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  • In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I’m thrilled to bring you a highly motivating conversation with two trailblazing occupational therapists, Alyson Stover and Karen Jacobs, and their courageous journey in reshaping the landscape of occupational therapy by putting a very important occupational therapy stamp on artificial intelligence.

    Alyson is the president of the American Occupational Therapy Association, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh in their Department of Occupational Therapy, and is an occupational therapist and clinic owner at Capable Kids in Pennsylvania.

    Karen's occupational therapy practice spans over four decades. She is Associate Dean of Digital Learning & Innovation, Program Director of the post-professional doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OT) program, and Clinical Professor at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences.

    Through this conversation, Alyson shares her how she is embracing bravery through accountability, advocacy, and self-care, while Karen highlights the pivotal role of intentionality and the exciting intersection of occupational therapy and artificial intelligence. We'll explore the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, including the groundbreaking Korro app, which is revolutionizing therapy for children.

    I encourage you to listen through the lens of your own area of practice. How might you hear what they are doing with this technology and consider how you might embrace AI similarly or differently in your work.

    OTs have a unique lens, skill set, and collaborative nature that is highly valuable in AI development, which positions us to become leaders in the AI revolution.

    Whether you're an experienced practitioner or a student, I know you’ll feel inspired by this discussion of bravery and dedication. We also touch on the importance of setting boundaries, leaning into emotional intelligence, and the invaluable connections forged through global OT networks like OT4OT.

    This conversation highlights the power and potential that lies within our profession—whether it’s advocating for ourselves and our clients, embracing new technologies like AI, or simply taking those brave steps to do what matters in our personal lives.

    Follow Alyson and Karen through their upcoming blog on the Capable Kids website, where they'll continue empowering the OT community with valuable insights and support. You can also reach out to them here by email or social media.

    Alyson Stover - [email protected], LinkedIn

    Karen Jacobs - [email protected], LinkedIn

    If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider leaving us a review and sharing the podcast with your friends and colleagues. Together, we can continue to build a brave, informed, and connected occupational therapy community.

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    I will be accepting applications for enrolment from OT practitioners for the ACTivate Vitality program until June 15/24, when I pause enrolment. Book a Clarity Call Here

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    Be sure to check out the Jane.app and use the code VITALITY to indicate you're a Brave OT Podcast listener and receive a 1 month grace period. Jane is embracing AI as it evolves features that solve problems for the clinicians in their community.

  • My guest for this episode is a physiotherapist by training who went on to be a Vice President at a national health care company and has recently pivotted to share his knowledge and level the playing field, supporting smaller businesses in maximizing their potential. This conversation with Gary Thorne will get therapy business owners thinking about how they can create transferable value in their business, ultimately converting that business into something that can be sold instead of closed with retirement.

    This episode is for any therapy business owner, even if they’re many years away from closing.

    Check out Gary’s blog post on creating a maximum value exit plan. If you’re a business owner in any stage of your developpement and don’t know what’s next, book a free consultation with Gary on his website or reach out via his LinkedIn.

    If you love The BRAVE OT Podcast, I'd be so grateful if you'd tell a friend, post about it, tag me or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening!

    P.S. I hope you can forgive the sound quality on this one and hear the great info shared!

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  • In this episode, we're joined by Mel Homan, a fellow OT who has turned her experiences with burnout into a transformative program for others. Whether you're an OT, a helping professional, or anyone navigating the challenges of a demanding career, this episode is packed with insights just for you. We share invaluable insights on overcoming hustle, nurturing our mental health, and the significance of building strong community ties.

    Mel is extending an invitation for you to join her Facebook group, Building Fulfillment and Transformation, which is a great place to continue these discussions on getting out of burnout and you can learn more about her offerings at melhoman.com.

    If you are an OT...

    who has been listening and today’s discussion resonated with you, I’d love to know about it. A really great way to do this is to share the episode Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and tag me in the post with any points on what you found helpful about it.

    If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your vitality and well-being, I invite you to explore my ACTivate Vitality program. It’s designed specifically to create a community of support for OT business owners like you, aiming to get out of the things that hook us into overworking like self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear of failure and get on with loving how you live and work. https://www.balanceworks.online/avprogram

    Remember, you’re not alone in your journey. Let’s continue to build on what we’ve learned today and support each other along the way. You learn from the people around you so make sure you’re surrounding yourself with media and peers who nudge you in the direction you want to be going. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague or friend who might benefit from our conversation.

  • In this episode, down-to-earth business coach, Brettany Sorokowsky shares many tangible tips to help you simplify your business, including some golden instructions on using ChatGPT to streamline your business marketing.

    Brettany and I found each other because we share values around making your business work for you and not listening to the generic business coaching advice that is regularly thrown our way.

    What do you love to do?

    What is an indicator of success in your day?

    How can you do what you love to achieve success by this definition each day?

    If you want to reach Brettany, you can find her here:

    Facebook

    The Link

    The Hive

    Here are those ChatGPT instructions in case you don't want to take notes. She is specifically talking about turning a podcast into many pieces of content but you can start with any type of long-form content:

    Transcribe the podcast episode (use an app like Otter.ai or Descript)

    Copy and paste the interview into ChatGPT and ask for a summary, having programmed your ideal client info in for context

    Ask ChatGPT for 5 newsletter topics

    Ask for articles from those topics with specific word count.

    Ask for 5 motivational quotes related to the topics and your ideal client’s struggles

    Bulk Create in Canva (do a YouTube Search for how to use this feature, it's a gamechanger)

    Schedule the posts in a social media scheduler

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    If you're in the mood for spring cleaning your business so that it can feel fresh and light, I'd love to book a breakthrough session with you to see what we can do. BOOK HERE

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    Our podcast sponsor, Jane, is offering listeners of The BRAVE OT Podcast a 1 month grace period when you create a new account with their clinic management software if you use the word VITALITY at sign-up. Book your appointment now to make the switch jane.app/switch I'm in the process of a seamless switch right now myself. They've been so helpful!

  • In this relatable episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sit down with Jarrett Dottin, a trailblazing occupational therapist and business owner, who shares his inspiring transition from feeling overwhelmed to achieving a state of calm mastery in his professional and personal life. Discover how Jarrett embraced intentional choices, cultivated his own version of work-life balance, and harnessed his unique strengths to create a thriving practice that resonates with authenticity and purpose.

    You can find JD the OT online at jdtheot.com or check out his YouTube channel

    I am grateful to be one of the mentors in Jarrett’s corner. If you would like some guidance in pausing to reflect on what would make your business feel more aligned, The Thriving OT Reflective Business Workshop is available on-demand. You can Carlyn Neek, BA, BScOTn up and get instant access here: https://activatevitality.online/thriving-ot-workshop

  • This is part 2 of our discussion with Rebecca Rae-Hodgson, The Chronically Resilient OT. She shared a lot about her lived experience as am ADHD and Autistic OT who found her way to practicing OT in New Zealand while accommodating the energetic and nervous system regulation ups and downs of persistent mental and physical illnesses.

    In Part 2 we discuss how she’s crafting and curating her work to fit her strengths and needs in creative and brave ways.

    Make sure you visit her resources shop here https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/resources-shop

    If you are enjoying The BRAVE OT Podcast, please leave a review or a rating through your podcast player’s platform.

  • In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast our guest, Rebecca Rae-Hodgson bravely shares her real and raw lived experience as a ADHD and autistic OT who has crafted a business and life that is sustainable while living with chronic illness.

    With the energetic and nervous system regulation ebbs and flows of fibromyalgia, borderline personality disorder, chronic fatigue and other persistent medical conditions, working in a typical OT job would not work for her. Just as she has crafted a home life that fits, she has curated a way of working that works with her strengths and needs.

    As we lean into this conversation with Rebecca Rae Hodgson, The Chronically Resilient OT, we would like to share a content warning to let you know that there is discussion of suicide, trauma and self harm. If you’d like to skip to more detail about how Rebecca is working now, Part 2 doesn’t come with the same content warning.

    Be sure to check out Rebecca’s work at https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/

    If you are enjoying The BRAVE OT Podcast, please leave a review or a rating through your podcast player’s platform.

  • In this quietly inspiring episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, we dive deep into the heart of what it truly means to define success on your own terms. Laura Bremner is my guest, and an exceptional occupational therapist and occupational performance coach from the UK. We explore the journey of stepping away from conventional measures of professional success to embrace a life full of occupations that create fulfillment, and true happiness.

    Laura shares her story of cutting through the noise of endless growth and productivity to find a peaceful flow of doing what she loves in her job, with her family, and in her business. Her approach to success is not only about achieving professional goals but also about nurturing a life filled with joy, connection, and making an impact in what she does. This episode is a beacon for anyone feeling lost in the hustle of life, offering a new perspective on how to live more authentically and meaningfully.

    After you listen, please:

    Reach out to Laura Bremner and explore her incredible work at www.lbtherapy-ot.com

    Reflect on your own Key Vitality Indicators, KVIs. What does success look like for you? Then share the episode with a friend so you can check in regularly on your KVIs together

    Visit www.balanceworks.online/avprogram to discover how you can be a part of the life-changing ACTivate Vitality program and mastermind

  • Emma Shears’ story of personal and professional resilience is deeply impactful. I’ve been grateful to be part of her transformation journey since 2022 when she joined the ACTivate Vitality Program. She has shown up FULLY and embraced the challenge of change and her presence in the program has impacted so many others.

    I hope you’re inspired to make important changes in the way you live and work after hearing Emma’s story.

    If you would like to learn more about the ACTivate Vitality Program and Mastermind that Emma is a part of, please visit the website here. ACTivate Vitality We have room for 3 more OTs to join us in February so reach out soon.

    If you’re more interested in learning how to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in your OT practice, my Practical ACT For OTs course is starting March 1, 2024. You can find the details and register here: Practical ACT for OTs

    You can connect with Emma on LinkedIn or at OT is Fab where she features her Neuro OT Supervision and Education services, her up and coming Nature Therapy offer, and her community based OT services.

  • OTs around the world are asked to add their voices to support the OTs of British Columbia in maintaining their scope of practice in the face of proposed changes to the Health Professions ACT of BC by completing this form.

    This morning, Michelle Ferguson and I sat down to talk about the pressing issue and its impact on the profession, particularly in the area of mental health occupational therapy. She is the Chair of the Mental Health and Substance Use Practice Network for the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

    Governance matters.

    Policy matters.

    Mental health matters.

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    I am excited to share that I will be launching my Practical ACT for OTs course on February 1, 2024. Be sure to sign up to be notified when registration opens so that you'll have access to early bird bonuses. Sign up to be notified when registration opens here.

  • In this second part of our engaging conversation with Jessica Miller on The Brave OT podcast, we go deeper into Jessica's transformative journey within the field of occupational therapy. This episode focuses on how Jessica overcame burnout and redefined her work as an OT and how she pays this growth forward by supporting other OTs in nourishing their nervous systems.

    We explore the integration of mindfulness, embodiment practices, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in fostering resilience and growth. Through this conversation, you'll gain insights into embracing change, nurturing one's mental health, and the power of community support in the professional and personal development journey as an whole-human OT.

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    Has the way you are working in your business become unsustainable?

    If you've read all of the business books and paid for all of the traditional business coaching, yet you remain stuck in a too-busy, hustle-and-grind pattern that isn't aligned with how you want to show up, maybe it's time for a different approach. ACTivate Vitality is a personal and business mastermind that supports your holistic needs rather than attempting to separate your personal growth from your business evolution.

    The high-achieving person that got you here may not fit in this next phase of life where your priorities are shifting, and you know, deep inside, it's time to make a shift to align your business with your life priorities. If this sounds like where you are, book a chat with me; I'd love to talk. https://www.activatevitality.online/chat-booking

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    If you're looking for neuro education, mentorship and community, get on the wait list for New to Neuro's OT Collective... where peace and plasticity grow. https://newtoneuro.com/the-collective-is-coming

    You can also connect with Jessica on IG: https://www.instagram.com/new.to.neuro/

  • In this enlightening episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast I have a deep conversation (not sure I know another kind) with Jessica Miller, a neuro-based occupational therapist and brain injury specialist who is also a member of my ACTivate Vitality community as a client and contributor.

    Discover how Jessica's journey intertwines personal growth, professional development, and innovative approaches in providing neuro OT services and education. We delve into topics like embracing non-traditional OT roles, overcoming burnout, and finding alignment between personal and professional life. This episode is a must-listen for OTs seeking to expand their horizons, understand the importance of self-care, and explore new pathways in their careers.

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    Has the way you are working in your business become unsustainable?

    If you've read all of the business books and paid for all of the traditional business coaching, yet you remain stuck in a too-busy, hustle-and-grind pattern that isn't aligned with how you want to show up, maybe it's time for a different approach. ACTivate Vitality is a personal and business mastermind that supports your holistic needs rather than attempting to separate your personal growth from your business evolution.

    The high-achieving person that got you here may not fit in this next phase of life where your priorities are shifting, and you know, deep inside, it's time to make a shift to align your business with your life priorities. If this sounds like where you are, book a chat with me; I'd love to talk. https://www.activatevitality.online/chat-booking

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    If you're looking for neuro education, mentorship and community, get on the wait list for New to Neuro's OT Collective... where peace and plasticity grow. https://newtoneuro.com/the-collective-is-coming

    You can also connect with Jessica on IG: https://www.instagram.com/new.to.neuro/

  • In Episode 16: Falling In and Out of Love with OT, we explore Rhiannon Crispe's journey.

    Together, Rhiannon and I peel back the layers of what it truly means to be an OT with a heart for change. She's a trailblazer who's not just living the OT life, but redefining it. Through her story, we explore what it was really like to create a documentary about OT, Finding Me in OT. And we explore resisting externally imposed urgency, and being brave enough to do things in your own time. I hope you're ready to embrace the twists and turns of an OT journey less traveled to find the intersection where passion meets purpose.

    This is more than just a dialogue. It's a call to be BRAVE, to unhustle and to light up the path for others in our field. So take a deep breath, let the spirit of curiosity lead the way, and be inspired.

    Rhiannon is an occupational therapist in Australia who owns a private practice and is the founder of the OT lifestyle movement. She's a self-described salty soul and health enthusiast. She's a dreamer and a doer, a goal-setter and a go-getter, a change agent and a game changer. I am sure you'll love this conversation as much as I did.

    Download The OT Collective Book Listen to the rest of this conversation on The OT Lifestyle Movement Podcast

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    Remember the trailblazing journey of an OT is not walked alone.

    It's a path we pay for together. One brave step at a time.

    Many brave OTs start solo businesses so that they can work in alignment with their values. But then the precarious feeling of being out on a ledge alone can make it so difficult to continue taking brave steps.

    In my ACTivate Vitality group program, we are a community of heart centred OT business owners who are supporting each other in taking brave steps toward living and working in deep alignment with our values.

    Some days that means we're collaborating and celebrating, launching new programs. And other days we are celebrating, converting a whole day, a week from a hustle day to one where we ignite our passions and restore. If this is what you need to grow in 2024, book a chat with me to discuss this opportunity further.

    ✳️ LET'S CHAT ✳️

    If this discussion ignited a fire within you, I encourage you to keep that flame alive.

    Send a link of this episode to three OT friends who you want to be a part of the conscious rebellion, reshaping our beloved field of occupational therapy. Post a screenshot of the episode you just listened to on Instagram with your thoughts, and please be sure to tag @balnceworksot and @rhiannoncrispe. Subscribe to The BRAVE OT podcast on your favorite listening platform.

    Thanks for listening and, as always, BE BRAVE OTs.

  • In this enlightening episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sit down with Kathryn Wise, a trailblazer in the field of occupational therapy and health leadership.

    Kathryn, an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University and Program Director at University of California at San Francisco, shares her insights on the importance of interprofessional leadership development and the critical role of compassionate leadership. This episode delves into the essence of compassionate leadership, the interplay between emotional intelligence and leadership skills, and the unique challenges faced by OTs stepping into leadership roles.

    Kathryn’s extensive experience in educating and coaching healthcare leaders and her commitment to fostering innovation make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of healthcare, occupational therapy and leadership.

    Tune in to hear how Kathryn is shaping the next generation of health leaders and bringing a fresh perspective to the occupational therapy field.

    If you'd like to connect with Kathryn Wise, you can do so via LinkedIn or email her at [email protected].

    In the podcast she mentions the book, Compassionate Leadership: How to do Hard Things in a Human Way, by Hougaard and Carter.

    Do you feel like burnout might knocking at your door?

    Download my Banish Burnout Mini Book and see where you are in the 12 Phases of Burnout and what you might do at each stage.

    I'm passionate about helping therapy business owners break the habitual hustle pattern that helped them rise in their careers but is now hurting them. Connect with what matters most deeply and be brave enough to revise how you live and work so that your next season is filled with more freedom, fulfillment, and joy. Thriving as a human business owner is possible.

    At the time this podcast airs, I have a Black Friday promotion for my ACTivate Vitality Program. You can learn all about it here: ACTivate Vitality Program for Therapy Business Owners

  • Venture with me into the heart of conscious rebellion with a very special guest, Lindsey Vestal.

    Long before training as an OT, Lindsey saw an opportunity for Occupational Therapy to be at the heart of pelvic health, and she has been paving the path for other OTs to become trained and established in this area of practice ever since.

    Even if pelvic health isn’t your passion, you are going to get a lot out of this episode as we talk through Lindsey’s story of standing up to claim OT's place as, not only a companion in this practice area that’s more traditionally been a physical therapy space, but asserting that OT has an important role in this area of practice as we bring our biopsychosocial approach, our understanding of the intersection between the person, their pelvic function, their life experiences, their occupations, and their environment.

    This is a really special discussion because Lindsey and I are in consistent contact as supporters in each other’s journeys as women, mothers, OTs and entrepreneurs who are doing things a little differently. We talk a lot about the courage to confront discomfort, the strength to trust in your path, and navigating all the feels that come up when we do brave things.

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    I'd love to chat with you if you are at a crossroads in your own OT business and aren't sure how to make it work for you.

    👉 👉 Book a Chat Today. 👈 👈

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    Lindsey Vestal graduated as an OT from NYU in 2011 with the clear goal of working in pelvic health. While many people, including some of her professors, said OTs can’t work in pelvic health, she founded The Functional Pelvis, which was first in-home pelvic health practice in New York City run by an OT. Now, she teaches OTs how to become rock star pelvic floor therapists. She has trained more than 1,000 OTs in becoming pelvic health therapists and her goal is that 10,000 OTs are trained in Pelvic Health by 2030! She supports over 6000 therapists through her Facebook Group, OTs for Pelvic Health which a ton of free training. She also has a podcast called OTs in Pelvic Health.

    You can check out her podcast, OTs in Pelvic Health. These episodes relate to our conversation:

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    OTs In Pelvic Health Podcast

    Reframing Imposter Syndrome with Carlyn Neek

    If the Pelvic Floor Is Not Healthy, There Is No Occupation We Can Perform" with Alyson Stover, AOTA President

    What I Learned From Not Getting Accepted to Speak at the AOTA Conference

  • There are a number of people in my life with whom a simple, superficial conversation is not possible. This guest is one of those people and I think you'll enjoy the layers and gentle rhythm of our discussion on the unique development potential in the crises that highly creative, deep feeling, big thinking individuals encounter.

    In my work I often support occupational therapists through their own crisis points toward knowing themselves more deeply and thriving personally and professionally as levels that were not possible before things fell apart (or explode as the case may be). This can be viewed through the lens of post-traumatic growth, self-actualization, growth mindset, ACT, or positive psychology but the theory that always comes to mind for me is the Theory of Positive Disintegration, developed by Polish psychologist, Kazimierz Dąbrowski.

    If you are experiencing a disorienting season of challenge and uncertainty, I'd be happy to talk to you and see if we can work together toward making sense of it, as I have with many international OTs in my coaching practice and a variety others in my mental health OT practice.

    ➡️ Book a call with me here ⬅️

    This interview came about because one of the people who taught me about the theory of positive disintegration, my sons' elementary school principal, Hal Curties, approached me to discuss his observation of this theory playing out on my social media pages as OTs posted about their struggles, sensitivities, complex reflections and responses to the world in crisis, career transitions, and midlife unravelling over the last few years.

    Hal Curties is also the musician who created the intro and outro music for The BRAVE OT Podcast. He has retired from his profession since this episode was recorded and is now able to focus more fully on his music and other meaningful occupations.

    🎶 If you'd like to explore hiring Hal to compose music to deepen your impact on the world, you can email him at [email protected]. His band, Ceard also has an album called Now and Then on Spotify.

    More on the Theory of Positive Disintegration

    Dąbrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration, a somewhat complex concept, is, at its heart, a guide to understanding the beautiful mess of our inner worlds. It's about recognizing that moments of inner turmoil, when you feel like everything is falling apart, may reach beyond the chaos and toward personal growth. As one comes through the suffering and chaos disintegration, the independent pieces come together more artfully to create a beautifully intricate mosaic, tapestry, or painting, creating newfound levels of consciousness, creativity, authentic alignment between values and actions. Often referenced in gifted education, this theory can help you see the vivid artistry in your own disorienting experiences and appreciate the potential hidden within your complexities, sensitivities, and excitability.

    Websites:

    Positive Disintegration - A website with a comprehensive collection of knowledge on TPD

    Wikipedia - I like the way the levels of disintegration are described here in a digestible way

    Recommended books on the topic:

    Dąbrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration by Sal Mendaglio

    Personality Development Through Positive Disintegration: The Work of Kazimierz Dąbrowski by Bill Tillier

    Positive Disintegration by Kazimierz Dąbrowski

    Personality Shaping by Kazimierz Dąbrowski

  • On a number of occasions I have taken time away from the noise of routines and tasks to reflect on my business. How it feels, how it aligns with my values and life direction. I've been at this a long time so I've done it a few times. I essentially Marie Kondo my work. Which parts spark joy? Which ones do not?

    It's really a process of getting out of autopilot and taking a high level life review that has taken me down some pretty cool paths in search of doing the things that create ENERGY, JOY, SATISFACTION, and ALIGNMENT.

    Some might say I share a bit too much about the ups and downs in my own business for someone who helps others find alignment in theirs but it's an important value of mine to show up AUTHENTICALLY so here it is; highs, lows and what I have done to make shifts. I hope my reflection ignites your journey toward growth in the direction of more VITALITY and INTENTIONALITY.

    If you want to talk about sparking more joy, flow, and vitality in the way you live and work, send me an email at [email protected]. I'd love to chat with you.

  • Are you an occupational therapy business owner, a nature OT, or an OT in midlife looking for more peace in your business? If so, you're in for a treat! In this episode of The Brave OT Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of nature-based therapy and its transformative impact on well-being.

    Our guest, Bronwyn Paynter, a seasoned occupational therapist in Australia, shares her personal journey of discovering the healing power of nature. She opens up about her own challenges, including overcoming breast cancer, and how it shaped her perspective on holistic approaches to health.

    Join us as Bronwyn shares her unique insights and experiences with forest bathing, partnering with nature, and the profound connections between sensory experiences and well-being. Discover how she found calm and serenity by immersing herself in guided experiences that brought her closer to nature and created a whole business to support other occupational therapists in doing the same!

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    The role of nature therapy in promoting well-being and enhancing occupational therapy practices. How to integrate nature-based interventions into your OT business or practice. The power of sensory connections and mindfulness in nature for personal and professional growth. Strategies for embracing holistic approaches to health and wellness.

    If you're an occupational therapy business owner, a nature OT, or an OT in midlife seeking fresh perspectives and meaningful strategies, this episode is a must-listen.

    If you love what you hear...

    Don't forget to rate and review The Brave OT Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring content. Also, be sure to share this episode with a friend or colleague who would benefit from Bronwyn's insights.

    Connect with Bronwyn Paynter on Facebook through her engaging and supportive community, NatureOTs - connect and grow. Join the conversation, share your experiences, and learn more about incorporating nature into your OT practice. You can also check out her website here.

    Thank you for tuning in to The Brave OT Podcast, where we empower occupational therapists to step up, level up, and embrace conscious rebellion in service of our profession, our clients, and our own well-being. As always, Be BRAVE OTs!

    If you'd like to explore what coaching might look like with me, book a call I'd love to chat with you. Book it here.

  • I loved sitting down with Michele Hampton, an inspiring mental health occupational therapist, who shares her journey in starting her own private practice and the lessons she learned along the way. With humour and heart, Michele shares her stories about calling into radio talk shows, how her husband wrote a banjo song for their pandemic puppy, and how she found the courage and support to launch her nature-based, adult mental health private practice. Being gritty Canadian gals, we couldn't help but throw in a couple gems about shiny tractors and monster trucks. I hope you enjoy it and laugh along with us.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    The ups and downs of starting a private practie The imporance of laughter and having a flexible, curious outlook How to overcome challenges and stay motivated The power of sharing stories and connecting with others How to make the most of unexpected opportunities And what a shiny tractor has to do with it all

    So grab a cup of coffee or head out for a walk as you get ready to be entertained and inspired by Michele's journey in starting Opening Doors Occupational Therapy.

    *****

    If you're an OT just starting a new business and would like some support in moving forward through those natural sticking points, I'd love to help you like I helped Michele. She had to start turning away work within months of getting started and you can too!

    Book a time for a quick 15 min chat with me and let's see what we can do.

  • Get to know trailblazer Keir Harding, an occupational therapist and mental health advocate from the UK who specializes in working with people living with suicidal tendencies and who engage in self-harm as a way of coping.

    He passionately advocates for individuals while working toward making system-level changes in the way individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder are treated with the goal of reducing stigma and offering more respectful,safer, and more effective treatment in the community. Understanding why people choose the occupations they do is key for making these changes and OTs are well positioned to make these changes.

    In this episode, Keir provides a sneak preview of his upcoming Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture, "Nothing Grows in Toxic Environments," taking place on Thursday, April 27, 2023. It's free to register for the lecture online, so invite your colleagues, clients, and changemakers to join you. Register here.

    In addition to the upcoming lecture, we discuss the power of social media in finding a voice and community, and how occupational therapists can be more vocal about the important work we do.

    As an OT who coaches other OTs, I love creating a safe space for occupational therapists to thrive. If you're feeling like you're on the verge of burn out and want to find your mojo again, download my Banish Burnout and Find Your Mojo Minibook, and don't hesitate to reach out for more information.