The OT Flourish Podcast

Ever felt like you were "in the weeds" with a complex pressure injury? You aren't alone. Our guest, Caitlin Schober, PT, DPT, from Broda Seating and I are ditching the dry textbook definitions and getting into the nitty-gritty of skin protection through seating options. We discuss why a Stage 1 is trickier than you think, the "traffic jam" caused by those pesky donut cushions, and how to advocate...

If you've ever felt like you're just "going through the motions" of a morning ADL routine while your neuro-brain is screaming for more evidence-based intensity, this episode is your permission slip to change the game. Today, I'm joined by Jenna Barber, MOT, OTR/L, BCPR , a neuro specialist who lives in the tension between high-level stroke research and the grit of acute care. We're pulling back th...

This podcast episode delves into the integration of animal-assisted therapy within occupational therapy (OT). Featuring experts Dr. Macy Burr OTD, OTR/L and Dr. Taylor Chasten Griffin PhD, the episode explores how therapy dogs contribute to therapeutic outcomes. Highlighting various settings, from schools to assisted living facilities, it emphasizes the motivational and engagement benefits animals...

When we think of "meaningful occupation" for older adults, the traditional picture is usually gardening 🪴 or knitting. But as Mandy Chamberlain MOTR/L and Erik Johnson OTD, MS, OTR/L brilliantly discuss, that mindset needs a serious level up . This episode explores how video games are rapidly becoming a crucial, evidence-based tool in our OT arsenal. Forget the old misconceptions; gaming is a pow...

In this episode of the OT Flourish Podcast, Mandy Chamberlain, an occupational therapist, explores how OTs are uniquely positioned to enhance brain health through modifiable risk factors. Joined by certified OT assistant Corrin Campbell BS, COTA/L, they delve into strategies for preventing cognitive decline by combining cognitive stimulation and physical activity. They emphasize the importance of...

Let's delve into the intricate world of adaptive equipment in occupational therapy with our guest Dr Brandy Archie OTD. By sharing personal experiences from various healthcare settings, they reveal the crucial role OT practitioners play, advocating for custom solutions that prioritize patient safety and independence. The episode uncovers the often-overlooked complexity of recommending and implemen...

In this episode, we're diving deep into  OT burnout prevention —what it looks like, why it happens, and how we can address it head-on. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or a student just entering the field, burnout is something we all need to be aware of. But here's the good news: burnout isn't inevitable, and there  are  ways to prevent it. I'm joined by  Deanna M. Ottinger, ppOTD, OTR/L, CAPS,...

In this episode, I'm joined by Jessica Miller OTR, CBIS, an occupational therapist with a passion for neuro, to discuss chaining techniques , and how it helps patients in neuro rehabilitation. Jessica shares practical insights on incorporating backward chaining in therapy, her approach to fostering patient independence, and tips for OT practitioners working with neuro patients. Key Takeaways: Back...

Struggling with OT goal writing? In this episode, I explore why goal writing can be so challenging and how to overcome common pitfalls. I'll also give a sneak peek into my upcoming ebook, Mastering OT Goal Writing The Ultimate Guide and Goal Bank for Adult Rehab, launching next week!  Key Takeaways EMR Limitations Dont let dropdown menus box you incustomize when possible. Goal Formats Use COAST, S...

Level II fieldwork is a major milestone in occupational therapy education—both exciting and nerve-wracking. In this episode of the OT Flourish Podcast, Erin Jeffords OTD, MS, OTR/L joins us to share real advice from students who've just completed their 12-week rotations. We'll discuss their biggest challenges, what they wish they had known, and practical tips to help you succeed with confidence. W...

In this episode, we explore the power of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in occupational therapy. If youve ever felt uncertain about your treatment decisions, EBP is here to guide you. We cover the three core components of EBPresearch evidence, clinical expertise, and client valuesand offer practical tips for integrating EBP into your practice without feeling overwhelmed. Key Takeaways What EBP is a...

Welcome back to the OT Flourish Podcast ! After a much-needed pause, I'm so excited to be back behind the mic and reconnecting with this amazing community of occupational therapy practitioners and students working with older adults. In this episode, I share why the podcast took a break, the lessons learned along the way, and what you can expect in this next chapter. Whether you're a new grad feeli...

Sex is an ADL! Do you address a client's sexuality or ask how they identify? These are the questions that we must ask ourselves in order to provide client centered care, keeping in mind AOTA's Vision 2025: "As an inclusive profession, OT maximizes health, well-being and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities, through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyd...

The biopsychosocial model and occupational therapy are the perfect match as they both focus on the biological, psychological, and social elements, as well as a person's individual experiences. It is often confused as being a biopsychosocial frame of reference, but it's not, as a model of practice helps organize a clinician's thinking and approach, vs  a frame of reference is a tool to guide one's...

Caregiving is  hard.  Listen to the personal story Katherine Ayala OTA, shares about being a caregiver to both her mother and father while finishing up occupational therapy school. Stories like hers give us, as healthcare professionals, a perspective to help us love, forgive, strive and be the best we can be.  A special thank you to Katherine for sharing her story.  → 3 Key Takeaways Caregiving is...

The Patient Driven Payment System (PDPM) for occupational therapy practitioners in SNFs is a hot topic these days. I get questions about what does PDPM mean for therapy and what is PDPM's impact on therapy services all the time and listen to the stories on how this change of payment systems have impacted services provided and jobs. I was fortunate to be able to get some of  your questions answered...

What do we need to do to promote occupational therapy? Do we have to? How do we define occupational therapy and what we "do" for our patients? Brock Cook OT, the host of the occupational therapy podcast,  Occupied , and I dive into these questions and hash out how OT's distinct value is communicated in healthcare, with out patients, our coworkers and communities. Also, check out all the the occupa...

Occupation based treatment ideas feel like they should come easy, but sometimes we as OT practitioners find barriers to getting creative and finding the occupations that are meaningful to our clients. Timisha Tross BS, COTA shares how it doesn't have to be hard to put more occupation, creativity and fun into your occupational therapy treatment sessions - especially if you are working in a skilled...

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Have you ever had wanted to volunteer internationally using your occupational therapy skills? Ever dream of exploring cultures, helping others, meeting like minded professionals or promote occupational therapy in foreign countries? In this episode, Sarah Putt MA, OTR/L and I talk about how she uses volunteering internationally to sharpen her critical thinking skills, creativity, and giving back to...

Even though there is a large percentage of the US population that affiliates with some level of spirituality or God, our current healthcare system does not often put a priority on spirituality and intuition outside of a typical hospital chaplain. Because occupational therapy looks at the "whole person," it is an important aspect of people's lives that we sometimes don't address. Some areas of OT p...

Many know that occupational therapists help with driving rehab, but how about driving retirement? It is a HUGE shift to go from driving to not driving and what is our role in preparing our patients with this transition? The more we can help our patients explore alternative options, the easier it will be for them in the future. Terri Cassidy OTD, OTR/L, Certified Driving Rehab Specialist, discusses...

Curious what an occupational therapy fieldwork looks like? Guest Chelsea Rowe OTR/L just finished her level II fieldwork and shares her pros, cons, challenges and celebrations of her experience. She also talks about resources she  couldn't live without , tips for assessments, productivity and what to expect when diving into fieldwork! MUST HAVE Resources Chelsea Recommends for Level II Fieldwork:...

Occupational therapy practitioners are continuously looking for ways to maximize the potential of their clients that have had a stroke. But what does the research say? Lauren Sheehan OTD, OTR/L & Lauren Souders OTR/L, CBIS dig into the intensity and repetition for task based practice in order to increase the motor function after a person has a stroke. Tips for how to do it, options for technology...

 Occupational therapy practitioners improve quality of life in hospice and palliative care by helping people engage in those meaningful occupations, even if it is at their end of life. Karmella Bognot MS, OTR/L shares her experience working with people in a hospice and palliative care setting and how our role as OT practitioners is just as important in this stage of life, as it is when they are yo...