The Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast

Grace Magennis, an occupational therapist and founder of Sensory Submarine, shares her journey of creating play experiences for children. She emphasises the importance of play in child development and highlights the benefits of sensory play. Grace provides tips for parents on incorporating play into their busy schedules and offers advice on supporting children with sensory processing challenges. S...

In this episode clinical nurse specialist Ann Costigan discusses the topic of toilet training and constipation in children. She shares her expertise and provides practical tips and advice for parents. Ann emphasises the importance of recognizing constipation in children, understanding the signs of readiness for toilet training, and addressing regression and bedwetting. She also debunks the myth of...

Gráinne McElvany, creator of Sonny's Dream, shares her journey as a parent of two autistic children and the challenges they face. She emphasises the importance of early intervention and the need for consistent therapy at home. Gráinne discusses the value of structured play and the individualised approach required for each child. She also highlights the need for a support system and the benefit...

In this conversation speech and language therapist, Sarah Kelly, discusses the importance of individualised communication strategies for children. She emphasises the need for parents to seek information and advice from reputable sources, such as registered health professionals. Sarah provides practical tips for parents to support their child's communication and language development through pla...

In this conversation, Patricia Flynn, a perinatal and paediatric occupational therapist and researcher, discusses the importance of sleep for parents and children. She emphasises the need for parents to trust their own instincts and expertise when it comes to their child's sleep. Patricia also highlights the impact of sleep on the parent-child relationship and offers practical strategies for i...

Introducing Season 3- this is a limited series focused on the basics of parenting. Speaking to Occupational Therapists and other experts in the field we will address areas such as feeding, toileting, sleep, communication, play and parenting children with additional needs. Hit follow to make sure you get your weekly update!

Dr. Claire Murphy is the Occupational Therapy Manager at Cavan and Monaghan Hospital. With a wealth of clinical experience spanning mental health and primary care services, Claire's journey into management in late 2023 marks a significant career milestone. In this episode, Claire shares insights from her transition from hands-on clinical practice to strategic leadership within a hospital setti...

Yvonne Pennisi is an impassioned Occupational Therapy lecturer in University College Cork. Hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Australia, Yvonne tells us of her journey from practicing OT to crafting a pioneering OT course on the Gold Coast and then transitioning to Cork. In this episode Yvonne unveils the nuances between OT education in Ireland and her homeland, offering a fascinating comparati...

Gina Davies, a specialist Speech and Language Therapist, shares her journey to understanding and developing expertise in relation to autism throughout her career. She discusses her realisation that traditional therapy was limiting for autistic children. Gina also shares the importance of practical problem-solving, and the evolution of Attention Autism as a model of practice.

Jen, Emer, and Aideen discuss menopause and its impact on women. Emer, an Irish Occupational Therapist who specialises in menopause, shares her journey into this field, starting with a project in university. She highlights the lack of understanding and attention given to menopause and emphasises the need for more focus on this issue. Regardless of areas of practice, Occupational Therapists who are...

Corinna Keaney and Margaret McEvoy, the founders of Occupational Therapy Northern Ireland, discuss their services in occupational therapy and occupational health. They highlight the growing demand for these services, particularly during the pandemic, and the various areas they cover, including supporting employees and employers in maintaining work despite long-term conditions, providing paediatric...

Adam Griffin, an Occupational Therapist from Ireland, shares his experience of working and living in Dubai. He discusses the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the value of Irish OTs in Dubai, and the registration process for therapists. Adam also emphasises the importance of professional development and support for therapists, his approach to creating engaging therapy sessions, and the univ...

In this episode we speak with Raphael Olympio, a Cork-based artist and Occupational Therapy student. He shares his experiences with racism and isolation, the impact of music on his life, his transition from nursing to Occupational Therapy and his passion for advocacy work. Raphael shares his appreciation for the holistic approach in working with clients in mental health and his belief in the power...

Bridget Harney is the HSE Occupational Therapist who worked with John O'Brien (Season 1, Episode 6). In this episode, Jen, Bridget, and Aideen discuss the role of psychosis in young adults and the services provided by Bridget's team in addressing physical health, misconceptions, and supporting fulfilling lives. The importance of maintaining normal milestones, community access facilities, and self-...

In this episode we talk to Sarah English about her personal experience of burnout and recovery from burnout. We look at how to recognise the stages of burnout you may be at and practical strategies to support recovery. Sarah is a senior Occupational Therapist who specialises in paediatrics. She is currently practicing within a private trauma based service for children in residential care in Irelan...

This episode focuses on the role of Occupational Therapy in managing chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes. Michelle Lowry shares her personal experience with type 1 diabetes and emphasises the importance of understanding the psychosocial aspects of living with a chronic condition. Michelle highlights the potential of occupational therapy in diabetes management, the significance of empo...

Aoife received a formal diagnosis of ADHD 10 years after initial suspicions that she may have the condition. Aoife talks about her experience of living with ADHD, how it has influenced her career as an OT and how to navigate it successfully. Follow Aoife or reach out for support at https://www.instagram.com/the_adhdot/

Aideen and Jen reflect on the first season of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, discussing highlights and learnings. They share their surprise at the positive response and the number of listeners. Looking ahead to season two, they express a desire to broaden their scope, including interviewing Occupational Therapists from other countries and including other professions. Share your thoughts a...

Jen and Aideen discuss working as an OT in each sector. The security of the public sector compared to the autonomy of the private. The opportunity to specialise in a chosen area in private practice compared to the benefits of accessible team work in an organisation. They also discuss the options for people needing to access OT services and benefits and drawbacks of both public and private options....

Today we meet with Sarah Devlin a special needs teacher and member of the senior management team in a Dublin based school.  Sarah is an advocate for a universal approach within schools.   She provides valuable insights into how Occupational Therapists, educational staff and parents can work together to meet the diverse needs of students within the classroom environment. Sarah also gives us honest...

Dr. Áine O' Dea, is an Irish Occupational Therapist and an expert in dyspraxia and developmental coordination disorder (DCD). She is also a clinical supervisor and mentor providing support to Occupational Therapists and other professionals across Ireland. Áine completed her PhD in this area which which highlighted the importance of understanding children's interests and strengths, such as their aw...

Claire and Chris share how immersing their Occupational Therapy practice in nature led to a passion which provided opportunities for change, growth and wellbeing unlike anything a clinic or classroom can provide. Together with their psychologist colleague Matt, they created Eco Sensory Therapy and are now training therapists across the globe in it's evidence based model. Their mission is to empowe...

Today we speak with Emma Connolly, a Clonakilty based Occupational Therapist and founder of 'Flourish and Be' Sensory Inclusive hair salon. Emma recognised the need for an Occupational Therapist's perspective into the experience of visiting a hair salon for people who experience sensory processing differences. She gives insight into what the Occupational Therapy profession can add to t...

In this episode, we are joined by Aoife Costello, a passionate paediatric Occupational Therapist who loves using developmental toys and products to support children's motor and cognitive skills. Aoife shares with us her journey and why she is so passionate about working with children as an OT. Aoife tells us about how she how sources, creates and sells educational and sensory products to support c...

In this episode we have the privilege of hearing John O'Brien's remarkable story. John, a talented photographer based in Dublin, has overcome anxiety, depression, and psychosis to pursue his passion for photography. Through his lens, he aims to break down stigma surrounding mental health and psychosis and spark conversations that promote understanding and acceptance. John takes us back to the begi...