6: The Power of Engagement: Supporting Children’s Participation in OT
Release Date: 10/16/2023
Episode 33: Working as an occupational therapist overseas – with Sylvia
New PossibilOTs
In this episode of New PossibilOTs, host Mahek is joined by Sylvia, Manager of Therapy Services at OT Helping Children and an experienced paediatric occupational therapist who spent nearly two decades working in Rome, Italy. Together, they explore the complexities of working internationally as an OT – from navigating cultural differences and healthcare systems, to registration processes, language barriers, and professional growth in underdeveloped OT landscapes. Sylvia shares valuable advice for therapists considering a move abroad, including practical tips on preparation, skill-building,...
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Episode 32: Collaboration in care: unlocking the power of multidisciplinary teamwork with Heidi Cornwell
New PossibilOTs
In this episode of the New Possibilities Podcast, Mahek is joined by Heidi Cornwell, speech pathologist and director of Talk Time Speech Pathology, to explore how allied health professionals can foster effective collaboration across disciplines. They discuss practical strategies for communication, managing overlap in care, using clinical judgment, and supporting families through complex milestones. This episode offers valuable insights for occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and all professionals in paediatric multidisciplinary teams.
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Episode 31: Navigating Parent Journeys: An OT's Guide to Support with Nicki Powell
New PossibilOTs
How do we genuinely meet families where they're at — especially when the system feels overwhelming? In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Mahek sits down with Nicki Powell — parent, NDIS and disability advocate — to explore what families really need from health professionals after a diagnosis. From grief and overwhelm to navigating the NDIS, Nicki offers practical wisdom for occupational therapists and allied health professionals on building trust, setting realistic goals and recognising the small wins that matter most. This conversation is a must-listen for any clinician...
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Episode 30: Insights from a 30-year journey in paediatric OT, with Founder and CEO of OTHC Lisa Hughes.
New PossibilOTs
In this special episode of the New PossibilOTs podcast, Mahek sits down with Lisa Hughes, Founder and CEO of OTHC, to explore her inspiring 30-year journey in paediatric occupational therapy. From the early days of launching her own private practice to mentoring the next generation of OTs, Lisa shares a wealth of insight drawn from both personal experience and professional growth. Lisa opens up about navigating burnout and how it became the catalyst for building a values-led, heart-centred practice. She speaks candidly about the importance of authenticity, setting healthy boundaries, and...
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Episode 29: Insights from a New Grad OT: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
New PossibilOTs
In the final episode of the New Grad Series, Mahek and Larissa chat with Courtney Schultz, a new graduate occupational therapist working in paediatrics. Courtney shares her first-year experiences at Occupational Therapy Helping Children, including navigating imposter syndrome, building confidence, and learning to manage a full caseload. She discusses the value of strong workplace support, supervision, and self-care routines, as well as the importance of building rapport with clients and families. This episode offers real-world insights, encouragement, and practical advice for early career OTs,...
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Episode 28: Understanding the NDIS: A guide for new graduate OTs
New PossibilOTs
In this episode, as part of the New Grad series, Mahek and Larissa take you through the essentials of working as an occupational therapist within the NDIS. While the NDIS is constantly evolving, this episode focuses on the core knowledge every new graduate or OT new to Australia needs to begin navigating this space with confidence. Website: Instagram: Resources: NDIS Eligibility Check: Understanding NDIS Supports: Understanding ‘Reasonable and Necessary’: NDIS Education and Blogs: Plan Reassessments: ...
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Episode 27 : Collaborating with Confidence: Navigating a Team and Workplace Dynamics
New PossibilOTs
In this episode of the New PossibilOTs podcast, Mahek and Larissa dive into the world of workplace dynamics, sharing insights on how to build strong relationships within your OT team and collaborate effectively with other health professionals. From finding your confidence in team meetings to managing multidisciplinary collaborations, they offer practical tips for new grads stepping into the field and OTs who are changing roles or moving into a new team. Whether you’re working in a large clinic or a more isolated setting, these strategies will help you feel more connected and supported in...
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Episode 26: Building Your OT Career: Professional Development, Feedback & Growth
New PossibilOTs
In this episode of the NewPossibilOTs podcast, Mahek and Larissa dive into the essentials of professional development for new grads and OTs transitioning into new roles. They explore how to make the most of supervision and mentoring opportunities, offering tips on clear communication with supervisors, setting meaningful goals, and bringing practical cases to sessions for deeper learning. Packed with actionable advice, this episode encourages OTs to build a strong foundation early in their careers and make professional development an exciting, ongoing journey. Website: ...
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Episode 25: Building Your Caseload: Strategies for Success
New PossibilOTs
What are the best ways to build and manage your caseload as a new OT? In this episode, Mahek and Larissa dive into everything that comes along with handling a new or inherited caseload, offering tips on time management, organisation, and goal-setting. They also discuss the importance of rapport-building with clients and families, how to manage imposter syndrome, and ways to develop confidence in clinical decision-making. Whether you’re a new grad or transitioning into a new OT role, this episode is packed with valuable insights to support your journey. Listen now! Website: ...
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24: Navigating the Transition into Your First OT Role
New PossibilOTs
Starting your first job as an occupational therapist can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this episode, Mahek and Larissa kick off a new series dedicated to supporting new graduate OTs and those transitioning into new roles. They discuss the lifestyle changes that come with full-time work, the importance of setting boundaries, and strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Tune in for practical advice, personal insights, and tips to help you confidently step into your OT career! Resources: New PossibilOTs Podcast Episode 14: More Episodes & Info: Our website:...
info_outlineWelcome back to the New PossibilOTs podcast! Mahek and Larissa explore the crucial concept of child engagement within the realm of paediatric occupational therapy. They discuss how engagement serves as the fundamental cornerstone for achieving therapeutic goals and supporting both the child and their family. Mahek and Larissa define engagement as a dynamic, reciprocal interaction, even when not face-to-face, where the child and therapist maintain a strong connection and collaboratively pursue common objectives. They emphasise the importance of engaging not only the child but also parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process for comprehensive support. Make sure you tune in, this is an episode not to be missed.
Mahek and Larissa would love for you to connect with them via social media and their website to share your thoughts on this episode and suggest future podcast topics.
Resources:
The Engaged Child in Occupational Therapy https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0008417420905708
Parent Engagement and Disengagement in Paediatric Settings: an Occupational Therapy Perspective https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2019.1574913
Strategies Occupational Therapists use to Engage Children and Parents in Therapy Sessions https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1440-1630.12670
Transcript: https://www.occupationaltherapy.com.au/podcasts/
Connect with us:
Our website: https://www.occupationaltherapy.com.au/
Instagram: @NewPossibilOTsPodcast