OT Coaching Confidential

Summary In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with Jess, a sole trader OT with a decade of experience and a clear vision for the kind of business—and life—she wants to build. Jess shares her journey from early NDIS work to leadership roles, and eventually, stepping back into sole trading for the flexibility it offered her growing family. We unpack the complexity of doing it all—f...

Summary: Abigail didn’t plan to go solo—but after workplace changes, she found herself taking on private clients while figuring out her next steps. In this episode, we talk through the reality of stepping into sole trader work without a long-term plan, and the importance of pausing to reflect before making big career moves. We explore how supervision, curiosity, and practical self-awareness have s...

Summary: After two years of building confidence in managing a mixed caseload and refining her clinical practice, Missy is now considering her next professional challenge—exploring whether a Master of Research could fit into her career growth. But how do you take on something new without overcommitting or disrupting the balance you’ve worked hard to achieve? In this episode, we explore: How Missy d...

Summary: Starting and growing a mobile OT practice is completely different from working as a clinician. In this episode, Andy shares her journey in the early stages of business setup, balancing metro and rural service delivery, and navigating the challenges of caseload management, business growth, and sustainability. We discuss: The biggest mindset shifts when transitioning from clinician to...

Episode Summary: Running a business and leading a team is completely different from clinical work. In this episode, Peter shares what he’s learned after years in leadership and business ownership. We discuss: • The biggest mindset shifts when moving from clinician, to business owner, to leader • Why business coaching and external supports are essential for growth and these needs may change over ti...

Episode Summary: Starting your first OT job is a huge transition. After years of structured university learning, suddenly you’re expected to make clinical decisions, manage a caseload, and figure out your therapy approach—on your own. This week’s guest, Addy, is a brand-new OT navigating her first few weeks in paediatrics. She’s highly self-aware, and while that’s a strength, it can also make the...

Many OTs love creating therapy resources, but how do you turn that passion into a business? In this episode, Renee shares her journey of balancing full-time OT work while growing a successful side hustle in therapy resource development. We discuss: • The challenges of pricing and valuing your time • How to set realistic expectations for a side business vs. a full business • Some strategies to use...

The episode features Claire, a new graduate occupational therapist, preparing for her first OT role. Claire shares her journey to studying OT and preparing for her new graduate role. The discussion covers: Transition Challenges: Moving from student to professional, imposter syndrome, and learning to manage professional relationships and caseloads. Strengths & Growth Areas: Recognizing her stro...

In this episode, "Franco" opens up about his journey in leadership, addressing imposter syndrome while supporting therapists with diverse learning needs. We explore how to manage professional growth conversations and provide constructive feedback in the workplace. This session offers strategies for fostering team development, handling self-doubt, and navigating leadership challenges with confidenc...

In this episode, "Sarah" and I reflect on the challenges of expansion and explore strategies for ensuring the core of her practice remains intact. Additionally, we discuss how to foster beautiful team cohesion as her service grows. This episode is filled with practical ideas, and reflections for therapists seeking to balance growth with maintaining a strong, unified team and a clear clinical focus...

In this reflective episode, "Agatha" explores how to provide effective external supervision to therapists across Australia. Rather than focusing on business growth, the conversation centers on the practical considerations and challenges of offering supervision remotely. We discuss the logistics, maintaining connection with supervisees, and ensuring high-quality supervision when working with therap...

In this episode, "Rosie" shares her journey of navigating private practice while managing chronic illness and neurodiversity. The session explores ideas surrounding how to streamline services, where to allocate energy and time effectively, and what it means to serve a community in a sustainable way while staying true to your personal and professional values. Rosie reflects on the challenges of bal...

In this episode, "Kate" shares her experience of professional growth in a leadership role, juggling the many hats of management, leadership, and supervision, while also maintaining a clinical caseload and exploring a new scope of practice. We discuss strategies for balancing these responsibilities, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring continued growth as both a leader and clinician. This episode is pe...

In this episode, "Chelsea" and I explore strategies for navigating maternity leave while managing a clinical caseload. We dive into how to plan for a smooth transition, ensure effective client care, and balance personal and professional demands. We also consider the challenges of leaving a clinical role and ensuring that care is well-managed during transitions when there is not a clear handover op...

In this episode, "Rachel" reflects on her transition from an employed role to setting up her own private practice, sharing the challenges she faced in the first year. We explore the importance of creating a strong business plan, incorporating therapy assistants into her service delivery model, and effectively serving a community while maintaining sustainability. Rachel offers insights into balanci...

In this episode, "Jennifer" shares her experience of managing mixed and diverse caseloads in a regional or remote area. We explore strategies for navigating the variety of client needs, developing a clear clinical pathways, and building confidence as a clinician in this unique environment. The episode provides practical advice for therapists looking to create structured clinical approaches while m...

In this episode, "Holly" is in the early stages of considering a move into private practice after working in the health sector. We discuss the key factors to think about when transitioning to private work, including how to make it sustainable, plan for growth, and balance personal goals, such as family demands. Holly reflects on her long-term goals and the steps she might take to turn those ideas...

In this episode, "Anne," a new to paediatric OT, looks for guidance on managing her caseload and professional development while ensuring she completes her work within designated work hours. We explore practical strategies for caseload organisation, time management, and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Anne shares her experiences and challenges in balancing her profession...

In the first episode of OT Coaching Confidential , you will meet your host Alyce Svensk and hear an overview of the podcast and its purpose. The series is designed to provide real, honest mentoring sessions for occupational therapists at different stages of their careers. This podcast aims to create a space for OTs to feel connected, supported, and inspired as they navigate their professional jour...