The Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast

In this deeply honest and powerful episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we are joined by Michele Roys, author, podcast host, and advocate, to discuss her experience of living with trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic pain. Michele shares the profound impact that invisible illnesscan have on identity, daily life, relationships, work, and emotional well-being....

Mary McCarron, Director of ConnectNeurotherapy Services, shares her expertise in complex neurological rehabilitation and medical-legal practice. We explore working with individuals with brain injury, neurobehavioural presentations, and the challenges ofbalancing autonomy with risk. Mary speaks about vocational rehabilitation, meaningful occupation, and the profound impact of helping clients redisc...

In this episode, Sharon Leahy shares her extensive experience in neurorehabilitation, from her work in the National Rehabilitation Hospital to her current role with Acquired Brain Injury Ireland in the West of Ireland. We explore the lifelong impact of acquired brain injury in children and young people from the invisible cognitivechallenges and fatigue to the emotional adjustment experienced by fa...

In this episode, we speak with Ciara Duffy, founder of Enable OT NI, about her journey from NHS neurorehabilitation toprivate practice. Ciara shares powerful insights into working with adults following stroke, brain injury, concussion, and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). We explore the real impact of occupational therapy in neurological rehabilitation from fatigue management and return to...

Dr. Íde O’Shaughnessy shares her journey fromclinical practice to academia, specialising in older person rehabilitation and emergency department care. We discuss the development and evaluation of Frailty Intervention Teams, as well as the evidence supporting OT-led models in acutesettings. Íde speaks passionately about challenging ageism in healthcare and reframing older adults as “the purpose, no...

Martina Tierney reflects on more than 40 yearsin occupational therapy and on her journey to founding Seating Matters. She shares the evolution from bespoke garage-built seating solutions to an internationally recognised specialist service. This episode explores creativity in practice, the importance of listening to both clients and carers, and how innovationgrows from real clinical need. Martina a...

In this deeply moving conversation, Jack Kavanagh shares his journey following a life-changing spinal cord injury. From grief and identity loss to rediscovering adventure and independence, Jack reflects on resilience, creativity, and the power of trying again. We explore assistive technology, adaptive innovation, and the importance of listening deeply to clients. Jack offers a compelling message f...

In this episode, Dr. Áine O Dea and Jen Trzeciak delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome, particularly within the context of occupational therapy. They explore how imposter syndrome manifests, its psychological underpinnings, and its impact on professionals despite evidence of success. The discussion highlights the importance of organisational support, cognitive reappraisal, and the role...

In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Rhiannon Crispe , occupational therapist, coach, speaker, and founder of the OT Lifestyle Movement . Based in Australia, Rhiannon has become widely recognised for her work in advocating for occupation as lifestyle medicine and for supporting OTs across the world to reconnect with their professional identity, values, and purpose. Rhiannon shares her perso...

In this episode, Jen Trzeciak and Dr Áine O’Dea are joined by Jessica Kennedy , an innovative occupational therapist, entrepreneur, and businesswoman who has reshaped howtherapy can reach families, schools, and communities. Jessica’s career has taken her from working with children and young people in Australia and Ireland to founding My OT & Me . Building on this success, Jessica co-founded Ga...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jill Martin , a UK-based occupational therapist with a career spanning over three decades in mental health. From her early days in NHS psychiatry to delivering a powerful TEDx talk on the hidden magic of OT , Jill has been a passionate advocate for the profession and its unique role in supporting recovery. After experiencing burnout within the NHS, Jill retrained i...

Today, we welcome Jane Brown from Jane Assists, who speaks about her journey from an emergency nurse to podcast production. Jane discusses the benefits of podcasting, highlighting how it supports clinicians in practiceby sharing information and knowledge with clients, as well as creating social media content. She shares how her services have helped to take the pain out of podcasting for busy healt...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Carlyn Neek , an occupational therapist, coach, and host of The Brave OT Podcast . Carlyn is the founder of Balance Works , whereshe helps OTs and other helping professionals rediscover joy, purpose, and balance in their work and life. With over two decades of experience, she blends her clinical expertise with coaching strategies to support those w...

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast , we welcome Sarah Gannon Governey , a Senior Occupational Therapist. Sarah shares her journey of becoming an author. She has always been passionate about reducing ableism in the disability sector. Over seven years ago, her first child, Ciara, was born with a rare genetic condition called CHARGE syndrome. Sarah discusses her journey parenti...

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast , we are honoured to welcome internationally renowned occupational therapist, teacher, speaker, and author Kim Barthel . With over 40 years of experience, Kim is celebrated worldwide for her pioneering work in blending neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and occupational therapy. Her mission is to support the healing of people and commu...

Welcome to Season 5! Your hosts Jen Trzeciak and Dr. Áine O Dea are delighted to introduce the fifth season of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, focusing on innovation, pushing boundaries and global perspectives, within the field of occupational therapy. We have an exciting lineup of guests, including occupational therapists and other professionals from Ireland and abroad. So please tune in...

In this sneaky extra episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge discuss Aideen's decision to step back from the podcast after four successful seasons. >tearful sobs from Jen!!!< We reflect on our journey, the growth of the podcast, and the importance of community within the occupational therapy field. Aideen shares her reasons for leaving, emph...

Today we interview Michelle Murray from Anchor Therapy, who discusses the importance of executive functioning skills in young people, particularly those facing mental health challenges and neurodiversity. The conversation covers various aspects of executive functioning, including assessment methods, strategies for supporting transitions, emotional management, and the social challenges faced by you...

In this conversation, Sorcha Rice, an autistic occupational therapist, shares her insights on Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) from a neuroaffirmative perspective. She discusses her personal experiences growing up with PDA, the impact of environmental factors on neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of understanding and supporting children with PDA in ed...

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge interview Niall Kirrane, a clinical specialist in occupational therapy within Ireland's National Gender Service. Niall discusses the multidisciplinary approach to transgender healthcare, the role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals exploring their gender identity, and the challenges...

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge welcome Lorraine Madden, an educational psychologist, to discuss school-based anxiety. Lorraine shares her personal experiences with anxiety in school and provides insights into the symptoms, contributing factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health. She emphasises...

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, Aideen Ruttledge and Jen Trzeciak welcome Sarah Sproule, an occupational therapist and sex educator. They discuss the importance of open conversations about sexuality, particularly with teens, and how occupational therapy can play a role in facilitating these discussions. Sarah shares her journey into sex education, the challenges of discu...

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, Hannah Daly, a specialist occupational therapist and advocate for neurodiversity, shares her personal journey navigating education and professional life with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism. She discusses the importance of understanding individual sensory needs, the evolution of awareness in educational settings, and the challenges fa...

Season 4 of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast focuses on some of the challenges faced by teenagers and young people. We hear from OTs and other health professionals about different approaches to support. This season will provide helpful insights for both parents and those working with young people.

Teresa Foley, a children's occupational therapist and founder of Shooting Stars Private Clinic, discusses specialized feeding therapy for children with complex feeding challenges. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing the challenges of parenting and providing practical tips and advice. Teresa explains that feeding difficulties can range from neophobia (fear of certain foods) to picky eating...