhD in Community Health Sciences. Her scholarship is driven by a passion for involving people who require health and social services in their own care, program development, research, and social policymaking. Through her research, she explores the systems and policy changes needed for people with chronic health conditions to fully participate in community life. She is committed to lifelong work to facilitate justice and equity for individuals and collectives. Spending time in the boreal forest to hike, cycle, or cross-country ski is a favorite pastime.
In this episode we are lucky enough to be speaking with Dr Nick Pollard. We discuss: Nick is a senior lecturer in occupational therapy at Sheffield Hallam University. Nick’s teaching concerns social contexts for occupational therapy, community based interventions and underpinning concepts including occupational science and social occupational therapy. He teaches research methods and interprofessional … 113 – Social Justice and Narrative-Driven Practice ft Dr Nick Pollard Read More »
In this episode we are talking all about: Brad is a father of two and husband, occupational therapist, the host and creator of The Becoming Collective and founder of Naturally Gathered – an OT in nature practice. He is a deep thinker and challenger of the status quo. Brad loves spending time in nature whether … 112 – From Stagnation to Inspiration: Reigniting Our OT Spark ft Brad Williams Read More »
In this episode we are talking all about serious mental illness and a path to resilience with Liz Grace. Liz is an occupational therapist in recovery from Schizoaffective Disorder who lives with the daily challenges of profound hearing loss. We discuss: Liz Grace is a first-time author of her book titled – Resilient. At seventeen, … 111 – Inside the Mind: An Occupational Therapist’s Journey with Serious Mental Illness and the Path to Resilience Read More »
In this episode we are talking all about strengths based occupational therapy with Kavita Murthi. We discuss: Kavitha Murthi is pursuing her doctoral studies at NYU Steinhardt in the Department of Occupational Therapy. She works with Counselor to the President, Dr. Kristie Patten, on a National Science Foundation (NSF) project titled “Developing Abilities and Knowledge … 110 – Strengths-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy ft Kavita Murthi Read More »
In this episode we are talking all about sustainability, the environment and planetary health with Ka Yan Hess. We discuss: – why we need to question the current underpinnings of the profession including person-centered practice (yes, you read right!) – how we can broaden person-centred health care using bidirectional questioning – what we can do in … 109 – Planetary Health and Occupational Therapy: Bridging Theory and Practice ft Ka Yan Hess Read More »
In this episode we are talking all about human rights, social inclusion and population health with Clare Hocking. We discuss: Clare Hocking is a New Zealand occupational therapy academic, and New Zealand’s first occupation therapy professor. She is currently a full professor at the Auckland University of Technology. Clare’s goal is to transform occupational therapy … 108 – Human Rights, Social Inclusion & Population Health ft Clare Hocking Read More »
In this episode we are talking all about therapeutic use of self with psychotherapist, academic, author, researcher and former occupational therapist, Linda Finlay. We discuss:
- The concept of therapeutic use of self: what it is?
- The role therapeutic use of self plays in a person’s progress
- How we can develop and enhance the therapeutic relationship
- The concept of the ‘wounded healer’ - and how our own woundedness can at times help and at times hinder the therapy process
- How we can become comfortable with ‘being’ with our clients rather than feeling the need to implement specific models, strategies and techniques
- How ethics draws upon our own personal values, as well as professional standards
- How can we bring more of our authentic selves to therapy and foster genuine interactions with clients
- Examples of how Linda has used therapeutic use of self to support a person’s unique life journey
Linda is an integrative psychotherapist who has her own private practice in the UK.
Linda originally qualified as an occupational therapist in 1977 and worked in the mental health field in hospitals and psychotherapeutic units. Over her therapy career, she has worked with both adults and children. Linda has particular expertise in the field of anxiety/stress, trauma, eating disorders, self-harm, and substance use.
Her academic career has spanned 40 years and has involved teaching therapy and psychology-related topics on numerous undergraduate and post-graduate university courses throughout Europe and in the USA.
In addition to her psychotherapy qualification and occupational therapy training, Linda has an honours degree in Psychology and a PhD.
Linda is the author of Therapeutic Use of Self in Counselling and Psychotherapy and Practical Ethics in Counselling and Psychotherapy: A Relational Approach.
Linda has a foot in both clinical and academic worlds. Her research and writing is anchored in practice while her practice is informed by research.
To learn more about Linda, click on her website below:
Website: Linda Finlay
In this episode we are talking all about sexuality, an often overlooked aspect of the human experience in our OT field. So we’re lifting the veil to develop a deeper understanding. We’re talking with Dr Sakshi Tickoo.
In this episode we explore:
- How to speak more comfortably about sexuality with individuals
- How sexuality relates to occupations
- The OTPs role in the scope of sexuality
- Sensuality
- Intimacy
- Sexual identity
- Gender identity
- Pronouns
- Sexual health and reproduction
- Sexualisation
- Sexual aids and assistive devices
- What to do (from a moral stand point) when you don’t agree with your client’s sexual decision
- And so much MORE!
Dr. Sakshi Tickoo (she/her) is a brown, queer Occupational Therapist and Sexuality counselor working in the areas of sexuality, relationships and mental health across lifespan. She is the founder of Sex, Love, And OT—an inclusive, educational telehealth platform that focuses on sexual rights and liberation through education, centering pleasure, and facilitating freedom of occupational engagement in sexuality for people globally. She is also the author of SexCare—a self-help guide designed for solo and partnered pleasure through the use of sensations and self-care routine.
Other aspects of her work include collaborating with other allies, advocates, educators and NGOs around the world advancing sexuality education and research, sex worker and assault and abuse survivor healthcare and advocating for sexuality in Occupational Therapy & Sciences across various practice areas and settings.
In her spare time, she combines her love for technology, art and sexuality through content creation, writing and curating resources on Instagram.
To learn more from Dr Sakshi click on the links below:
Instagram: @sex.love.andot
Website: Sex Love & OT
In this episode we are talking all about the NDIS: The National Disability Insurance Scheme here in Australia. We are talking with Sarah Collison, Occupational Therapist, Director of Verve OT and administrator of The NDIS OT Community of Practice Facebook Group.
We discuss:
- Pros and cons of being a registered NDIS provider (vs not being a registered provider)
- Service Agreement ‘must-haves’
- Assistive Technology (AT) low risk vs high risk, low, mid and high cost AT – what it all means for OTs
- Just because something is low cost, doesn’t mean it’s low risk - and the implications
- The risks of not writing a report or letter to support your AT clinical justification (and when case notes are not enough)
- What to do when equipment prescription is outside your scope of practice
- What to do (and say) when you have been asked to recommend a piece of equipment that you can’t clinically justify
- AT outcome measures
- Why clinical observation is superior to standardised assessments
- What functional capacity assessments (FCA’s) are and when they are required (and when they’re not)
- What to assess in a FCA and what to include in a FCA report
- The standardised assessments the NDIS prefers for FCA’s
- Average time taken to complete general a FCA and report
- Why we need to charge our worth (including report writing, travel and indirect time)
- How to reduce risk of burn out
- Narrowing scope of practice to improve efficiency, productivity and enjoyment
- And SO MUCH MORE!
Sarah is an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience and she’s the Director of Verve OT. Sarah has worked across a broad range of clinical settings including rehabilitation, injury management, health, medico-legal and disability. She is a passionate supporter of the NDIS and provides supervision and training to other OT’s in all things NDIS. She has a special interest in complex home modifications and can often be found trampling around building sites all over Sydney. Sarah is a member of the OTA NDIS taskforce and administrator of the NDIS OT Community of Practice.
To learn more about Sarah, the NDIS related courses and join the Facebook group, click links below:
Website: Verve OT
NDIS Facebook Group: NDIS OT Community of Practice
In this episode, it is an absolute privilege and pleasure to be speaking with Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Townsend. Liz is a remarkable occupational therapist, occupational scientist and scholar who has made significant contributions to the field of occupational therapy, occupational science and the understanding of occupational justice. We discuss:
- How Liz has remained curious and passionate about OT after many years in the profession
- How occupational science informs and enhances occupational therapy
- What occupational science is and why it's relevant
- How OTPs can raise their profile and visibility
- What occupational justice is
- How occupational therapists can contribute to addressing broader systemic issues of injustice such as discrimination and poverty
- The value and importance of person-entered care
- The future of occupational therapy
Professor Townsend's passion for occupational therapy and her unwavering commitment to promoting occupational justice and equity have driven her influential work throughout her career.
With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Professor Townsend has delved into the philosophical and theoretical aspects of occupation, exploring its profound impact on human well-being and quality of life. Her extensive research and publications have shed light on the intricate connections between occupational engagement and social structures, highlighting the barriers that hinder individuals from accessing meaningful occupations.
Her tireless efforts have brought occupational justice to the forefront of discussions, shaping policy and practice to create positive change.
Professor Townsend is the founder and second director for the school of occupational therapy for Dalhousey university. She is a founding member of the International Society of Occupational Scientists and the Canadian Society of Occupational Scientists. She is a founder of the concepts of occupational justice, occupational injustice, and occupational rights to address systemic social exclusion, deprivation and other marginalizing social practices.
Professor Townsend has authored and co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications.
Goal setting is part of the therapeutic process, and I must say that how I go about setting goals with the people I work with has shifted and evolved in many ways over the past 15 years. I’ve come to learn that goal setting:
When we step fully into our role as an occupational therapist and own the title, when we educate the community on our understanding of 'occupation' - we raise the collective consciousness. But it starts with us. As occupational therapists we often get frustrated that no one knows what it is we do. And it's a catch 22. We don't use the word 'occupation', because people don't understand what it means. And people don't understand what it means, because we don't talk about it. We often replace the word 'occupation' with 'task', 'function' or 'activity'. It's time we return to the roots of occupation. It's time we share the love!
In this episode we explore person-entered care with occupational therapist and stroke survivor, Emma Gee.
We discuss:
- Emma's personal story of surviving a stroke after recently graduating from occupational therapy when she was 24 years old
- How Emma re-learnt to talk, walk, eat, and complete basic every day activities again
- Emma's experience of feeling trapped in her own body
- How personal identity can change after a experiencing a life-changing condition
- What person-centered care is
- Why person-centered care should be the cornerstone of our practice
- How Emma received person-centered care after her stroke, and how she didn't
- Practical ways to embrace a person-centered approach today....and SO MUCH MORE!
Emma is an occupational therapist, a professional speaker and a person who survived a stroke when she was 24. In a moment, Emma’s life changed from that of a professional health provider and long-distance runner to that of a person who has survived a stroke. Unable to move, speak, or swallow, she found herself dependent on the medical system she had planned to make her career in. With tenacity and determination, Emma worked her way back to walking and talking again. But she didn’t stop there. Seventeen years on, Emma now runs a Speaking Business aiming to increase person-centred care & resilience, raise disability awareness & share her insights of life as a therapist and a patient - to demonstrate that anything IS possible.
Emma understands through her own story the processes of partnership and collaboration necessary to show the way to a fulfilling, meaningful life because she embodies those challenges every day. Emma is the author of a own published a book - Reinventing Emma.
Emma is generously offering listeners a 10% discount for her book - Reinventing Emma. Use the code: REBOOK@2023FS, and click on her website link below. Valid until 31 July 2023.
Instagram: @emg1234
Facebook: Emma Gee
Website: Emma Gee
In this episode we are talking all about co-regulating the parents, reparenting and parent coaching with occupational therapist and parent coach, Maggie Viers.
We explore:
- What parent coaching looks like
- Why children (and any human) can be angry AND simultaneously regulated
- How to support parents who are triggered by their child’s behaviours
- How to co-regulate with parents
- Why children need co-regulation not self-regulation strategies
- How to ensure a strengths-based approach
- How to guide parents back to their inner child
- Why parents and caregivers must be involved in therapy with children
Maggie is an Occupational Therapist and the founder of The Empowered Family. She is a transracial Korean adoptee, wife, and mom to 4 kids all under the age of 7. She has a passion for shifting the paradigm for how we view behavior, strengthening the parent-child relationship, and supporting parents to better understand themselves and their children. It wasn't until she became a parent that she discovered just how much her early life experiences, trauma, and conditioning were impacting her quality of life, mental health, and relationships. For Maggie, motherhood became this challenging yet beautiful portal for self discovery, healing, and reparenting herself alongside her kids. She’s passionate about empowering and supporting parents to do the same so they can strengthen and nurture connection and relationship with themselves and their kids.
Learn more about Maggie here:
Instagram: @theempoweredfamily
In this episode we talk all about street art and graffiti as a meaningful therapeutic occupation with occupational therapist and not-afraid-to-question-the status-quo, Gavin Symes. We discuss:
- How to incorporate street art and graffiti into your occupational therapy practice
- What you need to get started
- Why street art is therapeutic and how to make it ‘therapy’
- Frustrations that arise when other professionals question what we do
- How to confidently step out of the cookie cutter intervention approach
- Providing truly person-centered practice
- How to co-create meaningful goals
- How to turn your passion into a service
Gavin is an occupational therapist and founder of Wizard OT in Melbourne, Australia. In 2010 Gavin sustained a serious head injury that left him physically and cognitively impaired. His injury made simple tasks difficult, and he required retraining in basic everyday life skills. A year later he decided to study to become an Occupational Therapist. Having his life turned upside down by a debilitating impairment now informs everything he does in his occupational therapy work. Gavin uses street art as a therapeutic medium to support people to reach their occupational goals in life. He prides himself on constantly attempting to break moulds and constantly expanding his clinical skills to work with a diverse range of people.
Instagram: @wizard_ot
Website: Wizard OT
In this episode we are talking all about rhythmic movement and technology to support children’s learning with occupational therapist, Bridgette Nicholson.
We discuss:
- What a ‘body-up approach’ to learning is
- Practical strategies for integration of a ‘body-up’ approach for children
- Benefits of highly structured rhythm and movement for cognitive based tasks such as handwriting and reading
- Impacts of movement preceding and during learning activities
- Evidence and research behind rhythm and movement
- Brainstorming as an intervention
- Bridgette’s free programs to guide children through a structured body and brain, rhythmic movement activity to support learning
- Why occupational therapy is such a versatile and creative profession and so much MORE!
Bridgette Nicholson has been an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Consultant for over 34 years. She has provided direct services and consultation to school districts and organizations focusing on assistive technology, occupational therapy, and Universal Design for Learning. Currently, her focus is on the provision of intensive training programs which include sensory regulation combined with the use of technology to support decision-making for ongoing planning and effective implementation of strategies that work!
Website: Bridgette Nicholson
Website: Body Brain TechFacebook: Brain Body TechInstagram: @bodybraintech123Youtube: Brain Body Tech
In this episode we explore the history of occupational therapy with occupational therapist, Josie Jarvis. We take a deep dive into:
- A historical view of ‘occupation’
- How occupational therapy became a profession
- Occupational science and understanding the everyday lives of humans
- Working beyond the 1:1 therapy model to working with groups and communities …..and SO much more!
This was an invigorating, highly interesting and intellectually stimulating conversation with Josie. I learnt way more than I expected. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for history, science and our profession blew me away.
Josie Jarvis has been a practicing occupational therapist in the United States since 2015 supporting clients across the lifespan in traditional settings such as acute care, skilled nursing, memory care, outpatient pediatrics, and school based practice. She returned to school in 2019 for her post professional clinical doctorate after feeling discouraged by extremely narrow conceptions of OT practice and a health and social service system that focused more on denying services than providing them to clients with complex mental, physical, and social disabilities. While enrolled at the University of Utah she got reconnected to the soul core and historic roots of occupational therapy and developments of dynamic OT practice occurring internationally that was informed and inspired by contemporary occupational science, multicultural perspectives, critiques, and community responses to a profit driven medical model of human service delivery that often harms occupational being as much as it helps. She now finds great hope and inspiration for the future of occupational therapy all over the world. By supporting each-other in finding courage and connection to our roots as a brave and dynamic profession that has the capacity to not only change lives but systems of exclusivity and oppression throughout the world toward a culture of shared empowerment and holistic wellbeing. It is her hope that by getting a deeper connection to our shared history and distinct science base there is hope that OTPs all over the world can feel empowered and supported in their purpose to bring constructive healing through occupation and adapting together in time of rapid change and social injustice. Josie has two podcasts Engaging Occupational Science (focused on making occupational science dialog accessible) and the Evolved Living podcast (focused on empowering collaboration in community based responses to shared social challenges in the current landscape).
To learn more from Josie Jarvis, you can find her here:
Podcast: Engaging Occupational Science Podcast
Podcast: Foundations of Occupational Science
Facebook group: Occupational Science Empowered
Freebie: Occupational Science 101 Guide
In this episode we talk all about being a brave occupational therapist with Occupational Therapist, Certified Coach Practitioner and podcaster, Carlyn Neek.
We discuss:
- What ‘being brave’ looks like
- How to cultivate more courage in our OT role
- Embracing vulnerability
- Goal setting for ourselves and our clients: reducing the pressure by not setting timelines
- Feeling depleted and on the verge of burn out
- When being brave means stepping into something, and when sometimes it means stepping back from something
We are speaking with Carlyn Neek for the second time on this podcast! The first chat with Carolyn was episode #78 talking all about imposter syndrome, burn out and self compassion Carlyn has 18 years of clinical OT experience. She now has her own business, Balance Works Personal Development where she supports occupational therapists from around the world to get unstuck and help them live their values wholeheartedly. She is the creator of the ACTivate Vitality program where she supports OTs frozen by imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and perfectionism to work and live with authenticity, fulfillment, and vitality.
Website: Balance Works Personal Development
Facebook: Carlyn Neek
Instagram: @balanceworksot
In this episode we talk all about boredom and how it relates to our work as occupational therapists. We talk with OT, author and artist Jen Gash about:
- the importance of 'doing'
- why people get bored
- the good and the bad side of boredom
- how people can alleviate boredom
- how boredom relates to occupational therapy
- Jen's new book: Bored: Why human beings need to have something to do every day (and what happens if they don’t)
Jen has been an occupational therapist for over 25 years but early in her career, realised her love for doing things differently, changing and developing services as well as supporting occupational therapists themselves. In 2006 she established OT Coach which acknowledges the benefits of using coaching within OT practice and the great things that happen when OTs themselves are coached. Coaching creativity became a special interest for Jen as she is a life-long artist and also recognises the creativity intrinsic in OT practice and coaching itself.
In 2017 the first book on occupational therapy and coaching was published; Enabling positive change – coaching conversations in occupational therapy, with Jen as co-editor. She is also author of Coaching creativity – transforming your practice and Bored: Why we need something to do every day (and what happens if we don’t) due to be published May 2023. She has recently started a podcast called Alchemical Health with her brother, which looks at sustainable, regenerative and creative health and care. As a life-long artist, Jen won “Sky Artist of the Year” in 2018.
Facebook: OT Coach
Website: OT Coach
Website: Jen Gash
In this episode we are talking all about neurodivergence, unmasking and spirituality with occupational therapist, Stephanie Robertson.
We discuss:
- Stephanie’s personal journey to discovering she was neurodivergent
- Masking from a personal and professional lens
- The harm caused by masking
- How OTs can support neurodivergent people to be their true authentic selves
- The benefits of parent coaching
- What affirming practice looks like
- How to look beyond ‘challenging behaviour’
- Spirituality and occupational therapy
- And SO MUCH MORE!
Stephanie Robertson is an occupational therapist based in Victoria Australia. She is extremely passionate about working with the neurodivergent community to support all areas of the human experience. Steph and her daughter are both neurodivergent and she believes that it’s her lived experience that has really shaped who she is as a professional. Steph enjoys exploring spirituality and believes this is at the core of occupational therapy.
In this episode we are talking all about Puberty with occupational therapist, Sarah Hausler.
We discuss:
- puberty – what it is, when it starts and the biological, psychological and social components
- delivering education to young people and parents
- running puberty group programs – and how you can run your own
- adopting a biopsychosocial approach
- therapeutic use of self and sharing our own personal stories to build trust and connection
- new occupations that are woven into a young person’s routines
- period care products
- menstruation, masturbation and so much more!
Sarah Hausler is the principal Occupational Therapist of Bloom Wellbeing – a paediatric OT practice in Adelaide. Sarah is a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of Adelaide. She developed the Well Girls and Puberty Plus programs and is the author of Piper Gets Her Period and Puberty Plus Handbook.
Find Sarah here:
Website: Bloom Wellbeing
Facebook: Bloom Wellbeing
Instagram: Bloom Wellbeing
In this episode with occupational therapist, Kelly Clancy, we talk all about:
- mindbody medicine (and why OTs should be leading this movement)
- Tensegrity and Tensegrity Medicine (a methodology Kelly has developed)
- dialoging
- belief systems
- curiosity questioning
- assessments and therapy utilizing a holistic whole-person approach
- how to move beyond the biomedical model
- light touch
- therapeutic use of self
- lifestyle approaches....and so much MORE!
Kelly is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist, holistic health counselor, Level 1 IFS practitioner, and a board-certified structural integrator and massage therapist. Kelly has been practicing in the field of rehabilitative medicine as an Occupational Therapist for over 36 years. Her focus is not only on the physical issues which may present in disease and dysfunction, but also on the relationship of stress, cognitive belief patterns and emotions. Her focus is on utilizing the principles of tensegrity as a foundation for the evaluation of global structural patterns, along with the implementation of targeted light touch manual therapies, movement integration and dialoguing, as a means to create three dimensional balance of the whole person.
Kelly’s primary goal is to empower her clients and students in learning and practicing a balanced lifestyle that not only supports health and well-being, but focuses on ‘a return to oneself’ and their soul’s true purpose.
You'll find Kelly here:
Website: Kelly Clancy
Facebook: Kelly Clancy
Instagram: Kelly Clancy
YouTube: Kelly Clancy
Healthcare has become more about efficiency, productivity and profit and less about client satisfaction and individualized care. Many of us feel stuck in a system that isn’t working for us - we're forever trying to keep up with KPI's, policies and procedures. And 'the system' certainly isn’t the most beneficial for our clients. In this episode I am joined by Rafi Salazar. Rafi is an occupational therapist, principal owner of Rehab U Practice Solutions, author of the book: Better Outcomes: A Guide to Humanizing Healthcare and host of the podcast: The Better Outcomes Show.
In this episode we explore:
- how to put people ahead of policies
- the biopsychosocial model of care
- how to develop meaningful client relationships
- empowering people to lead their own life
We imagine a new paradigm of healthcare – one that is focused on what matters, not what counts.
Learn more about Rafi here:
Website: Rafi Salazar
Facbook: Rehab U
In today's episode I speak with Bridget Mathis, Occupational Therapist from STISIM Drive; a driving simulation technology for clinical therapy, driver training, and driving research. In today's episode Bridget and I discuss a day in the life of a non-traditional OT, driving simulation - what it is and how it helps, ways we can articulate our unique expertise as an OT, how to pursue diverse and innovative roles (beyond the health system), the future of OT and so much more!
Bridget Mathis is an experienced occupational therapist with over 10 years of expertise in stroke rehabilitation, geriatrics, education, and marketing strategies. Bridget has worked for a university in Austin Texas as OT faculty and for an upper extremity robotic device company. She has also worked as a clinical OT within outpatient and home health settings with a focus on neurological conditions in older people.
Bridget is employed by STISIM Drive as a consultant assisting with product development to align with OT best practice. Bridget's role is to develop the OT training program, collaborate with product development, and engage with STISIM Drive customers. Bridget has a passion for the integration of technology within the OT community to enhance patient engagement and outcomes.
STIMSIM Drive are sponsoring the world premier of the film: Finding Me In OT at the AOTA Inspire 2023 Conference - Thursday April 20, 5.30pm. Bridget and I will be on the panel! I will be Zooming in from Australia. Looking forward to having your energy and excitement in the room with us!
P.S. - there are CEU points available for those who attend the screening! x
When we have the humility to pay attention to the injustices occurring in the world around us, we recognise that we can become part of the solution. Solutions for a better tomorrow. In this episode I am joined by the incredible thought-leader and trail-blazer Emeritus Professor Gail Whiteford.
In this episode we discuss what occupational justice is, the importance of listening to people's narratives, why we need to move away from the biomedical model, how we can bridge the gap between what we know intellectually with the courage to take action, why occupational therapist's don't need to 'treat' people, why we need to align our language with our OT philosophy, how to lead boldly and share our Truth, why we need to detach from the ‘professional’ status and work in partnership with people, and how occupational therapists around the globe can ignite a vision for the future of OT.
Emeritus Professor Whiteford Gail has had an insatiable curiosity for over three decades, learning and teaching on occupational justice and occupational deprivation. She has published extensively in the Journal of Occupational Science. Gail has served in clinical, managerial, research and consulting roles including for the Department of Foreign Affairs in Australia. Gail has given keynote addresses in 13 countries.
She has held a number of senior academic, executive and conjoint appointments in Australia, New Zealand and Canada and served as Australia’s first Pro Vice Chancellor of Social Inclusion. Gail developed and led the World Federation of Occupational Therapists - Occupational Narratives Data Base project and the book: Doing Our Best: Individual and Community Responses to Challenging Times published by OT Australia.
In this episode we talk with the wonderfully insightful Meg Proctor - occupational therapist and founder of Learn Play Thrive, and explore; neurodiversity-affirming therapy, strengths-based approaches, why we need to ditch the medical model and stop pathologizing autism, why language matters and how to make the shift from person-first language to identity-first language, why neurotypical developmental milestones are not appropriate for autistic children, why teaching social skills can be harmful and instead how we can empower autistic people through advocacy, acceptance, a sense of belonging …..and so much more!
Meg cares deeply about person-affirming therapy and she hopes to springboard as many OTs and speech therapists as humanly possible into offering neurodiversity-affirming therapy with ease. Meg has worked in early intervention, schools, and clinics. She is a former faculty member of the TEACCH® Autism program, and she is the host of the Two Sides of the Spectrum Podcast, where she interviews autistic adults and other professionals striving to change therapy practice.
Website: Learn Play Thrive
Podcast: Two Sides of the Spectrum
Instagram: @learnplaythrive
Facebook: Learn Play Thrive
In this episode I talk with Mick Collins, occupational therapist, author and incredible human being. We talk all about spirituality and how it plays a role in our practice as occupational therapists. We explore spiritual emergencies (and how the medical system often mistakes these for mental illness), transpersonal occupational therapy, shadow work, therapeutic use of self, soul awakenings, archetypal occupations, dream work, exploring human potential and spirituality in our everyday practice with our everyday clients …..and so much more!!!
Mick Collins worked for 12 years as an occupational therapist specialising in adult acute mental health services and in a psychological therapies team where he integrated the transpersonal into his clinical practice. He has worked as a University lecturer for 10 years and his research focused on themes such as spiritual crisis, transformative potential, spiritual renewal and how humanity can prepare itself to respond to the escalating ecological crisis. For the past four decades Mick has been devoted to a path of gradual soul retrieval, restoration and transformation. He is an author of 3 books: The Restorative Spirit, The Visionary Spirit and The Unselfish Spirit.
Website: Mick Collins - Transformocene
Today we are speaking with one of my biggest OT inspirations – thought leader, deep thinker and not-afraid-to challenge the status quo, Professor Michael Iwama. In this episode, Michael and I explore everything from belief systems to understanding a client’s narrative, moving beyond the medical model, re-thinking evidence-based practice, nature and the environment, harnessing the … 86 – The Essence of Occupational Therapy & The KAWA Model ft Professor Michael Iwama Read More »
Do you want to learn how the Polyvagal Theory relates to our work as occupational therapists? Today we are taking a deep dive into it! The Polyvagal Theory is concerned with our physiological state. It provides us with understanding three neural circuits or physiological states that all stem from the autonomic nervous system (which regulates involuntary … 85 – Polyvagal Theory, Co-Regulation & An OT Approach ft Kelly Beins Read More »
Ageing populations are on the rise around the globe. And I’m so excited by the potential of our profession in this space and how we can really make an impact and enable participation in meaningful occupations for our elders in their later years of their life. We can provide ‘traditional’ OT, but there’s also scope … 84 -Aged Care & Dementia: Changing The Way OT Is Perceived ft Brooke Moore Read More »
Co-regulation is the dynamic and continuous process whereby one person’s nervous system calms another. It is a hugely important skill as a therapist, but also in so many of our other life roles. Co-regulation is about meeting a person where they are at and attuning to their needs. In this episode I explore and talk … 83 – 6 Practical Strategies for Co-Regulation Read More »
Today we have a little sneak peek in to the life of an OT student. We are speaking with Alaskah Hindry, a final year occupational therapy student from Sydney, Australia. Alaskah is in her 7th year of university, after completing a few years part-time following the birth of her daughter. She shares her student journey – the … 82 – OT Student Life: Placements, Managing Stress & Preparing for the ‘Real World’ ft Alaskah Hindry Read More »
Let’s talk all about lifestyle optimisation and what this movement is all about. Brock Cook, fellow OT Aussie podcaster interviewed me for his podcast Occupied back in January 2021 to talk all about The OT Lifestyle Movement – our movement. I’m sharing the episode here, because after the podcast was release I had so many … 81 – Lifestyle, Occupation & OT: What It Means To Me Read More »
We all experience trauma. The question is, how do we get through the tough times? How do we navigate our way back home to ourselves? How do we listen to wild wisdom of our heart? And most potently, how do we unleash it? Today I have a very special guest and former OT friend of … 80 – Trauma & Unleashing The Wild Wisdom of Your Heart ft. Aubri Hathaway Read More »
Let me get really vulnerable with you for a minute as I share my biggest OT stuff up. Let me take you back to when I was a new grad working at a city hospital on the general medical wards. I did something I will never (ever) do again. It was my biggest mistake, and … 79 – My Biggest OT Stuff Up Read More »
Today we are shifting the spotlight from a focus on client well-being, to our own well-being. We are exploring the inner work we can do as healthcare professionals to not only survive, but to thrive. In today’s fast-paced therapy world many of us are faced with what feels like endless responsibilities and a never-ending to-do … 78 – Imposter Syndrome, Burn Out & Self Compassion ft Carlyn Neek Read More »
There is so much more that we can do as occupational therapy practitioners if we simply give ourselves permission. Permission to think big and permission to create new ways. In this episode we talk with Jess Leggatt, an inspiring OT from Brisbane Australia. Jess talks about what ‘occupation as medicine’ means to her, and how … 77 – Occupation as Medicine, Mind-Body Connection & Unlocking Inner Essence ft Jess Leggatt Read More »
How do we know it’s ‘acheiable’, if its never been done before? If there’s no evidence of it being ‘attainable’? Let’s not put a cap on our clients dreams, desires and goals to ensure they fit into OUR goal setting framework. For when the bar is set too low, they may fall short of reaching … 76 – {Not So} SMART Goals? Read More »
Today I am taking you back to an interview I recorded 2 years ago, before The OT Lifestyle Movement even existed! I was so thrilled and honoured to speak with the amazing Dr Fiona Graham (and you can probably tell in my voice!). Dr Fiona developed Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC), an evidenced based coaching intervention … 75 – Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC): Evidence Based Intervention ft Dr Fiona Graham Read More »
Today we are talking all about the breath – something that every single one of our clients does as an involuntary automatic function of the body. But how is it impacting on their daily occupations? In this podcast episode we dive into how we can assess a clients’ breathing, why this is even important, what … 74 – Breathing Retraining and Education For Clients ft Kate Broderick Read More »
In this episode I am interviewed by Patricia Motus, OT and the voice behind The Uncommon OT Series podcast. I am thrilled to be sharing this here with you! We talk about the profession of occupational therapy, how I practice as an OT and stepping into business.
People can experience profound transformation through the way in which we touch them. Not just physically, energetically. The energy we bring to a session is one of our most important tools in our OT toolbox, as it forms the foundation of the therapeutic relationship. In this episode we dive into two extraordinary modalities that incorporate … 72 – Bodywork and Energy Principles in OT Practice ft Deanna Waggy Read More »
Have you ever thought about leveraging the skills, knowledge and expertise you already have as an OT or OTA and turning it into an online course? There are so many reasons why this may appeal to you. Maybe you want to impact more lives beyond 1:1 therapy? Maybe you want to create another stream of … 71 – Turn Your OT Expertise Into An Online Course: Free Masterclass Replay Read More »
For some it’s taboo, for Lindsey Vestal it’s a typical Tuesday. Pelvic health, incontinence, sex and pelvic pain are topics all too familiar. The pelvic health space is an area Lindsey knew she wanted to step into before she even started OT school. What drew her to OT, was the holistic lens she could provide … 70 – OT Pelvic Health: Breaking The Taboo And Blazing A Trail ft Lindsey Vestal Read More »
While listening is recognised as a ‘soft skill’, I think it is anything but that. It’s hard. To deeply listen to our clients and their needs, wants, dreams and desires it takes a certain level of humility. The humility to pay attention. The humility to see life through their lens. The humility to recognise when … 69 – Deep Listening: Not A Soft Skill Read More »
Have you ever wondered what exactly occupational therapy can bring to the soft tissue arena? Well strap in, because in this episode we cover it all! Today we speak with Jordan van der Westhuizen (do you think I could pronounce his last name after I hit record!?). Jordan is an occupational therapist who specialises in … 68 – Soft Tissue Therapy, Injury and Pain ft Jordan van der Westhuizen Read More »
At the start of a new year most of us take the time to think about our direction, our dreams, desires and goals over the next 365 days. I want to help you reach your goals faster this year, and so I am going to share my little secret with you that collapses time like … 67 – Energetic Calibration: How to Collapse Time to Reach Your Goals Faster Read More »
Dr. Deirdre Azzopardi is an occupational therapist who refuses to be put in the fine motor box. She doesn’t want to be known as the handwriting teacher. She wants to be known as the therapist who holistically contributes to children’s well-being within the school environment. In this episode we dive into all things social emotional … 66 – Breaking OT Stereotypes in Schools: From Fine Motor OT to Holistic Well-Being OT ft Dr. Deirdre Azzopardi Read More »
The idea of having a job for life seems long gone. I felt the pinch when I was made redundant from my occupational therapy job 10 years ago. In hindsight, it was the best career move I never had to make. But at the time, it was rough. No job. And no income. After this … 65 – Why I Created Multiple Income Streams (and why you should consider it) Read More »
Mindfulness and meditation are occupations that we can weave into our sessions with clients to help them achieve their participation or engagement based goals. In this episode Sarah Good explains the difference between mindfulness and mediation and exactly how these approaches can be used to support our clients with various challenges including those who experience … 64 – Mindfulness, Meditation and Grounding Exercises ft Sarah Good Read More »
An occupation can be therapy, or simply therapeutic. It’s crucial to know the difference.
There’s no beating around the bush with this episode. Today we dive straight to the heart of meaning and purpose in life with Debra Battistella. If you’re on your own spiritual journey or seeking support on your path to self-growth and evolution, this episode is for you. We unpack belief systems, identity, accepting our thoughts, non-judgement, creating space in our day, being present, rituals and routines and even challenging … 62 – Spirituality and Meaning In Our Own Lives ft Debra Battistella Read More »
“When I know everything there is to know, then I’ll do it. When it’s perfect, then I’ll do it. When I’m not scared, then I’ll do it.” Have you ever caught yourself saying this before? Have these thoughts stopped you from pursing what it really is you desire in life? Let me share with you … 61 – When I’m Not Scared, Then I’ll Do It! Read More »
Farm based practice and equine-assisted occupational therapy services are quietly emerging around the globe. More and more therapists are wanting to enable their clients to reach their meaningful occupation-centered and participation-focused goals in an authentic, natural and non-clinical environment. Today we chat with Sarah Munn, a peadiatric occupational therapist based in Australia who shares her innovative insights from her nature and farm-based practices and equine assisted interventions. Sarah is the founder of Barefoot Therapists. She was an OT Manager and pediatric … 60 – Farm Based Practices and Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy ft Sarah Munn Read More »
Let me share my journey to entrepreneurship, how I initially harnessed the belief that creating my own business was possible and how I didn’t let the fear of failure or other peoples opinion keep me paralysed! And I want to remind you that your action AND inaction impacts everyone and everything. When you don’t follow … 59 – Entrepreneurship and Creating Change Read More »
This episode will be of interest to you if you have an interest in children of the world today, and the leaders of our tomorrow. I know you will find so much gold in here from any angle at which you are viewing this (professional, parent or otherwise) because today’s children need us. They need us to be present, aware, in tune and conscious in … 58 – Compassionate Boundaries, Self-Regulation and Conscious Parenting ft Tia Gamelin Read More »
Do you want to know the possibilities within the OT scope of practice? Do you want to be re-inspired to do meaningful occupation-focused work? Do you have big dreams and a vision of how you want to respond to the needs of a changing world? Do you want to immerse in the energy of other … 57 – Merging Passion & Profession: How You Can Do What You Love Read More »
Occupation can be the ‘means’ or the ‘end’. That is, occupation can be the intervention or the over-arching therapy goal. Or both. When I understood this, the therapeutic process made so much more sense to me. I hope it helps you on your therapy journey too.
Emilia Dewi also known as the Lymph Therapist, has been supporting cancer patients on their journey for many years in the role of occupational therapist. On a typical Thursday afternoon one day in February this year, Emilia received her own unthinkable diagnosis. Breast cancer. The enormity of receiving this personal diagnosis compounded by her own professional understanding of the disease process and prognosis meant that she had a big inner journey ahead of her … 55 – Navigating Life with Cancer: A Lifestyle Reset ft The Lymph Therapist, Emilia Dewi Read More »
As we grow older and we have more and more responsibilities and demands placed on us, we sometimes push possibility aside and lose our ability to dream big. We forget about the potential of “what if?”. What if I could design the lifestyle I crave? What if I could create my dream job? What if … 54 – Create Your Life By Design Read More »
If there’s anything I’ve learnt over the course of my career it’s that people can live a meaningful and satisfying life living WITH a disease or chronic condition. And if there’s one occupational therapist who shines a spotlight on the possibilities, it’s Cheryl Crow from Arthritis Life. Cheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for … 53 – Beyond Diagnosis and Disease To Live a Meaningful Life ft Cheryl Crow Read More »
It doesn’t matter if your goal is to get fit, enhance your relationship with your partner or kids, or build the business of your dreams – there is ONE thing that you need to get you there……. *Recorded LIVE in The OT Lifestyle Movement FB group.
I just have to give you the history of this episode! This was recorded one year before the birth of The OT Lifestyle Movement. It was recorded at a time when I was at a crossroads in my entrepreneurial journey. It was recorded at a time when I was playing around with the idea of doing something big in the OT space. I reached out to … 51 – Doing Work That Matters ft Jen Gash Read More »
Let me share the 3 ways we can support our clients through the vortex of Comparisonitis. It’s so common for parents to compare their child to other children or for adults to compare themselves to who they were prior to their injury or illness. 3 ways to provide support:1. Listen2. Validate3. Shine a light on … 50 – Supporting Clients Through The Vortex of Comparisonitis Read More »
Our children have an innate brilliance that needs to be nurtured. We need to be looking at how a child learns best and in what environment they will flourish. It’s safe to say that not every child fits the strictly ridged school system. Homeschooling offers much more freedom and flexibility, where learning doesn’t have to occur in the confines of a classroom. … 49 – Nurturing The Innate Brilliance of Our Children with Homeschooling ft Sarah Collins Read More »
A little chat with you about how I built my businesses and what it takes to build a successful thriving business where you get paid your worth and you can create your life by design. I started with ZERO business knowledge and no financial literacy. Eight years in and I’m still learning. But one thing … 48 – Building A Successful OT Business Read More »
Interoception is the self awareness of our internal sensation. The simple question “how do you feel?”, turns out not to be so simple. Interoception helps us to answer this question but it requires us to be very in tune with our internal organs. As OTs we can support our clients in their everyday occupations by helping them to understand their ability to interpret and process interoception signals. Interoception is relevant to so many of our clients including those with chronic constipation, wetting, stress, … 47 – Interoception: Our Internal Body Sense ft Kelly Mahler Read More »
As OTs we have the privilege to zoom out from the injury or illness to give us a much more holistic view of a person’s life. We’re not focused on removing the obstruction, we’re concerned with enhancing life flow. The KAWA is a model where we become the student and our client becomes the theorist. … 46 – The KAWA Model Read More »
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own online course? Do you want to grow multiple and sustainable sources of online income that includes course development but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve started, but got stuck in the process? If so, this episode is for you! Today we are talking with Melissa La Pointe, a world renowned occupational therapist turned OT coach and entreprenuer. Melissa helps OT … 45 – How To Create And Market A Wildly Successful Online OT Course ft Melissa La Pointe Read More »
A reminder that nothing stays the same, and that everything changes. When we cultivate the awareness of the impermanence of life, we start paying attention, we become conscious of how we spend our time and we do things that matter most #oneoccupationatatime. Let me share with you a personal story and a wake up call … 44 – The Impermanence Of Life Read More »
Today we look through the lens an autistic OT; Bill Wong. Bill is a role model to the autistic community, he’s an OT inspiration and a huge advocate for our profession. Bill has presented and shared his blended perspectives on autism with communities around the globe and is the first occupational therapy practitioner to speak at 2 … 43 – Autism and OT: The Lived Experience ft Bill Wong Read More »
I’ve pivoted many times in my life, career and business when I haven’t been in a place of alignment. I’ve often overthought my next-steps and what I should do. Do I stay comfortable and safe or do I risk it to follow something I’m passionate about? I’ve learnt that it’s ok to change my mind, … 42 – Pivoting in Life, Career and Business Read More »
As OT’s we have it in our heart to create a positive difference to the lives of people we work with, however we have often shied away from business, entrepreneurship and money talk. Let me say this, it’s not bad or wrong to make money from helping others. Money is energy and it can be earnt, spent and given consciously. When … 41 – Make A Difference and A Dollar In Your OT Business: Marketing, Systems & Attracting Ideal Clients ft Ana Hernando Read More »
I’m always planning and thinking ahead. I like to map out the direction of my life instead of being a passenger and letting life happen to me. Back in 2013, I had recently moved interstate and had my first baby. I didn’t have a job to return to after my maternity leave and so I … 40 – When Life Takes You On A Different Course: You’re Exactly Where You’re Meant To Be Read More »
Just imagine for a moment creating the holistic OT practice of your dreams. What would it look like? What would it feel like? What kind of integrative and complementary services would you offer? How would you run your day? Emmy Vadnais, seasoned occupational therapist and the founder of Holistic OT shares exactly what’s possible and takes us through the steps of casting a vision, getting … 39 – From Vision to Reality: Building Your Own Holistic OT Practice ft Emmy Vadnais Read More »
I’m a dreamer and doer. A goal setter and a go-getter. I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone and doing hard things. It’s a personal journey and a spiritual growth practice. I’ve set goals for myself for anything from running a half marathon, to competing in a fitness competition with only 6 weeks training, starting a … 38 – Goal Setter, Go Getter: Achieving Your Goals (And Your Clients) Read More »
When I started thinking about using a coaching approach in my occupational therapy practice I had a million questions. What exactly is OT coaching? What qualifications do I need? How do I measure outcomes? How do I explain the coaching approach to my clients so that they don’t expect me to be the ‘expert’ with … 37 – Become an OT Coach ft Bronwyn Drysdale Read More »
I’m obsessed with learning about other people’s rituals and routines and how I can optimise my morning to show up and be my best self. They say the most successful people in the world have a morning routine. They intentionally spend the first waking hours of their day doing specific things. They might read, workout, say an affirmation or do a meditation. There’s not one morning routine that works for … 36 – Mastering Your Morning Read More »
Tiff Snyder is an occupational therapist, health coach and the founder of The Wellbeing Movement. She is also a yogi, a lover of plant based foods and a shredder in the surf a. Tiff was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and generalised anxiety disorder years ago. These are conditions she continues to live with but along … 35 – Meditating and Surfing Her Way to Wellness and Sharing Her Light with Others ft Tiff Snyder Read More »
Shout out to all the inspired dreamers and doers in the OT world! This episode is for you. Whether you have a traditional OT brick and mortar business, an online business or if you want to cultivate your business idea, today I’m sharing with you my 8 top tips to building this wild dream of … 34 – What It Takes To Build A Business Read More »
Let’s take a privileged peep into the thoughts and life of an OT and mumma of a boy with special needs, Candice Curtis. Candice is the founder of Integrate Family, a pediatric online private practice. In this episode we discuss her decision not get her son diagnosed, a holistic approach to supporting her son, how her son’s special needs journey shaped her way of thinking … 33 – Autism: Through the Holistic Lens of a Mother and OT ft Candice Curtis Read More »
Life is so fast paced and we live in a society that wants everything done yesterday. My endless to-do list never seems to be getting any shorter, so I have taken some time to reflect on my current productivity tools and practices and I have also started to explore new habits to keep me focussed … 32 – Productivity Tips and Tools To Unlock Your Potential Read More »
Menstrual cycles, mothering, birth preparation, feminine rhythms, pelvic care and womb wisdom are just a few of the topics we touch on in this episode. It was so incredible to learn from Janelle Gullan who teaches us how we can support women in their everyday mothering activities and navigate mothering transitions through education, external and … 31 – Women’s Health, Womb Wisdom and Holistic Pelvic Care ft Janelle Gullan Read More »
What an absolute honour and privilege it is to be speaking with the legendary OT, Professor Winnie Dunn. Winnie is a true visionary in the world of OT whose life long commitment to learning has propelled our profession forward. Winnie is an internationally known expert for her studies on sensory processing in everyday life. She has published more than 100 research … 30 – Living Sensationally: Understanding Our Senses ft Professor Winnie Dunn Read More »
What does well-being mean when looking through an occupational lens? How do we work in the health promotion space and empower our clients to harness the power of their mind body and spirit? Can we use integrative and complementary approaches in our work? If. so, how? What’s within scope? And what on earth is possible? … 29 – The OT Well-Being Summit Read More »
With rates of autoimmune diseases continuing to climb and quality of life taking a dive, it’s no wonder occupational therapy is needed now more than ever. So, how can we support people’s well-being through simple lifestyle changes? How can we address occupations related to diet, gut health, movement and sleep? And why is gut health … 28 – Autoimmune Conditions and An OT Lifestyle Approach ft Kristen Lowe Read More »
Let me share with you The OT Lifestyle Movement Manifesto that I wrote a little while ago. It captures our purpose, values and vision. I hope it resonates. “It starts with us. Unearthing our passions and purpose to follow our true north and authentically align with work that truly matters. We shine a spotlight on … 27 – Our OT Manifesto Read More »
Many of our occupational therapy clients experience anxiety in relation to their current life challenges. Potentially, anxiety could be the primary reason they are seeking our professional help in the first place. Whether anxiety is the main barrier to occupational performance or it is a fluctuating hinderance stopping a person from living their best life, this is a space we need to be exploring more with our clients. Today we talk … 26 – Anxiety and the Occupation of Worry ft Dr. Sarah Anderson Read More »
I started my own occupational therapy private practice over 8 years ago. Back then I had little money, little self belief and little time to invest into a business. What started as a side gig while I was raising my babies, has grown with me over the years into a buzzing little business. My books … 25 – My Super Simple Private Practice (And How You Can Start Yours Today) Read More »
Craniosacral therapy and yoga therapy can be intertwined into our occupational therapy practice to enhance healing, wellbeing and engagement in everyday occupations. Alanna Barr embraces all three modalities and in this episode she opens my eyes to the possibilities we have within our scope as an OT. She explains what craniosacral therapy is, what her … 24 – Merging Craniosacral Therapy, Yoga Therapy & Occupational Therapy ft Alanna Barr Read More »
Just speaking what comes to mind today on remaining occupation-focussed and relevant, and the need for us to be with our clients in the real life context of their day-to-day life. Here we go……
Are you curious about how to incorporate nature into your OT sessions? Or what the evidence is behind it? When we are equipped with evidence it makes it easier to explain in professional conversations why a ‘walk ‘n’ talk’ session is beneficial and health promoting. I mean, don’t we all want to escape the fluorescent … 22 – Weaving Nature Into The Fabric of Our Work ft Bronwyn Paynter Read More »
May we be bold enough to question everything. Anything that is not an absolute truth, is a relative truth. Just like the three categories of occupation that we have created; self-care, leisure and productivity. They’re not wrong, but they’re not right for everyone. They are relative to an individuals circumstances, where in the world they … 21 – Questioning OT Truths: Beyond Self-Care, Leisure and Productivity Read More »
Are you ready to start living your life on purpose and do the work you’re here to do? Are you ready to draft a vision and and live out your wildest dreams? It’s time to stop playing small with your life. And it’s time to get real with yourself! In this episode we chat with … 20 – Unstoppable OT’s: Quit Playing Small, Pursue Your Purpose And Live Out Your Dream ft Sarah Rheinberger Read More »
One minute telehealth was hardly a thing, the next minute we’re OT tech experts. As I reflect on our unexpected and swift transition to telehealth services, I’ve reminded myself of a few things. May they serve as reminders for you too. Here I share 12 things we must remember if we are practicing telehealth…. P.S. I created The … 19 – Reflections on Our Occupational Transition to Telehealth: 12 Things You Need To Know Read More »
Telehealth isn’t just a great way of reaching clients during COVID-19, it’s a way of the future. Telehealth enables us to provide meaningful and functional therapy. Dr Reina Olivera was using telehealth well before it became the ‘norm’ and she shares with us her insights and lessons in this conversation. We talk about what client … 18 – Telehealth and OT: A Way Of The Future ft Reina Olivera Read More »
2020, you’ve been a great reveal. Grateful for the lessons and memories. We will never forget, the year that was. My open letter to 2020…
Crystel Poggioli regretted studying OT and wished she followed her passion of natural health, until she realised she could combine her loves and create her dream job. Crystel has a passion for natural health solutions and childhood development. She has raised her own 6 children using simple, natural health solutions and is a strong support … 16 – Nutrition, GAPS & Occupational Therapy ft Crystel Poggioli Read More »
Our planet is suffering. The global environmental state of the world right now is critical ….and it all began with a single occupation. And so in saving our planet, too, it starts with ‘doing’. One occupation at a time.
Would you love to incorporate yoga into your occupational therapy work but don’t know where to start? Rhaya Lynn, occupational therapist, life coach {and absolute salt of the earth} explains how she uses yoga as a therapeutic occupation with different client groups and how you can too. We also dive into how as OT’s we … 14 – Yoga As A Therapeutic Occupation And Helping Clients Break Free From Stress ft Rhaya Lynn Read More »
In order to remain relevant to the clients whom we seek to serve we must first understand their readiness to change. We might have all these brilliant therapy tools and ideas to help a person reach their goals, but if they do not want to change or if they are not ready for change then … 13 – Stages Of Change Model Read More »
Imagine a place where occupational therapists work with children on lush organic healing farmlands. Where children grow their own food and are involved in the cooking process. Where real food is celebrated and holistic health and wellness is at the forefront every intervention. Such a place exists at The Center for Discovery in New York … 12 – Real Food And A Holistic Feeding Program For Picky Eaters ft Alexandra Besecker Read More »
If we know the choices a client makes influences their chosen occupations, how do we get clients to make different choices? Like the choice to implement a new strategy, adapt the environment, change the routine or modify the occupation? The answer is simple… yet complex.
Stop right there! You might be thinking “I don’t work in the area of trauma, this podcast won’t be relevant to me”! You couldn’t be more wrong. This podcast episode is relevant for every single OT on this planet – including you! Kim describes how trauma isn’t necessarily one big traumatic life changing event. She … 10 – Trauma And Supporting The Conscious Evolution of the Human Spirit ft Kim Barthel Read More »
Ever had that feeling on your OT journey that you’re not enough? I have. A lot of times. I’m not good enough. I’m not smart enough. I’m not experienced enough. My business isn’t growing fast enough…. and therefore I’m not enough. Let me give you a little insight into my story. Let me share with you … 09 – You Are Enough Read More »
There’s a groundswell of occupational therapists who are bursting with creative ideas and endeavours, and are ready to share them with the world! And I’m guessing you’re one of them! Are you ready to learn from one of the best? Soak up the pearls of entrepreneurial wisdom from the one and only Laura Park Figueroa. … 08 – Entrepreneurship, Mindset And Marketing ft Laura Park Figueroa Read More »
Let me introduce you to Lifestyle Optimisation. This is a term I use to describe making every choice a healthy choice. You and I both know that there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to health care, BUT there are six health promotion pillars that I believe every human being benefits from irrespective of age, culture, gender, background or … 07 – Lifestyle Optimisation Read More »
Occupational Therapists are the original Life Coaches! Did you hear that?! YES. WE ARE! And do you wanna know why? Join us in this epic conversation with the glowing and not-afraid-to-step-outside-the-status-quo, Ana Hernando. Ana brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our chat and explains the difference between OT Coaching and Life Coaching and … 06 – Holistic Health And Life Coaching ft Ana Hernando Read More »
Let’s dive into OT Coaching and look at the kinds of open-ended questions we can ask in therapy and how to assess a clients readiness to change. Let’s explore what coaching actually is and how you can intertwine coaching practices into your work today. OT Coaching moves us away from providing all the right {text … 05 – Occupational Therapy Coaching Read More »
Are you curious about practicing holistically, but not sure what’s actually within our scope of practice? Are you keen to incorporate yoga, reiki, meditation, mindfulness {and more} into your work but unsure how to go about it? Here we talk with seasoned Holistic OT – Emmy Vadnais to get all of our questions answered! If … 04 – Holistic OT: What’s In Our Scope Of Practice? The Grey Areas Uncovered ft Emmy Vadnais Read More »
Does your work get you fired up and jumping out of bed in the morning? Mine never used to. If you want to craft your profession around your passion or work your career around your lifestyle, then today’s episode is a must listen. I share my journey to doing work that truely matters …..to me. … 03 – Finding Passion & Purpose in OT Read More »
What is occupational therapy? How can we best describe it? How do we bring occupation to the forefront of our practice? Why shouldn't we be conforming to the medical model ways? What language should we use in our practice? Why should we be looking beyond the diagnostic label? Your questions answered.