OT Coaching Confidential

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I’m joined by B, an experienced paediatric occupational therapist navigating a demanding and uncertain season of practice. After eight years as an OT and nearly five years running her own business, B reflects on the emotional load of long-term paediatric NDIS work, the pull toward creative and entrepreneurial projects, and the challenge of holding multiple professional roles at once.

While she remains committed to clinical work, she’s questioning what kind of OT work feels sustainable and meaningful moving forward.

We explore:

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce sits down with Elsa, an experienced occupational therapist with over 15 years across hospital, community, leadership, and NDIS practice.

Elsa shares her journey from working within structured hospital systems overseas, into community-based roles in Australia, followed by leadership and management positions, and more recently stepping into solo private practice. With a strong background in adult services, equipment prescription, and home modifications, she reflects on how her clinical experience has shaped the way she approaches private work with clarity, boundaries, and realistic expectations.

This conversation explores what it looks...

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce sits down with Ezra an occupational therapist and small practice owner who’s committed to doing leadership differently. Ezra’s service supports clients across mental health and disability, and she’s actively mentoring both a new grad and early-career OT.

With strong values and a reflective approach, she’s created a workplace where learning is intentional and supervision is embedded not tacked on. But as the business grows, so do the demands. Ezra is navigating the reality of holding others, managing her own caseload, and leading a service all while as...

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce Svensk shares a real mentoring conversation with Kane - a thoughtful OT who has transitioned from paediatric clinical work into supervision and management. Together, they unpack what it looks like to support early-career therapists, hold professional boundaries, and navigate the realities of leadership in private practice.

Kane reflects on finding balance between helping and over-helping, how to manage reports and proofing while still seeing clients, and the art of having tricky conversations with clarity and care. This conversation explores the real learning curve of supervision. How to lead with...

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce Svensk shares a real mentoring conversation with Al - a mature-age graduate whose path to occupational therapy began with degrees in writing and marketing, and evolved through a pivot into the health field during COVID.

Together, they unpack Al’s discovery of OT after exploring nursing, how a youth mental health placement cemented his clinical fit, and the ongoing challenge of finding roles that value the full scope of occupational therapy. Al shares how enforced reflection, systemic observation, and critical thinking have shaped his practice along with a desire to...

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce Svensk shares a real mentoring conversation with Hazel a mature-age early career OT who brings deep lived experience, clarity, and care to her sole trader practice.

Together, they unpack how her journey into OT was shaped by 18 years of parenting and caregiving, how she built strong systems to support her growth when supervision was limited, and why she’s now prioritising sustainability over scale.

Hazel has developed a small, structured service that works for her family and honours the kind of therapist she wants to be. This is...

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce Svensk shares a real mentoring conversation with Ella, a paediatric and young adult OT who brings deep intentionality to her solo practice.

Together, they unpack how chronic illness shaped her career journey, why she’s redefining supervision and professional development as business essentials, and how she’s navigating the tension between flexibility and financial sustainability.

This is a grounded, reflective episode for any therapist seeking to do private work differently and sustainably.

This episode provides space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the kind of ther...

In this episode, we chat with Nikki an early career OT who’s navigating her first year in practice with confidence, reflection and a clear sense of direction.

After entering the profession with previous experience in the disability sector, Nikki began working as a contractor before moving into sole trader work offering a well-defined service. Now, she’s intentionally seeking an employed role that offers strong supervision and collaborative learning – building both roles side-by-side to grow her skills in a sustainable way.

We explore:

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, we meet Tanya an experienced OT who made the shift from public health to private work in search of better balance and flexibility. What started as a handful of clients quickly snowballed into a full-blown service, a small team of contractors, and the realities of running a business.

Tanya shares honestly about the challenges of scaling without a clear plan, navigating financial pressures, juggling clinical and business demands, and learning to set stronger boundaries in service delivery. We talk about managing complex psychosocial caseloads, the limitations of non-attendance policies in...

In this episode, we meet Michelle, a regional paediatric OT who transitioned from burnout in a large organisation to building her own therapy service. We explore the early years of business setup without clear mentorship, and the challenges of managing a long-term stagnant caseload while juggling a full-time mobile therapy load and motherhood.

Together, we unpack strategies for sustainable practice:

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with Jane, an experienced occupational therapist and trained play therapist who has just launched her own private practice. Seven weeks in and already full, Jane shares the early realities of running a solo service - from navigating boundaries and managing emotional load, to thinking ahead about admin support and long-term sustainability.

We explore what it means to create “service rules” that protect your energy, the benefits of introducing a virtual assistant early, and how to streamline referral pathways so your time stays focused on therapy — not inbox admin...

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I chat with Claudia, an Occupational Therapist whose journey into OT began later in life and has taken some fascinating turns. From setting out to be a brilliant clinician, Claudia found herself unexpectedly drawn into the business support space - building a service designed to help solo OTs streamline their non-clinical tasks and free up their time to focus on therapy.

We explore:

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I chat with Anna, an Occupational Therapist working in the adult space with a growing private practice focused on chronic fatigue, Long COVID and invisible illness.

We explore:

Transitioning from public health into private practice (and the culture shock that can come with it)

The discomfort around charging for therapy and how Anna is starting to claim the value of her time and experience

Developing a therapy model that works in a flexible yet sustainable way - including clearer session structures, communication boundaries, and...

In this episode, we chat with Jamie - a regional paediatric OT who’s blending community therapy with the launch of a sensory-friendly café. Jamie shares her unique career journey. From early roles in aged care and burns to leading services across rural and remote settings. Now running her own business, she reflects on the challenges of working solo in a large region, the realities of clinical burnout, and how she’s building a new model of service delivery rooted in flexibility, family values and neurodiversity-affirming practice.

We explore:

In this episode, we chat with Lisa, an experienced OT working in the neuro, palliative care, and driving assessment space, who took the leap into private practice after recognising the traditional model wasn't sustainable for her life or values.

Lisa reflects on how she built a business that works for her family, her energy, and her clients. She shares honestly about letting go of the internalised version of “success” that many of us hold, including the idea that we need a clinic or a full-time admin team to be legitimate.

Together we explore:

Summary

For the final episode of Season 2, I’m joined by Isabelle and Paige. Co-founders of a paediatric OT service built on shared values, strong team culture, and thoughtful, reflective leadership.

We explore the realities of growing a team, supporting clinicians across sites, and navigating change. Including how they’re preparing for one founder to relocate while maintaining connection and cohesion.

We also cover practical tools and strategies including:

Zoom-based supervision with transcript summaries

Structuring sustainable workloads for new graduates

Creating space for supervision to feel meaningful (not...

Summary:

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with J, an early-career paediatric occupational therapist who is working hard to bridge the gap between clinical training and real-world therapy. J shares what it’s like to feel well-trained but still unsure — navigating multiple models, complex family dynamics, and unclear expectations in NDIS-funded therapy.

Together, we explore:

Summary

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with Taylor, an Occupational Therapist who has moved through hospital rotations, mental health, and now community-based NDIS work. She’s built strong clinical confidence - but is now planning how to run her own business!

Taylor shares her reflections on navigating time pressures, unclear expectations around billables, and the early stages of considering what working for herself might look like.

Together, we explore:

Summary

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with Jess, a sole trader OT with a decade of experience and a clear vision for the kind of business—and life—she wants to build. Jess shares her journey from early NDIS work to leadership roles, and eventually, stepping back into sole trading for the flexibility it offered her growing family.

We unpack the complexity of doing it all—functional assessments, home mods, assistive tech, reports, supervision, student placements, and dreaming up bigger things like subcontracting and building her own team.

Togeth...

Summary:

Abigail didn’t plan to go solo—but after workplace changes, she found herself taking on private clients while figuring out her next steps. In this episode, we talk through the reality of stepping into sole trader work without a long-term plan, and the importance of pausing to reflect before making big career moves.

We explore how supervision, curiosity, and practical self-awareness have shaped Abigail’s growth, and why it’s essential to think ahead—especially in paediatrics, where going solo comes with long-term responsibilities.

Big Takeaway: Private work might seem like a flexible...

Summary:

After two years of building confidence in managing a mixed caseload and refining her clinical practice, Missy is now considering her next professional challenge—exploring whether a Master of Research could fit into her career growth. But how do you take on something new without overcommitting or disrupting the balance you’ve worked hard to achieve?

In this episode, we explore:

Summary:

Starting and growing a mobile OT practice is completely different from working as a clinician. In this episode, Andy shares her journey in the early stages of business setup, balancing metro and rural service delivery, and navigating the challenges of caseload management, business growth, and sustainability.

We discuss:

Episode Summary: Running a business and leading a team is completely different from clinical work. In this episode, Peter shares what he’s learned after years in leadership and business ownership.

We discuss:

• The biggest mindset shifts when moving from clinician, to business owner, to leader

• Why business coaching and external supports are essential for growth and these needs may change over time.

• How to step back from the day-to-day and let your business work for you

Big takeaway: Business ownership is a skill that requires a growth mindset —you don’t...

Episode Summary:

Starting your first OT job is a huge transition. After years of structured university learning, suddenly you’re expected to make clinical decisions, manage a caseload, and figure out your therapy approach—on your own.

This week’s guest, Addy, is a brand-new OT navigating her first few weeks in paediatrics. She’s highly self-aware, and while that’s a strength, it can also make the transition even more overwhelming when you focus too much on what you don’t know.

We cover:

• The importance of knowing your own learning style...

Many OTs love creating therapy resources, but how do you turn that passion into a business?

In this episode, Renee shares her journey of balancing full-time OT work while growing a successful side hustle in therapy resource development.

We discuss:

• The challenges of pricing and valuing your time

• How to set realistic expectations for a side business vs. a full business

• Some strategies to use when supporting a national clinical team.

Big takeaway: Whether you’re thinking about creating resources, starting a business, or simply want to hear how...

Episode Summary: Many OTs love creating therapy resources, but how do you turn that passion into a business? In this episode, Renee shares her journey of balancing full-time OT work while growing a successful side hustle in therapy resource development.

We discuss:

• The challenges of pricing and valuing your time

• How to set realistic expectations for a side business vs. your career

• Marketing strategies that don’t take over your life

Big takeaway: Whether you’re thinking about creating resources, starting a business, or simply want to hear how another OT...

The episode features Claire, a new graduate occupational therapist, preparing for her first OT role. Claire shares her journey to studying OT and preparing for her new graduate role.

The discussion covers:

Transition Challenges: Moving from student to professional, imposter syndrome, and learning to manage professional relationships and caseloads.

Strengths & Growth Areas: Recognizing her strong communication and relationship-building skills while navigating new industry-specific expectations.

Time & Caseload Management: Strategies such as the "client snapshot tool" for tracking cases and separating general admin from clinical management tasks.

Self-Care & Boundaries: Managing cognitive...

In this episode, "Franco" opens up about his journey in leadership, addressing imposter syndrome while supporting therapists with diverse learning needs.

We explore how to manage professional growth conversations and provide constructive feedback in the workplace.

This session offers strategies for fostering team development, handling self-doubt, and navigating leadership challenges with confidence.

It’s a valuable episode for therapists in management roles looking to improve their leadership skills and effectively support their workforce.

In this episode, "Franco" opens up about his journey in leadership, addressing imposter syndrome while supporting therapists with diverse learning needs.

We explore how to manage professional growth conversations and provide constructive feedback in the workplace.

This session offers strategies for fostering team development, handling self-doubt, and navigating leadership challenges with confidence.

It’s a valuable episode for therapists in management roles looking to improve their leadership skills and effectively support their workforce.

In this episode, "Sarah" and I reflect on the challenges of expansion and explore strategies for ensuring the core of her practice remains intact.

Additionally, we discuss how to foster beautiful team cohesion as her service grows.

This episode is filled with practical ideas, and reflections for therapists seeking to balance growth with maintaining a strong, unified team and a clear clinical focus.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, "Sarah" and I reflect on the challenges of expansion and explore strategies for ensuring the core of her practice remains intact.

Additionally, we discuss how to foster beautiful team cohesion as her service grows.

This episode is filled with practical ideas, and reflections for therapists seeking to balance growth with maintaining a strong, unified team and a clear clinical focus.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this reflective episode, "Agatha" explores how to provide effective external supervision to therapists across Australia.

Rather than focusing on business growth, the conversation centers on the practical considerations and challenges of offering supervision remotely.

We discuss the logistics, maintaining connection with supervisees, and ensuring high-quality supervision when working with therapists in different locations.

This episode offers valuable insights for those considering or already offering external supervision as part of their practice.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this reflective episode, "Agatha" explores how to provide effective external supervision to therapists across Australia.

Rather than focusing on business growth, the conversation centers on the practical considerations and challenges of offering supervision remotely.

We discuss the logistics, maintaining connection with supervisees, and ensuring high-quality supervision when working with therapists in different locations.

This episode offers valuable insights for those considering or already offering external supervision as part of their practice.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, "Rosie" shares her journey of navigating private practice while managing chronic illness and neurodiversity.

The session explores ideas surrounding how to streamline services, where to allocate energy and time effectively, and what it means to serve a community in a sustainable way while staying true to your personal and professional values.

Rosie reflects on the challenges of balancing personal health with professional growth, offering valuable insights for others in similar situations.

A reflective episode for OTs considering moving in to private clinical work while managing health concerns.

Hosted...

In this episode, "Rosie" shares her journey of navigating private practice while managing chronic illness and neurodiversity.

The session explores ideas surrounding how to streamline services, where to allocate energy and time effectively, and what it means to serve a community in a sustainable way while staying true to your personal and professional values.

Rosie reflects on the challenges of balancing personal health with professional growth, offering valuable insights for others in similar situations.

A reflective episode for OTs considering moving in to private clinical work while managing health concerns.

Hosted...

In this episode, "Kate" shares her experience of professional growth in a leadership role, juggling the many hats of management, leadership, and supervision, while also maintaining a clinical caseload and exploring a new scope of practice.

We discuss strategies for balancing these responsibilities, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring continued growth as both a leader and clinician.

This episode is perfect for therapists stepping into leadership roles who want to manage multiple responsibilities effectively while expanding their clinical expertise.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, "Kate" shares her experience of professional growth in a leadership role, juggling the many hats of management, leadership, and supervision, while also maintaining a clinical caseload and exploring a new scope of practice.

We discuss strategies for balancing these responsibilities, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring continued growth as both a leader and clinician.

This episode is perfect for therapists stepping into leadership roles who want to manage multiple responsibilities effectively while expanding their clinical expertise.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, "Chelsea" and I explore strategies for navigating maternity leave while managing a clinical caseload.

We dive into how to plan for a smooth transition, ensure effective client care, and balance personal and professional demands.

We also consider the challenges of leaving a clinical role and ensuring that care is well-managed during transitions when there is not a clear handover option available.

This episode is perfect for clinicians preparing for life transitions while maintaining professional responsibilities.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, "Chelsea" and I explore strategies for navigating maternity leave while managing a clinical caseload.

We dive into how to plan for a smooth transition, ensure effective client care, and balance personal and professional demands.

We also consider the challenges of leaving a clinical role and ensuring that care is well-managed during transitions when there is not a clear handover option available.

This episode is perfect for clinicians preparing for life transitions while maintaining professional responsibilities.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, "Rachel" reflects on her transition from an employed role to setting up her own private practice, sharing the challenges she faced in the first year.

We explore the importance of creating a strong business plan, incorporating therapy assistants into her service delivery model, and effectively serving a community while maintaining sustainability.

Rachel offers insights into balancing her new responsibilities as a business owner while ensuring her practice remains focused on providing high-quality care.

A must-listen for anyone considering the leap from employment to entrepreneurship.

Hosted Alyce Svensk at...