The Brave OT Podcast

The Brave OT Podcast with Carlyn Neek is all about empowering occupational therapists to step-up, level-up, blaze some trails, and maybe engage in a little conscious rebellion in service of the profession, our clients, our work, our businesses, and living our mission wholeheartedly. We are all about keeping it real, doing hard things, unhuslting, being curious, trying new things, growing through our challenges, and finding joy and fulfillment along the way. Really, we are OTing ourselves and each other. All of the intro and outro music was graciously provided by Hal Curties, a local Calgary musician and someone who has contributed to my personal and professional growth in so many ways.

Ep. #41: The Making of an OT Entrepreneur with Guest Interviewer Jacqueline Buhler 03/11/2025

Ep. 40: Embracing Professional Curiosity Through Supervision in OT with Guest, Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw 03/01/2025

Ep. 39: Technology, Reflective Practice, and Business Transitions with Guest, Ruth Duggan 02/03/2025

Ep. 39: Technology, Reflective Practice, and Business Transitions with Guest, Ruth Duggan Whether you're just starting a new OT business, or considering developing a new product, technology, or moving in the direction of retirement, I think you'll find a lot of value in this episode. I am excited to be talking to my friend and colleague, Ruth Duggan. In this episode, we talk about a lot of parallels between the process of starting a business or a product and the familiar assessment and intervention process we use as OTs. We share about our experiences in the early days of starting our businesses and how we've developed new offers and products. Ruth gives us a peek into how she is preparing for that next phase of her business where she's less active in it, and how she is leaving a legacy by transferring her knowledge through the development of an app and related training. You are invited to connect with Ruth at: ______________________________________ We are still looking for participants for our research on the Cognitive Behavioural and Sensory Job Demands Analysis digital assessment tool. Learn more here: ______________________________________ OT Business Owners Need Community The is opening up in March, 2025 for our next cohort. It is a thriving community of OT business owners who support each other, collaborate, co-conspire, co-regulate, and help you not be alone in private practice. Together we build core skills from acceptance and commitment therapy to be more grounded and mindful in our practices, in our work, in our lives, aligning our actions in all domains with our values. We create community so that we can move forward in blazing some trails and doing the things that really matter, building more flow and satisfaction in our lives. to explore this possibility. ______________________________________ To see how Jane can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, . Or if you're ready to get started, you can use the code VITALITY at the time of signup for a one-month grace period applied to your new account. /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/35131755

Ep. 38: Sisterhood in the Storm - Understanding Perimenopause with Guest, Dr. Fiona Lovely 01/15/2025

Ep. 38: Sisterhood in the Storm - Understanding Perimenopause with Guest, Dr. Fiona Lovely I am thrilled to share this authentic and vulnerable conversation with you. My guest is Dr. Fiona Lovely. You may know her from her mindblowing podcast, Not Your Mother's Menopause. With two decades of experience, Dr. Lovely is a trailblazer in women's health. Specifically focusing on the menopause transition, perimenopause and menopause. Stick with us on this vulnerable and passionate conversation because in it, we share stories of our own experiences and highlight how community and connection are the bedrock for growth and healing in a health system that has only begun to prioritize women's health. Dr. Lovely helps us understand the growing evidence and debunks misconceptions in the menopause narrative. Spoiler alert, but there's a lot in here about social justice and a little bit of swearing. We talk about the mental and physiological shifts women encounter during this time of renovation in our bodies and in our brains, and some myths about cognitive decline. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and a heartfelt big sister kind of conversation. Whether you're an occupational therapist, someone in their 30s and 40s experiencing symptoms you didn't know were perimenopause, or you're simply interested in understanding this vital aspect of health, there's so much here for you. _______________________________________ Links to resources mentioned in the podcast: Dr. Fiona Lovely's Website: Podcast: - Neuroscience & Women's Health _______________________________________ Are you a therapy business owner seeking a community of support as the whole person at the centre of your business? We will be accepting applicants to the ACTivate Vitality program and community in late January. Let's see if this is a good fit for you by . _______________________________________ A shoutout to our sponsor, Jane.app Jane is an EMR with heart. and be sure to use the code VITALITY for a one month grace period. /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/34866585

Ep. 37: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in OT, A Practical Guide 11/26/2024

Ep. 36: Erin Clarelli on Challenging Norms with Neurodiversity-Affirming OT 11/17/2024

Ep. 35: Mindfully Occupied, Out and About Mental Health OT With Guest Sarah Good 11/04/2024

Ep. 34: Beyond Business - Real Stories from ACTivate Vitality Members 10/29/2024

Ep. 34: Beyond Business - Real Stories from ACTivate Vitality Members I’m excited to share something really special—a compilation of clips from members who’ve been navigating their own journeys toward values-driven, sustainable work. You’ll hear honest reflections about what it’s like to move from overfunctioning and burnout to building lives and businesses that feel aligned and fulfilling. These are the voices of occupational therapists who’ve joined our community, some initially skeptical about a group coaching format, yet they found that the magic lies in the support, accountability, and growth they share with each other. So if you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of overwork or wondered how to build a business that supports your life, not drains it—this episode is for you. Now, if you’re feeling inspired this glimpse into the ACTivate Vitality community and ready to create a sustainable, values-aligned business where you don’t have to go it alone, I’d love to invite you to join us in ACTivate Vitality. This isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ coaching program. We dive into what’s driving your habits, the fears or patterns that may be holding you back, and how to build a life and business that supports you fully. And one of the most powerful parts is the community itself—being surrounded by other OTs on the same journey toward living and working differently. Together, we create the space to grow, connect, and hold each other accountable. Is it time for a change in the way you are showing up as a therapy business owner? If you're listening at the end of October, 2024, enrollment for ACTivate Vitality is open just until the end of this month so hop on a with me today and we can explore how ACTivate Vitality could support your journey. If you're interested at a later date, email me at to find out when it will be available again. Here's a playlist of episodes with some of the brave ACTivate Vitality participants here: And stay tuned for an episode coming soon with Erin Clarelli! /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/33666627

Ep. 33: Scarcity Mindset to Sustainable Growth - Jessica Earle’s ACTivate Vitality Story 10/15/2024

Ep. 33: Scarcity Mindset to Sustainable Growth - Jessica Earle’s ACTivate Vitality Story Welcome back BRAVE OTs! I'm really excited about this podcast conversation because it's going to hit home for so many of you who have been trying to balance personal growth with running a business. In this epsiode, I'm chatting with Jessica Earle, a participant in the ACTivate Vitality program and an incredible occupational therapist who's been on quite a journey of transformation, both personally and professionally. Jessica's story is about navigating survival mode, overcoming overfunctioning, and finally, finding a sustainable way to work that aligns with her values. She talks about how the stress of constant transitions, moving across the country to starting her private practice, pushed her to take on too much and how she reached a point where something had to change. We dive into the nitty gritty of how Jessica paused to restructure her business, her schedule, shift her thinking out of scarcity-driven hustle, and found a balance that allows her to thrive without burning out. ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ If you've ever felt like you're on the burnout train or struggling to find that balance between your personal growth and your business, this conversation is for you. If Jessica's story resonated with you and you're struggling with overfunctioning, burnout, or simply feeling like there's not enough time in the day to do it all, I want to remind you that you don't have to do it alone. ACTivate Vitality is now open for enrollment, and recently we've shifted away from always being open to only accepting new clients during specific periods. Right now, you can book a no-obligation Clarity Call through to the end of October to see if this program is the right fit for you. In we support OT business owners to thrive, both personally and professionally, without the hustle. We focus on aligning your business with your values and building a sustainable, fulfilling career that adds to your life, rather than putting it in some sort of fabricated work-life-balance opposition. If it is time to make that shift and find the support you need, book your Clarity Call here: I'd love for you to grab one of the remaining 8 spaces before enrollment closes on October 30th. Let's work together to create a business and a life that truly aligns with who you are. 🍃 🍃 🍂 🍂 🍃 🍃 🍂 If you'd like to connect with Jessica Earle, owner and OT at New Leaf Occupational Therapy visit her website: 🍃 🍃 🍂 🍂 🍃 🍃 🍂 In the market for an EMR with heart? Check out Jane. She's my right-hand digital helper and when you sign up with the code, VITALITY, listeners will recieve a 1 month grace period on their new subscriptions. Book a demo by clicking here: /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/33470497

Ep. 32: Failing Upward - Embracing Personal Growth as a Trailblazing OT with Guest, Dana Solomon 10/09/2024

Ep. 32: Failing Upward - Embracing Personal Growth as a Trailblazing OT with Guest, Dana Solomon We’re diving into what it really means to build something new from scratch—both personally and professionally. My guest, Dana Solomon, is an occupational therapist who has bravely stepped into the world of pelvic health and entrepreneurship by creating the . In this episode, we talk about her journey, the vulnerability that comes with launching a project that isn't perfect, and how she’s embraced the concept of ‘failing upward’—learning and growing with every step. Dana’s story will resonate with any OT who’s ever felt the pull to create something new, whether it's a practice, a program, or a whole new path in our profession. This episode is all about navigating self-doubt, finding your flow, and making bold moves without waiting for permission. We’ll talk about how bravery in OT isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about being willing to try and evolve through the process. So if you’re ready to be inspired and take action on that project you’ve been dreaming about, this one’s for you! Check out Dana's Links: ____________________________________________ If Dana’s journey of building something new and stepping into the unknown resonates with you, I want to remind you that you don’t have to do it alone. Running a business—whether it’s launching a new project, growing your private practice, or taking the next brave step—requires more than just professional skills. It’s about aligning your work with your values, finding clarity in your direction, and building a business that feels sustainable and fulfilling. That’s why I created —a group coaching program specifically designed for therapy business owners who are ready to integrate personal and professional growth, break free from perfectionism and overfunctioning, and create a business that supports the life they want. It’s where you learn to embrace vulnerability, step into your values, and thrive with the support of a like-minded community. Big Opportunity: We’ve recently made a shift from always being open for enrollment to only accepting new clients during specific periods. And guess what? That time is now! Enrollment is open from now until the end of October. So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for a more sustainable way to work and live, I invite you to between now and October 31st. This is your chance to explore how ACTivate Vitality can support your next brave step in business and in life. Let’s find your flow together. Only 12 spots availabile, and this is the last enrollment period for the year, so don’t wait—this is your time! ____________________________________________ In the market for an EMR with heart? Check out Jane. She's my right-hand digital helper and when you sign up with the code, VITALITY, listeners will recieve a 1 month grace period on their new subscriptions. Book a demo by clicking here: /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/33383497

Ep. 31: Find Your Flow - Explore Your OT Business Through the Kawa Model 09/23/2024

Ep. 30: From Being the Therapist to Coaching Therapists With Guest, Landy Peek 08/31/2024

Ep. 30: From Being the Therapist to Coaching Therapists With Guest, Landy Peek In this episode, I sit down with Landy Peek, a success coach for OT and PT entrepreneurs. We dive deep into the unique challenges therapists face personally and professionally. Landy and I work with similar clients in different ways and we share some of thedifferent ways that we use our backgrounds as therapists in working with the clinicians we coach. We talk about somatic practices, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other ways we help therapists get unstuck. We also discuss the importance of balancing our professional responsibilities with personal wellbeing, and the sometimes overlooked power of group support and shared stories in fostering growth. Landy opens up about her journey from occupational therapist to coaching, her move to Colorado, and the value she places on authenticity, bravery, and embracing one's true self. You'll hear practical strategies for tackling overwhelm and realigning with your values, as well as candid insights into the bravery it takes to step into something new. Whether you're a therapist, a coach, or someone on a personal growth journey, this conversation is filled with just the nuggets you need. ✨✨✨ To connect with Landy, you can visit her website where you can find links to her Facebook and Instagram profiles as well as her free resources. ✨✨✨ “We often stay stuck because we can see what we will lose with more clarity than we can see what we will gain.” Sandra Chuma ✨✨✨ After a pause, I'm preparing to re-open the doors to my signature program, ACTivate Vitality - Rise & Live Fully. If you're a therapy business owner who is looking for more connection, collaboration, and co-regulation so that you can make your business work in a way that feels values-aligned and honours your needs and energy, let's talk! On this page you can find a button to book a call with me and join our upcoming autumn start. ✨✨✨ The BRAVE OT Listeners are treated to a one month grace period when signing up for Jane, the EMR with a human touch. Just use the code: VITALITY when you sign up at jane.app/switch #therapisttocoach #pelvichealth #somaticexperiencing #trauma #burnout #mindset #subconsciousbeliefs #unstuck #identity #groupcoaching #otentrepreneur #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #womenshealth #brave #commnhumanity #occupationaltherapist /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/32835122

Ep. 29: Defining Entrepreneurial Success on Your Own Terms with Guest, Ashley Ballou 07/15/2024

Ep. 28: The Role of Occupational Therapists in the AI Revolution With Alyson Stover and Karen Jacobs 06/03/2024

Ep. 28: The Role of Occupational Therapists in the AI Revolution With Alyson Stover and Karen Jacobs 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 , 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 - , Karen Jacobs - , 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. ________________________________________________________________ I will be accepting applications for enrolment from OT practitioners for the until June 15/24, when I pause enrolment. ________________________________________________________________ Be sure to check out the 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. /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/31577102

Ep. 27 Giving Your Therapy Business A Life of Its Own With Guest, Gary Thorne 05/08/2024

Ep. 26: Burning Out in a High-Pressure World with Guest, Mel Homan 04/22/2024

Ep. 25: Simplify Your Business with ChatGPT, Guest Brettany Sorokowsky 04/08/2024

Ep. 25: Simplify Your Business with ChatGPT, Guest Brettany Sorokowsky 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: 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 _____________________________ 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. _____________________________ 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 I'm in the process of a seamless switch right now myself. They've been so helpful! /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/30735308

Ep. 24: From Overwhelmed to Thriving, JD the OT’s Business Evolution 03/25/2024

Ep. 23: Sustainable Life - Living and Working as a Neruodivergent OT, with Guest, Rebecca Rae-Hodgson 03/11/2024

Ep. 22: Destigmatizing and Advocating - OT, Rebecca Rae-Hodgson's Lived Experience 03/11/2024

Ep. 21 Defining Success on Your Own Terms With Guest, Laura Bremner 02/26/2024

Ep. 20: Post-traumatic Growth with Guest, Emma Shears 02/13/2024

Special Episode: Urgent Need for OT Voices to Maintain Our Presence in Mental Health 01/30/2024

Ep. 18: Nourishing Your Nervous System - With Guest, Jessica Miller, Part 2 01/06/2024

Ep. 17: Redefining OT - Jessica Miller's Path from Exhaustion to Empowered Mentor, Part 1 01/06/2024

Ep. 17: Redefining OT - Jessica Miller's Path from Exhaustion to Empowered Mentor, Part 1 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. _________________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________________ 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. You can also connect with Jessica on IG: /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/29369673

Ep. 16: Falling In and Out of Love with OT - Explore the Journey with Guest, Rhiannon Crispe 12/07/2023

Ep. 16: Falling In and Out of Love with OT - Explore the Journey with Guest, Rhiannon Crispe 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, . 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 Listen to the rest of this conversation on _______________________________________________________ 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. ✳️ ✳️ 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 and . Subscribe to The BRAVE OT podcast on your favorite listening platform. Thanks for listening and, as always, BE BRAVE OTs. /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/28918523

Ep. 15 Leading with Compassion Through an Epidemic of Healthcare Burnout with Guest, Kathryn Wise 11/23/2023

Ep. 15 Leading with Compassion Through an Epidemic of Healthcare Burnout with Guest, Kathryn Wise 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 or email her at 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 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: /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/28774553

Ep. 14: The Intentional Rebel's Guide to OT: A Dialogue with My Trailblazing Companion, Lindsey Vestal 11/03/2023

Ep. 14: The Intentional Rebel's Guide to OT: A Dialogue with My Trailblazing Companion, Lindsey Vestal 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. ____________________________________ 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. 👉 👉 . 👈 👈 ____________________________________ 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, 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: ____________________________________ OTs In Pelvic Health Podcast /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/28510289

Ep. 13: Redefining Crisis - Your Path to Authenticity With Guest, Hal Curties 10/17/2023

Ep. 13: Redefining Crisis - Your Path to Authenticity With Guest, Hal Curties 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. ➡️ ⬅️ 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 . 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 . His band, Ceard also has an album called . 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: - A website with a comprehensive collection of knowledge on TPD - I like the way the levels of disintegration are described here in a digestible way Recommended books on the topic: by Sal Mendaglio by Bill Tillier by Kazimierz Dąbrowski by Kazimierz Dąbrowski /episode/index/show/1db7eeb4-369b-437b-afd3-bd20c714e024/id/28336586

Ep. 12: When Your Business Doesn't Spark Joy - Recharge, Review, Revitalize 07/15/2023

The Brave OT Podcast

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