The OT Lifestyle Movement

Let’s take a privileged peep into the thoughts and life of an OT and mumma of a boy with special needs, Candice Curtis. Candice is the founder of Integrate Family, a pediatric online private practice. In this episode we discuss her decision not get her son diagnosed, a holistic approach to supporting her son, how her son’s special needs journey shaped her way of thinking … 33 – Autism:...

Life is so fast paced and we live in a society that wants everything done yesterday. My endless to-do list never seems to be getting any shorter, so I have taken some time to reflect on my current productivity tools and practices and I have also started to explore new habits to keep me focussed … 32 – Productivity Tips and Tools To Unlock Your Potential Read More »

Menstrual cycles, mothering, birth preparation, feminine rhythms, pelvic care and womb wisdom are just a few of the topics we touch on in this episode. It was so incredible to learn from Janelle Gullan who teaches us how we can support women in their everyday mothering activities and navigate mothering transitions through education, external and … 31 – Women’s Health, Womb Wisdom and H...

What an absolute honour and privilege it is to be speaking with the legendary OT, Professor Winnie Dunn. Winnie is a true visionary in the world of OT whose life long commitment to learning has propelled our profession forward.   Winnie is an internationally known expert for her studies on sensory processing in everyday life. She has published more than 100 research … 30 – Living Sensa...

What does well-being mean when looking through an occupational lens? How do we work in the health promotion space and empower our clients to harness the power of their mind body and spirit? Can we use integrative and complementary approaches in our work? If. so, how? What’s within scope? And what on earth is possible? … 29 – The OT Well-Being Summit Read More »

With rates of autoimmune diseases continuing to climb and quality of life taking a dive, it’s no wonder occupational therapy is needed now more than ever. So, how can we support people’s well-being through simple lifestyle changes? How can we address occupations related to diet, gut health, movement and sleep? And why is gut health … 28 – Autoimmune Conditions and An OT Lif...

Let me share with you The OT Lifestyle Movement Manifesto that I wrote a little while ago. It captures our purpose, values and vision. I hope it resonates. “It starts with us. Unearthing our passions and purpose to follow our true north and authentically align with work that truly matters.  We shine a spotlight on … 27 – Our OT Manifesto Read More »

Many of our occupational therapy clients experience anxiety in relation to their current life challenges. Potentially, anxiety could be the primary reason they are seeking our professional help in the first place. Whether anxiety is the main barrier to occupational performance or it is a fluctuating hinderance stopping...

I started my own occupational therapy private practice over 8 years ago. Back then I had little money, little self belief and little time to invest into a business. What started as a side gig while I was raising my babies, has grown with me over the years into a buzzing little business. My books … 25 – My Super Simple Private Practice (And How You Can Start Yours Today) Read More »

Craniosacral therapy and yoga therapy can be intertwined into our occupational therapy practice to enhance healing, wellbeing and engagement in everyday occupations. Alanna Barr embraces all three modalities and in this episode she opens my eyes to the possibilities we have within our scope as an OT. She explains what craniosacral therapy is, what her … 24 – Merging Craniosacral Therap...

Just speaking what comes to mind today on remaining occupation-focussed and relevant, and the need for us to be with our clients in the real life context of their day-to-day life. Here we go……

Are you curious about how to incorporate nature into your OT sessions? Or what the evidence is behind it? When we are equipped with evidence it makes it easier to explain in professional conversations why a ‘walk ‘n’ talk’ session is beneficial and health promoting. I mean, don’t we all want to escape the fluorescent … 22 – Weaving Nature Into The Fabric o...

May we be bold enough to question everything. Anything that is not an absolute truth, is a relative truth. Just like the three categories of occupation that we have created; self-care, leisure and productivity. They’re not wrong, but they’re not right for everyone. They are relative to an individuals circumstances, where in the world they … 21 – Questioning OT Truths: Beyon...

Are you ready to start living your life on purpose and do the work you’re here to do? Are you ready to draft a vision and and live out your wildest dreams? It’s time to stop playing small with your life. And it’s time to get real with yourself! In this episode we chat with … 20 – Unstoppable OT’s: Quit Playing Small, Pursue Your Purpose And Live Out Your Dream ft Sara...

One minute telehealth was hardly a thing, the next minute we’re OT tech experts. As I reflect on our unexpected and swift transition to telehealth services, I’ve reminded myself of a few things. May they serve as reminders for you too.  Here I share 12 things we must remember if we are practicing telehealth…. P.S. I created The … 19 – Reflections on Our Occupational Transition to...

Telehealth isn’t just a great way of reaching clients during COVID-19, it’s a way of the future. Telehealth enables us to provide meaningful and functional therapy. Dr Reina Olivera was using telehealth well before it became the ‘norm’ and she shares with us her insights and lessons in this conversation. We talk about what client … 18 – Telehealth and OT: A Way...

2020, you’ve been a great reveal. Grateful for the lessons and memories. We will never forget, the year that was. My open letter to 2020…

Crystel Poggioli regretted studying OT and wished she followed her passion of natural health, until she realised she could combine her loves and create her dream job. Crystel has a passion for natural health solutions and childhood development. She has raised her own 6 children using simple, natural health solutions and is a strong support … 16 – Nutrition, GAPS & Occupational The...

Our planet is suffering. The global environmental state of the world right now is critical ….and it all began with a single occupation. And so in saving our planet, too, it starts with ‘doing’. One occupation at a time.

Would you love to incorporate yoga into your occupational therapy work but don’t know where to start? Rhaya Lynn, occupational therapist, life coach {and absolute salt of the earth} explains how she uses yoga as a therapeutic occupation with different client groups and how you can too. We also dive into how as OT’s we … 14 – Yoga As A Therapeutic Occupation And Helping Clie...

In order to remain relevant to the clients whom we seek to serve we must first understand their readiness to change. We might have all these brilliant therapy tools and ideas to help a person reach their goals, but if they do not want to change or if they are not ready for change then … 13 – Stages Of Change Model Read More »

Imagine a place where occupational therapists work with children on lush organic healing farmlands. Where children grow their own food and are involved in the cooking process. Where real food is celebrated and holistic health and wellness is at the forefront every intervention. Such a place exists at The Center for Discovery in New York … 12 – Real Food And A Holistic Feeding Program F...

If we know the choices a client makes influences their chosen occupations, how do we get clients to make different choices? Like the choice to implement a new strategy, adapt the environment, change the routine or modify the occupation? The answer is simple… yet complex.  

Stop right there! You might be thinking “I don’t work in the area of trauma, this podcast won’t be relevant to me”! You couldn’t be more wrong. This podcast episode is relevant for every single OT on this planet – including you! Kim describes how trauma isn’t necessarily one big traumatic life changing event. She … 10 – Trauma And Supporting Th...

Ever had that feeling on your OT journey that you’re not enough? I have. A lot of times. I’m not good enough. I’m not smart enough. I’m not experienced enough. My business isn’t growing fast enough…. and therefore I’m not enough. Let me give you a little insight into my story. Let me share with you … 09 – You Are Enough Read More »