Animals and Aquatics

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics," hosts Ryan and Gina explore the concept of growth in non-traditional occupational therapy (OT) practices. They use the analogy of a tree to illustrate the stages of development from a clinician's roots in traditional OT to branching out into non-traditional settings. The hosts emphasize the importance of strong foundationa...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in Occupational Therapy," hosts Gina and Ryan discuss the challenges faced by occupational therapists working in non-traditional settings. They address three main stressors: practice location, finding clients and marketing, and managing interventions. Gina and Ryan share their experiences and offer valuable insights and strategie...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging podcast episode, we delve into the world of Occupational Therapy (OT) and its unique application in the realm of mental health, particularly with horses. Our guest, an experienced OT practitioner, shares valuable insights into her journey, including her dissertation focused on horses and mental health. Discover the surprising ways in which therapy goats and horses...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Gina explores the fascinating world of occupational therapy partnering with horses and its role in promoting mental health. She introduces the "Horse CARE Protocol," a 10-week program inspired by Dr. Amy Banks' book, "Four Ways to Click," which focuses on strengthening relationships and neural pathways. Gina delves into the various aspect...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in Occupational Therapy," co-host Gina delves into the fascinating world of  occupational therapy and horses in mental health. She outlines three essential steps that occupational therapists should consider when incorporating horses into their sessions. These steps involve focusing on the problems caused by symptoms, understandin...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," host Gina introduces a new mini-series focused on horses in occupational therapy and mental health. Gina discusses her background in teaching mental health and psychosocial OT practice and mentions that she is currently working with clients and families with mental health diagnoses. She announces an upcoming interview on...

Send us Fan Mail  Join us for an insightful post-interview discussion with Liz, who has just completed her level one fieldwork experience. Liz shares her thoughts on her initial expectations versus the reality of her experience. She reflects on her concerns, excitements, and insights as she ventured into the world of nature-based and aquatic therapy. Listen in as Liz discusses the surprises, chall...

Send us Fan Mail  In this heartwarming episode, Gina and Ryan, a husband-and-wife team, open up about their lives as parents of three kids while running a thriving Occupational Therapy practice. They share their insights into the intricate dance of managing their roles as co-founders, Occupational Therapist (OTR), and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), all while maintaining a harmonious family...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to "Animals and Aquatics in OT," hosted by Gina – occupational therapist, mom, business owner, and coach. Join Gina on a captivating journey where she blends occupational therapy with intriguing topics. In this special Off-Topic Tuesday episode, Gina explores connections between the Waldorf educational philosophy and sensory integration, delves into the world of...

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Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Animals & Aquatics podcast, we explore the world of aquatic therapy and discuss the essential elements that would make up the perfect therapy pool. Our host, Ryan, delves into the importance of lighting, contrasting materials, and high contrast designs to aid children.  Discover how the right lighting can create a calming atmosphere, positively impacting...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," host Gina delves into the challenges faced by nature-based occupational therapists (OTs) in private practice and introduces the transformative power of human motivation. Gina provides actionable strategies to overcome obstacles and create a thriving practice. Listeners will gain valuable insights into leveraging human moti...

Send us Fan Mail  Join host Gina on "Animals & Aquatics in OT" as she explores the power of the quest log in refining therapy interventions and volunteer programs. Discover how this practical tool can enhance engagement, track progress, and create an innovative approach to your practice. Gain insights into the ENGAGE method, learn real-life examples, and explore the benefits of quest...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to an enchanting episode of Animals and Aquatics and OT, where Gina, your cohost and occupational therapist, takes us on a magical journey to discover the perfect practice location. Join us as we embark on the Unicorn Quest to find your dream therapy practice location! Gina, a seasoned therapist and lifelong equestrian, shatters the myth that you need to own a horse or a f...

Send us Fan Mail  In this holiday episode, join us as we explore the incredible world of Nature-Based Occupational Therapy, where we harness the power of nature, animals, and water to empower clients in their journey towards independence. Witness heartwarming stories of individuals with autism finding comfort in therapy goats and a father post CVA regaining his inner strength through aquatic thera...

Send us Fan Mail  In this captivating episode, Ryan Bunting, a certified occupational therapy assistant and Director of Aquatics, unveils his top tools for aquatic therapy. He emphasizes simplicity and creativity as key elements in occupational therapy sessions. From playground balls for bilateral coordination to visual timers for executive functioning, Ryan explores a wide range of versatile tool...

Send us Fan Mail In this captivating episode, we explore the fascinating world of motivational drives in occupational therapy. Discover eight core human drives, and learn how leveraging human motivations can enhance therapeutic interventions, business strategies, coaching techniques, and marketing approaches. We delve into the dynamics of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, the impact of feedba...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we delve into the importance of helping students grasp the essence of Occupational Therapy (OT) through field work and internship programs. Hear Ryan and Gina emphasize the reciprocal benefits that arise from integrating field work students and interns into your unique practice setting. Join us as we discuss the value of this two-way street, exploring how both par...

Send us Fan Mail  In this podcast, occupational therapist Gina Taylor and Suzanne Kapral from Hillside Farms discuss the benefits of incorporating farm animals and nature-based work into trauma-informed care practices. The program at Hillside Farms brings in a team of professionals, including occupational therapists, trauma counselors, and social workers, to work with children who have experienced...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this episode of the Animals and Aquatics podcast as we dive into the personal experiences and insights of a COTA during her transition from student to practitioner. Our guest shares her journey, highlighting the difficulties encountered when entering the field and adjusting to the practical aspects of the profession. From the struggles of adapting note-writing technique...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we explore the topic of alternative treatment spaces for therapy sessions and discuss various environments such as converted barns, outdoor nature settings, and aquatic spaces. We address the challenges and considerations involved in transitioning from traditional clinical settings to these non-traditional or unconventional spaces. The episode offers practical in...

Send us Fan Mail  In honor of Mother's Day, this episode of Animals and Aquatics Podcast explores the challenges and opportunities for occupational therapists who are also mothers. Hosted by Gina Taylor, a licensed OT and mother of three, this episode discusses the benefits of nature, support and mentoring for reducing stress, increasing job satisfaction, and finding balance between family an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the benefits of mentoring for occupational therapists interested in animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Our host, a occupational therapist and mentor, shares her insights on why mentoring is essential for OTs starting in AAT, and the ways in which mentorship can enhance their professional growth and development. We dive into the importance of having a suppor...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we explore the essential roles of the hippotherapy team in achieving therapeutic goals for clients. As a hippotherapy clinical specialist, our host explains the key players of the team, including the therapist, horse, horse handler, and therapy aide, and how they work together to support the client. We discuss the importance of communication and collaboration amo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss strategies for transitioning clients into aquatic occupational therapy sessions, particularly with pediatric populations. We highlight the challenges that come with working with children, including their uncertainty, anxiety levels, and varying comfort and skill levels with the pool. To address these challenges, we share several helpful tips and recomme...