The OT Lifestyle Movement
Come take a front row seat on the most inspiring OT conversations that will inject you with unbound confidence and leave you feeling lit up and empowered to take action in your life, work and business. This is for the occupational therapy professionals who dare to think differently, who deeply resonate with a lifestyle approach to therapy and who endeavour to create meaningful change in the lives of others. It’s for the OT’s who are eager to take the roof off their expectations and live up to their own occupational potential.
133: Starting Your Online OT Business feat. Beki Eakins
In this business-focussed episode of The OT Lifestyle Movement, I sit down with Beki Eakins to talk about what building a thriving online OT business actually looks like – the numbers, the strategy and the mindset behind it all. We discuss:
What Beki's online business looks like today – her offers, her week and how she structures her time across a full work day The real numbers behind a successful online OT business The marketing strategies that have genuinely moved the needle for her – and what she now teaches others from hard-won experience How to attract and serve your ideal client...132: Occupation-Based Practice – Reclaiming The Soul of Occupational Therapy ft Wendy Stav
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The OT Lifestyle Movement, I sit down with Dr. Wendy Stav to explore the heart of our profession - occupation. We discuss:
Why Wendy never abbreviates “OT” and always says “occupational therapy” - and why language matters The difference between occupation as means and occupation as end, and why it matters in practice How to hold onto authentic occupational therapy values in highly medicalised systems Practical steps to reclaim occupation-centred care An introduction to the Dynamic Model of Occupation-Based Practice - what it is and how it supports transformative, occupation-driven work ....and SO M...131: Burn In Mini-Series | #3: The Flame + The 8 Ecosystem Elements Explained
In this episode Michelle Luken and I discuss:
Why The Burn In Model is based on a metaphor. The flame at the heart of The Burn In Model. The flame represents the alignment between who you are (being), what you do (doing) and who and what you're connected to (belonging) What it means to tend to your inner flame vs your outer flame A breakdown of the 8 Ecosystem Elements that influence alignment:1. Sticks – the personal and occupational factors that fuel or dampen your fire 2. Rocks – boundaries; your foundations of safety, regulation and capacity 3. Rain + Wind – physical and social...
130: Burn In Mini-Series | #2: The Origins of The Burn In Model
In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Luken, Occupational Therapist and co-creator of The Burn In Model, about how it all began.
We discuss:
The moment Burn In was first named How Michelle and I, on opposite sides of the world, were exploring similar concepts and how the Universe clearly connected us to bring The Burn In Model to life What the model means to us now vs. when it started How a single post turned into a worldwide co-creation The development of The Burn In Model - group collaboration, focus groups and over 700 messages be...129: Burn In Mini-Series | #1: Our Burnout Stories ft Michelle Luken
In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Luken - Occupational Therapist, U.S. Army Veteran, and co-creator of The Burn In Model.
We dive deep into the personal stories that sparked this model, including:
Michelle’s OT journey and the roles she’s held across military and mental health settings Her own experience of burnout and why it didn’t feel just like exhaustion, but something deeper Why our definition of burnout expands beyond the World Health Organisation’s The factors that led to misalignment in my own life and practice Why we both began to underst...128: Who Are We Really? A Critical Look at OT Identity ft Justine Jecker
In this episode, I chat with Justine Jecker - an occupational therapist I instantly fell in love with for her grounded wisdom, her realness, her critical thinking and the way she speaks so deeply to the heart of our profession. This conversation is rich, reflective and full of insight into what it really means to be an OT today.
We discuss:
How our personal identity shapes how we show up as occupational therapists What identity means within the OT profession and why it matters The rich history of OT and how it influences our current professional...127: The Identity We Weave: Professional Identity, Language & the Future of OT
Have you ever fumbled to explain what you do as an OT? Questioned your place in the profession because the reality feels so far from what you were taught? Shrunk your words just to be understood - and still weren’t? Felt unseen, undervalued or like you care too much in systems that don’t?
You’re not alone.
Correcting someone who thinks you’re a physio… Trying to justify your value in a system obsessed with KPIs… Shrinking your occupation-based words just to make them easier for someone else to sit with… Wondering if the version of...
126: The Neuroscience of Emotional Regulation, OT Coaching & Supervision Strategies ft Dr. Áine O’Dea
In this episode we are talking all talking about a wide range of topics that surprisingly have a lot in common! We're talking about emotional regulation, OT coaching and supervision strategies with the wonderful Dr. Áine O'Dea. We discuss:
How understanding the brain helps OTs in supporting emotional regulation. The effects of stress on the nervous system and effective strategies for OTs. The integration of bottom-up and top-down therapeutic strategies in sessions. Differences between coaching and traditional therapy and when to use each approach. The role of neuroscience in coaching and its impact on behaviour change. Applying self-determination t...125: OTs on the Money: Pathways to Financial Freedom ft Doug Vestal
In this episode we're exploring how to achieve both time and financial freedom. We dive deep into practical strategies and actionable tips with our guest, Doug Vestal, to empower you on your journey towards a more liberated and fulfilling OT life. We discuss:
What financial freedom and time freedom mean for OTs and how to achieve them. The importance of financial literacy for OTs. Tips for occupational therapists to gain financial independence, including paying off student debt, diversifying income and automating business operations. Understanding and utilizing the "Freedom Number" to set financial goals. Aligning spending with personal values...121: The Power of Stretch Therapy & Nervous System Regulation in Occupational Therapy Practice ft Karlye Williamson
In this episode, we dive deep with Karlye Williamson, an experienced occupational therapist who has seamlessly integrated stretch therapy and nervous system regulation into her practice. Join us as we explore how Karlye's journey into OT led her to develop a unique approach that enhances both mental and physical well-being.
We discuss:
Karlye’s journey from traditional OT to specialising in stretch therapy and nervous system regulation. The fundamentals of stretch therapy and its application in occupational therapy. The role of nervous system regulation in supporting meaningful engagement in daily activities. The polyvagal theory and its imple...119: The OT Carer Pathway: Empowering Caregivers through Holistic Occupational Science-Informed Support with Cat and Ali
In this episode we are talking all about supporting caregivers through the lens of occupational therapy. We discuss:
Practical occupational therapy strategies to support carers. What The OT Carer Pathway is and how you can use it in your practice. How occupational science informs The OT Carer Pathway. The tier system within the OT Carer Pathway. Occupational therapy carer assessments. Carer education and intervention.Ali Buchanan created The OT Carer Pathway. It is a specialised program designed specifically for caregivers, addressing the unique challenges they face in their roles. This initiative is crafted to provide targeted support to care...
117 – (ASK ME ANYTHING): From Doubt to Done: Starting a Business, Imposter Syndrome & Building Confidence
In this special episode, I'm on the other side of the microphone! I'm taking the guest seat as I chat with a fellow OT, Jo, who reached out via Instagram. We realised our conversation could benefit a wider audience, tackling some of the most pressing questions in the world of occupational therapy and starting a business. We're diving deep into the issues that matter - to you!
In this episode we discuss:
Tackling the overwhelming feeling when starting a private practice. Understanding the potential in independent private practice for OT and pediatrics. How a niche can st...116 – Sensory Healing After Developmental Trauma ft Marti Smith
In this episode we are talking all about the powerful impact of sensory healing after developmental trauma. We discuss:
The concepts ‘sensory healing’ and ‘developmental trauma’ The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics by Dr Bruce Perry The 6 R’s of a trauma-compassionate treatment plan: rewarding, relational, relevant, respectful, rhythmic, and repetitive Low-cost, budgeted sensory activities to maximise the potential for healing after trauma Precautions we need to be aware of when integrating sensory strategies into trauma-informed care We we need to move away from traditional behaviour management approaches towards a focus on relational understanding Fostering curiosity and a relational approach in thera...115 – The New Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP) ft Mary Egan
The CanMOP is an evolution of the Canadian occupational model, previously known as the CMOP and the CMOP-E. This new iteration places a strong emphasis on occupational participation, encouraging therapists to extend their focus beyond just performance and engagement. Occupational participation is placed at the heart of this new model, emphasising access to, initiation and sustaining valued occupations and meaningful relationships and contexts.
In this episode we discuss:
What inspired the re-creation of the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP) Overview of the changes to the Canadian occupation model over the years. Why there has been a s...114 – Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy ft Professor Gayle Restall
In this episode we are talking all about Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy with Professor Gayle Restall. Gayle is co-editor of the new book; Promoting Occupational Participation: Collaborative Relationship-Focused Occupational Therapy.
Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy underscores the core purpose of occupational therapy—enabling access to, initiation of, and continued participation in occupations. It highlights the essence of occupational therapy as a practice built on collaborative relationships with individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. The focus is on leveraging the strengths, knowledge, talents, and resources of people and groups. Key focuses include:
Client Relationships: Explaining how thera...113 – Social Justice and Narrative-Driven Practice ft Dr Nick Pollard
In this episode we are lucky enough to be speaking with Dr Nick Pollard. We discuss:
What Wilcock’s mantra ‘doing, being, becoming and belonging’ means to Nick What occupational justice looks like How occupational therapists can contribute in addressing the inequalities in health Reflecting on the concept of "Occupational Therapy Without Borders" How the use of narrative plays a role in promoting occupational justice How occupational therapy practitioners are political beings (and what this means) The power and potential of occupational therapyNick is a senior lecturer in occupational therapy at Sheffield Hallam University. Nick’s teaching concern...
112 – From Stagnation to Inspiration: Reigniting Our OT Spark ft Brad Williams
In this episode we are talking all about:
Why we often doubt our work as occupational therapists Recognising and addressing imposter syndrome within occupational therapy Strategies for rekindling passion in occupational therapy Words of wisdom for the OT professionals in the trenches right now Exploring what identity-led work means and its practical applications in OT Understanding the importance of narrative and storytelling in the therapy process The Becoming Collective - a space for occupational therapists to connect, learn and grow togetherBrad is a father of two and husband, occupational therapist, the host and creator of The Beco...
111 – Inside the Mind: An Occupational Therapist’s Journey with Serious Mental Illness and the Path to Resilience
In this episode we are talking all about serious mental illness and a path to resilience with Liz Grace. Liz is an occupational therapist in recovery from Schizoaffective Disorder who lives with the daily challenges of profound hearing loss.
We discuss:
Serious mental illness and its impact on relationships, work and everyday activities Schizoaffective disorder – what it is and Liz’s lived experience What delusions look and feel like from Liz’s perspective, and specific examples If it’s possible to distinguish between delusional thoughts and those that are grounded in reality Self-harm, cutting and recovery Hospitalisation...110 – Strengths-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy ft Kavita Murthi
In this episode we are talking all about strengths based occupational therapy with Kavita Murthi. We discuss:
What strengths-based practice is How we can embrace a strengths-based approach in our assessment and therapy How we can write strengths-based reports What strengths-based practice looks like when working with neurodivergent people How to stop using a deficits-based approach today How we can identify the strengths of the people we work with Research that supports strengths-based approach And SO much more!Kavitha Murthi is pursuing her doctoral studies at NYU Steinhardt in the Department of Occupational Therapy. She works with Counselor...
108 – Human Rights, Social Inclusion & Population Health ft Clare Hocking
In this episode we are talking all about human rights, social inclusion and population health with Clare Hocking. We discuss:
The paradigm shift Clare proposes from the conventional notion of "you are what you eat" to the more encompassing concept of "you are what you do" How to drive social change as an OT Addressing issues of injustice and human rights that are impacting participation and engagement in occupations How we can promote inclusion, diversity and more equitable communities Ways our profession can address anti-racism and decolinizationClare Hocking is a New Zealand occupational therapy academic, and New Ze...
107 – Therapeutic Use of Self: Personal & Professional Self Intertwined ft Linda Finlay
In this episode we are talking all about therapeutic use of self with psychotherapist, academic, author, researcher and former occupational therapist, Linda Finlay. We discuss:
The concept of therapeutic use of self: what it is? The role therapeutic use of self plays in a person’s progress How we can develop and enhance the therapeutic relationship The concept of the ‘wounded healer’ - and how our own woundedness can at times help and at times hinder the therapy process How we can become comfortable with ‘being’ with our clients rather than feeling the need to implement specific models, strategies and te...106 – Sexuality, Sexual Identity, Gender, Pronouns & Intimacy ft Dr. Sakshi Tickoo
In this episode we are talking all about sexuality, an often overlooked aspect of the human experience in our OT field. So we’re lifting the veil to develop a deeper understanding. We’re talking with Dr Sakshi Tickoo.
In this episode we explore:
How to speak more comfortably about sexuality with individuals How sexuality relates to occupations The OTPs role in the scope of sexuality Sensuality Intimacy Sexual identity Gender identity Pronouns Sexual health and reproduction Sexualisation Sexual aids and assistive devices What to do (from a moral stand point) when you don’t agree with your client...105 – Navigating the NDIS: Assessments, Reports & Everything You Need To Know ft Sarah Collison
In this episode we are talking all about the NDIS: The National Disability Insurance Scheme here in Australia. We are talking with Sarah Collison, Occupational Therapist, Director of Verve OT and administrator of The NDIS OT Community of Practice Facebook Group.
We discuss:
Pros and cons of being a registered NDIS provider (vs not being a registered provider) Service Agreement ‘must-haves’ Assistive Technology (AT) low risk vs high risk, low, mid and high cost AT – what it all means for OTs Just because something is low cost, doesn’t mean it’s low risk - and the implications...104 -Occupational Science & Literacy, Awakening To Justice and Re-Imagining the Possibilities of Occupational Therapy ft Professor Elizabeth Townsend
In this episode, it is an absolute privilege and pleasure to be speaking with Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Townsend. Liz is a remarkable occupational therapist, occupational scientist and scholar who developed Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) and has made significant contributions to the field of occupational therapy, occupational science and the understanding of occupational justice. We discuss:
How Liz has remained curious and passionate about OT after many years in the profession How occupational science informs and enhances occupational therapy What occupational science is and why it's relevant How OTPs can raise their profile and visibility ...102 – Raising the Collective Consciousness: “Occupation” Explored
When we step fully into our role as an occupational therapist and own the title, when we educate the community on our understanding of 'occupation' - we raise the collective consciousness. But it starts with us. As occupational therapists we often get frustrated that no one knows what it is we do. And it's a catch 22. We don't use the word 'occupation', because people don't understand what it means. And people don't understand what it means, because we don't talk about it. We often replace the word 'occupation' with 'task', 'function' or 'activity'. It's time we return to the...
101 – Person-Centered Care & Surviving a Stroke ft Emma Gee
In this episode we explore person-entered care with occupational therapist and stroke survivor, Emma Gee.
We discuss:
Emma's personal story of surviving a stroke after recently graduating from occupational therapy when she was 24 years old How Emma re-learnt to talk, walk, eat, and complete basic every day activities again Emma's experience of feeling trapped in her own body How personal identity can change after a experiencing a life-changing condition What person-centered care is Why person-centered care should be the cornerstone of our practice How Emma received person-centered care after her stroke, and how she didn't Practical...100 – Co-Regulation with Parents and Parent Coaching ft Maggie Viers
In this episode we are talking all about co-regulating the parents, reparenting and parent coaching with occupational therapist and parent coach, Maggie Viers.
We explore:
What parent coaching looks like Why children (and any human) can be angry AND simultaneously regulated How to support parents who are triggered by their child’s behaviours How to co-regulate with parents Why children need co-regulation not self-regulation strategies How to ensure a strengths-based approach How to guide parents back to their inner child Why parents and caregivers must be involved in therapy with childrenMaggie is an Occupational Therapist a...
99 – Street Art, Graffiti and Occupational Therapy ft Gavin Symes
In this episode we talk all about street art and graffiti as a meaningful therapeutic occupation with occupational therapist and not-afraid-to-question-the status-quo, Gavin Symes. We discuss:
How to incorporate street art and graffiti into your occupational therapy practice What you need to get started Why street art is therapeutic and how to make it ‘therapy’ Frustrations that arise when other professionals question what we do How to confidently step out of the cookie cutter intervention approach Providing truly person-centered practice How to co-create meaningful goals How to turn your passion into a serviceGavin is an occupational therapist and f...
98 – Rhythm, Movement and Technology to Support Children’s Learning ft Bridgette Nicholson
In this episode we are talking all about rhythmic movement and technology to support children’s learning with occupational therapist, Bridgette Nicholson.
We discuss:
What a ‘body-up approach’ to learning is Practical strategies for integration of a ‘body-up’ approach for children Benefits of highly structured rhythm and movement for cognitive based tasks such as handwriting and reading Impacts of movement preceding and during learning activities Evidence and research behind rhythm and movement Brainstorming as an intervention Bridgette’s free programs to guide children through a structured body and brain, rhythmic movement activity to support learning Why occupational therapy i...97 – Occupational Therapy History: The Evolution of the Profession ft Josie Jarvis
In this episode we explore the history of occupational therapy with occupational therapist, Josie Jarvis. We take a deep dive into:
A historical view of ‘occupation’ How occupational therapy became a profession Occupational science and understanding the everyday lives of humans Working beyond the 1:1 therapy model to working with groups and communities …..and SO much more!This was an invigorating, highly interesting and intellectually stimulating conversation with Josie. I learnt way more than I expected. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for history, science and our profession blew me away.
Josie Jarvis has been a practicing occupational therapist in th...
96 – How To Be A Brave Occupational Therapist ft Carlyn Neek
In this episode we talk all about being a brave occupational therapist with Occupational Therapist, Certified Coach Practitioner and podcaster, Carlyn Neek.
We discuss:
What ‘being brave’ looks like How to cultivate more courage in our OT role Embracing vulnerability Goal setting for ourselves and our clients: reducing the pressure by not setting timelines Feeling depleted and on the verge of burn out When being brave means stepping into something, and when sometimes it means stepping back from somethingWe are speaking with Carlyn Neek for the second time on this podcast! The first chat with Carolyn wa...
95 – Boredom and Why People Need Something To DO Every Day ft Jen Gash
In this episode we talk all about boredom and how it relates to our work as occupational therapists. We talk with OT, author and artist Jen Gash about:
the importance of 'doing' why people get bored the good and the bad side of boredom how people can alleviate boredom how boredom relates to occupational therapy Jen's new book: Bored: Why human beings need to have something to do every day (and what happens if they don’t)Jen has been an occupational therapist for over 25 years but early in her career, realised her love for doing things di...
94 – Unmasking The Authentic Neurodivergent Self & A Spiritual Path to Healing ft Stephanie Robertson
In this episode we are talking all about neurodivergence, unmasking and spirituality with occupational therapist, Stephanie Robertson.
We discuss:
Stephanie’s personal journey to discovering she was neurodivergent Masking from a personal and professional lens The harm caused by masking How OTs can support neurodivergent people to be their true authentic selves The benefits of parent coaching What affirming practice looks like How to look beyond ‘challenging behaviour’ Spirituality and occupational therapy And SO MUCH MORE!Stephanie Robertson is an occupational therapist based in Victoria Australia. She is extremely passionate about working with the neurodivergent community to suppor...
93 – Puberty & The Occupational Therapist’s Role; Education & Group Work ft Sarah Hausler
In this episode we are talking all about Puberty with occupational therapist, Sarah Hausler.
We discuss:
puberty – what it is, when it starts and the biological, psychological and social components delivering education to young people and parents running puberty group programs – and how you can run your own adopting a biopsychosocial approach therapeutic use of self and sharing our own personal stories to build trust and connection new occupations that are woven into a young person’s routines period care products menstruation, masturbation and so much more!Sarah Hausler is the principal Occupational Therapist of Bloom Wellbeing...
92 – Mindbody Medicine, Tensegrity & Lifestyle Approaches to Occupational Therapy ft Kelly Clancy
In this episode with occupational therapist, Kelly Clancy, we talk all about:
mindbody medicine (and why OTs should be leading this movement) Tensegrity and Tensegrity Medicine (a methodology Kelly has developed) dialoging belief systems curiosity questioning assessments and therapy utilizing a holistic whole-person approach how to move beyond the biomedical model light touch therapeutic use of self lifestyle approaches....and so much MORE!Kelly is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist, holistic health counselor, Level 1 IFS practitioner, and a board-certified structural integrator and massage therapist. Kelly has been practicing in the field of rehabilitative medicine as an O...
91 – Humanizing Healthcare: Beyond The Metrics and Back To Care ft Rafi Salazar
Healthcare has become more about efficiency, productivity and profit and less about client satisfaction and individualized care. Many of us feel stuck in a system that isn’t working for us - we're forever trying to keep up with KPI's, policies and procedures. And 'the system' certainly isn’t the most beneficial for our clients. In this episode I am joined by Rafi Salazar. Rafi is an occupational therapist, principal owner of Rehab U Practice Solutions, author of the book: Better Outcomes: A Guide to Humanizing Healthcare and host of the podcast: The Better Outcomes Show.
In this ep...
90 – Innovation, Non-Traditional OT Roles & Driving Simulation ft Bridget Mathis
In today's episode I speak with Bridget Mathis, Occupational Therapist from STISIM Drive; a driving simulation technology for clinical therapy, driver training, and driving research. In today's episode Bridget and I discuss a day in the life of a non-traditional OT, driving simulation - what it is and how it helps, ways we can articulate our unique expertise as an OT, how to pursue diverse and innovative roles (beyond the health system), the future of OT and so much more!
Bridget Mathis is an experienced occupational therapist with over 10 years of expertise in stroke rehabilitation, geriatrics, education, a...
89 – Occupational Justice, Narratives & Beyond The Biomedical Model ft Gail Whiteford
When we have the humility to pay attention to the injustices occurring in the world around us, we recognise that we can become part of the solution. Solutions for a better tomorrow. In this episode I am joined by the incredible thought-leader and trail-blazer Emeritus Professor Gail Whiteford.
In this episode we discuss what occupational justice is, the importance of listening to people's narratives, why we need to move away from the biomedical model, how we can bridge the gap between what we know intellectually with the courage to take action, why occupational therapist's don't need to...
88 – Neurodiversity–Affirming Therapy & Strengths Based Practice for Autistic People ft Meg Proctor
In this episode we talk with the wonderfully insightful Meg Proctor - occupational therapist and founder of Learn Play Thrive, and explore; neurodiversity-affirming therapy, strengths-based approaches, why we need to ditch the medical model and stop pathologizing autism, why language matters and how to make the shift from person-first language to identity-first language, why neurotypical developmental milestones are not appropriate for autistic children, why teaching social skills can be harmful and instead how we can empower autistic people through advocacy, acceptance, a sense of belonging …..and so much more!
Meg cares deeply about person-affirming therapy and she hope...
87 – Transpersonal Occupational Therapy, Soul Awakenings & Therapeutic Use of Self ft Mick Collins
In this episode I talk with Mick Collins, occupational therapist, author and incredible human being. We talk all about spirituality and how it plays a role in our practice as occupational therapists. We explore spiritual emergencies (and how the medical system often mistakes these for mental illness), transpersonal occupational therapy, shadow work, therapeutic use of self, soul awakenings, archetypal occupations, dream work, exploring human potential and spirituality in our everyday practice with our everyday clients …..and so much more!!!
Mick Collins worked for 12 years as an occupational therapist specialising in adult acute mental health services and in a ps...
