The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy Trailblazers

Ep. 50: Sustainable Practice - Purpose + Profit with Jason Stein In this milestone 50th episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sit down with Jason Stein—acupuncturist, executive coach, and the cowboy-hat-wearing wellness practitioner who's mastered the art of building a sustainable occupational therapy practice that honors both purpose and profit. If you're an overwhelmed practice owner wondering how to create more vitality in your work and life, this conversation offers wisdom you can actually use. Jason shares his journey from hospital-based integrative medicine to building a wellness center in rural Oregon (population: one person per two square miles), and how he helps founders and leaders find balance between making money and staying human. We explore Key Vitality Indicators (KVIs) instead of KPIs, why befriending money doesn't make you less spiritual, and the simple practices that are often the hardest to maintain—but create the most transformation.   In This Episode, We Discuss: Why so many therapy practice owners experience burnout and what Key Vitality Indicators can tell you about your business health How Jason shifted from perseverating about outcomes to surrendering control—and why ketamine therapy opened a door to deeper presence The practical magic of closing your eyes for half a breath during heated conversations Why making money and being a heart-centered healer aren't mutually exclusive (and how to befriend money like a best friend) Natural rhythms, seasonal cycles, and why we've disrupted our connection to rest through electricity and hustle culture The Kawa Model (Japanese river model) for understanding life flow, obstacles, and opportunities in your practice (See Ep. 31 for the Find Your Flow Kawa Workshop) How to build a values-based business that doesn't require you to abandon your love of nature, family dinners, or making really good ice cream The truth about AI tools: when they help with self-reflection and when you need actual human connection Some good health advice, "You can pay now or you can pay later, but you're gonna pay" Jane's LIFE CHANGING AI Scribe feature. Check out my article on how I used ChatGPT to customize my AI Scribe template Be sure to use the code VITALITY on your new Jane account for a one month grace period.   About Jason Stein Jason Stein is an acupuncturist, executive coach, and storyteller who blends ancient wisdom with modern leadership. With more than 25 years of experience helping hundreds of people heal and thrive, he supports leaders, founders, and communities in finding the balance between purpose and profit. Jason co-owns Wallowa Avenue Wellness in Joseph, Oregon, and hosts the Wellness Renegades Podcast. When not working, he's outdoors with his wife and kids exploring the wilderness and living close to nature. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn   Resources Mentioned: - Insight Timer app (meditation timer) - Jon Kabat-Zinn - "Full Catastrophe Living" - Kawa Model (Japanese river model for occupational therapy) - Alan Weiss - "Value-Based Consulting" - Marshall Rosenberg - Nonviolent Communication - Maisie Hill - "Period: The Real Talk You Need About Periods" - Claude AI (for business reflection and planning)   Keep the conversation going over in The BRAVE OT Podcast Facebook Group.   Work With Carlyn - Time-Sensitive Opportunity: As we enter October, I'll be focusing my time less on marketing and more on deepening the work with practitioners in my community. If you've been waiting for the deadline to explore ACTivate Vitality with me, reach out this week while I'm still actively booking new conversations. Book a Clarity Call The ACTivate Vitality Program is a community of occupational therapy and wellness practitioners who support each other in building sustainable, values-aligned businesses. We have group coaching calls, an online community, an ACT-based framework to build entrepreneurial and psychological flexibility, and 1:1 support.   About The BRAVE OT Podcast: The BRAVE OT Podcast features occupational therapists and wellness practitioners doing innovative work and navigating the challenges of building sustainable therapy practices. Host Carlyn Neek provides coaching, mentorship, and community support for practice owners who want to thrive without the hustle.

This week on The BRAVE OT Podcast: So many neurodivergent OTs like us have spent our careers trying to squeeze ourselves into systems that weren't designed for how our brains work, for our sensory needs, or for how our values need to align deeply with our work. It is a brave move to one day say "I'm going to create something that actually works for me." Join me as I talk with Breanna James, an OT from Alaska who's been part of my ACTivate Vitality program and community for almost a year. Breanna specializes in supporting neurodivergent adults, and what I love about this conversation is how she talks about creating her private practice as her own accommodation - a way to work that honors both her neurodivergent brain and her values around authentic, client-centered care. You'll hear how she moved from traditional settings that didn't quite fit into building something that works for her life as a parent, as a business owner, and as someone who needs flexibility and play in her work. We dive into why neurodivergent adults desperately need our OT services, how to bring play and creativity back into the mundane parts of business, and why you don't need another certification to start helping the people who need you most. This conversation is for any OT who's been feeling like they need to practice differently, who's struggling with the loneliness of solo practice, or who's wondering if they're qualified enough to work with adult populations. If you've ever felt like you're trying to squeeze yourself into a mold that wasn't made for you, this episode will give you permission to create something that actually fits. Key Topics We Discuss: Creating private practice as your own accommodation for neurodivergent needs Permission to practice OT authentically without fitting traditional molds The power of community and connection for solo practitioners Bringing playfulness back into business and clinical work Why neurodivergent adults need OT services (beyond coaches or counselors) Moving from burnout to sustainable, values-driven practice Using AI tools to support clinical work Breaking free from the "shoulds" and finding what actually works Building teams and having vulnerable leadership conversations Who This Episode Is For: OTs feeling stuck in traditional employment settings Solo practitioners experiencing loneliness and isolation Neurodivergent OTs seeking accommodations in their work Anyone questioning whether they're qualified to work with adult populations OTs interested in supporting neurodivergent adults Links Mentioned: Breanna's website: authenticlivingot.com Contact Breanna: info@authenticliving.com Free Play (book mentioned by Breanna) Comment with your favourite comfort shows. Here are ours: Schitt's Creek Grey's Anatomy Friends 30 Rock True Crime Shows and Podcasts Keep the conversation going in the The BRAVE OT Facebook group. Download the 2025 ACTivate Vitality Analysis Report to see what we are talking about. We are currently accepting new OT business owners into the program so we'd love to hear from you. Book a Clarity Call today. Ready to meet Jane and try out the AI Scribe? As a listener of The BRAVE OT Podcast, we invite you to check out our favourite EMR, Jane.app and use the code VITALITY on your new Jane account for a one month grace period.   Questions OTs Are Asking: How can I create a private practice that works for my neurodivergent brain? What support is available for OT business owners? How can I improve my mindset as a business owner? How do I overcome loneliness as a solo practitioner? What's the difference between OT and coaching for neurodivergent adults? How do I bring more play and creativity into my business? Can occupational therapists help adults with executive functioning? Do I need special certifications to work with autistic adults? How do I start working with neurodivergent adults as an OT? What does occupational therapy look like for adults with ADHD? #OTBusiness #NeurodivergentOT #ADHDTherapist #AutismOT #OccupationalTherapy #BRAVEOTPodcast #OTLife #EntrepreneurOT #ACTivateVitality #SustainableBusiness #OTCommunity #PrivatePracticeOT #BusinessOwnerLife #OTSupport #AuthenticPractice  

Waiting until you feel ready to make your next move? Convinced you need more training before you can call yourself an expert? Think entrepreneurs are just naturally fearless? Join me as I talk with traditional Chinese medicine doctor, Dr. Lorne Brown, about the mindset shifts we need to make to move through fear and think like an entrepreneur. Lorne shares how he built a thriving practice by flipping conventional wisdom on its head, committing first to a meaningful challenge, then finding courage, building capability, and finally gaining confidence. You'll hear his adaptation of Dan Sullivan's "Four Cs" framework for tackling scary ventures, how he persisted in building trust with referral partners, even when the doors kept closing, and the real story behind building something meaningful when you have no idea what you're doing. We explore how to reframe rejection as valuable feedback, why your niche might need to choose you, and the inner work (cognitive, emotional and spiritual) required to become a clear vessel for inspired action. This conversation is for any practitioner who's been playing it safe, overthinking their next move, or struggling with the gap between wanting to grow and actually taking action. If you've ever felt paralyzed by not knowing enough or not being ready enough, this episode will shift how you think about courage, competence, and what it really takes to build something that matters. Links mentioned: The 4 Cs Challenge, a book by Dan Sullivan Dr. Lorne Brown's website www.lornebrown.com where you'll find his: Clinic - Acubalance Wellness Center Book - "Missing the Point: Why Acupuncturists Fail and What They Need to Know to Succeed"  Educational Platform - Healthy Seminars     Join us in The BRAVE OT Facebook group to keep the conversation going!   Work with Me: If the gap between you and sustainable action in making your business look like your dream job, reach out. The ACTivate Vitality program is taking new participants in September and we are really good at creating the safe space and accountability you need to implement just what Lorne and I talk about in this podcast.  Questions OTs are asking: How do I overcome fear of starting my own practice? What mindset do I need to be a successful healthcare entrepreneur? How do I build confidence in my business abilities? What's the difference between successful and struggling practitioners? How do I know when I'm ready to take the leap? Meet Jane Jane is an EMR with heart and also the sponsor of The BRAVE OT Podcast. I recently wrote a blog article on how I customized Jane's AI Scribe feature to write chart notes that are better quality and more occupationally focused than my notes have every been before. Read the blog here and, if you decide to sign up, be sure to use the code VITALITY for a one month grace period as listender of this podcast.      

How do you define success in your business? Is offering a variety of services scattered and unfocused or a wise path to multiple income streams? Or maybe success isn't about money at all for you? I'm pulling back the curtain on my own current business reality, sharing the revenue proportions, time commitments, what energizes me versus what drains me, and the messy truth about having a podcast, online courses, a planner, private practice, and teaching gigs all under one roof. You'll hear about my ACTivate Vitality program that represents a third of my income but takes twice the marketing effort I wish it did, my Practical ACT for OTs course that sells itself, and how my planner and podcast make up less than 5% of my revenue but remain worthwhile. I'm also talking about the unexpected pathways between my offerings, and how I make data-driven decisions for sustainable growth in my business satisfaction, and why I've chosen flexibility over indiscriminate scaling. This episode is for any OT who's wondering whether they need to niche down or scale up in their business and those questioning how to define success in their own work and life. The branches of my business: ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner The BRAVE OT Podcast Practical ACT for OTs Course ACTivate Vitality Program Balance Works OT Join us in The BRAVE OT Facebook group to keep the conversation going! Thanks to Jane for supporting the podcast and providing an EMR OTs can trust. Book a Demo and use the code VITALITY at signup for a one month grace period. Questions OTs are asking: How do I create multiple income streams as an OT? What does a successful OT business really look like? How do I balance multiple projects without burning out? Is it better to niche down or diversify? How much money can you make as an entrepreneur OT?

Ever feel like you're the only OT who doesn't have their career path mapped out? Like you should have it more figured out by now or you thought you were on the right path and something's not right? Meet Áine and Jen, two multi-passionate OTs who've built thriving practices by embracing the messy, non-linear path of figuring it out as they go. From car crashes that changed everything to setting up businesses because "I don't really know what else to do," these two prove that sustainable, fulfilling OT careers don't require having it all planned out.   What You'll Learn We explore how clinical supervision works as real professional development (not just another box to tick), practical ways to combat the isolation of solo practice, why starting with one client is enough to begin, and how to work with your ADHD brain instead of against it. Áine and Jen share the honest reality of career pivots, the power of getting help instead of doing everything yourself, and why the smallest therapeutic moments often create the biggest breakthroughs. This episode is for multi-passionate OTs feeling scattered, anyone considering private practice but overwhelmed by where to start, OTs feeling isolated in their current work, and those ready to stop apologizing for not having a traditional career path.   Connect with Our Guests Áine O'Dea Radiance Consulting Website, LinkedIn and Instagram Jen Trzeciak Way Ahead Therapy Website, LinkedIn and Instagram Listen to the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast Website and Instagram Private Practitioners Networking Summit: September 20th, Dublin Emails available on their respective social media profiles   Join the Conversation Head over to The BRAVE OT Facebook group to continue this conversation about supervision, private practice, and owning our professional worth. We'd love to hear your thoughts!   Explore the ACTivate Vitality Planner The personal development planner (made by me!) that blends science and soul to guide you towards a vibrant, authentic, values-driven life. Now is a great time for a new start! Check it out here.   Change Your Relationship with Documentation Not only will you get to explore the tool that we have all been wishing for that magically makes great chart notes while you're busy working directly with your client, you can also use my code VITALITY for a one month grace period on your new Jane account. Book a demo today.

What happens when your business feels out of alignment with who you are and you’re brave enough to admit it? In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Jess Reynolds, a collaborator and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and educator, to talk about what it really looks like to reimagine your life and work from the inside out. In this discussion we explore some of our lived and learned experiences including: How inner work shapes outer success—and why it’s often the part we skip The hidden spiritual and identity layers of burnout Why teaching can be the best way to learn (especially the stuff you most need yourself) Disrupting default ways of practicing to make room for deeper alignment The introvert table, mindfulness beyond meditation, and laundry piles as existential mirrors Whether you're an OT in private practice, an educator, or a healing professional trying to find your footing, this is a real conversation about being human in your work.   I think you'll find AH-HAs in: Jess’s experience pivoting from teaching technique to teaching transformation The gap between what practitioners need and what they actually seek out in CE Why "just be yourself" isn’t always accessible—and how to honor your capacity The shift from pre-recorded courses to community-based learning Personal stories of burnout, grief, reinvention, and finding flow again   Mentioned: Jess's Free Course https://aimonline.com/wellness-practice-essentials-page Jess's Business Course is now open! Check out Built to Last here Book a demo with the Jane App and be sure to use my code VITALITY at the time of signup for a one month grace period on your new account. Carlyn's ACTivate Vitality Group Coaching Program   Keep the conversation going in The BRAVE OT Podcast Facebook Group   Connect with Jess: Instagram: @drjessreynolds Website: https://aimonline.com/   Connect with Carlyn: Instagram: @balanceworksOT Podcast home: https://www.braveot.com   🎧 Subscribe to The BRAVE OT Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, we hear from Jenny Gill and Krista Frahm, both occupational therapists and copywriters, as they discuss the dynamics of their professional relationship and the balance between collaboration and competition. They explore their individual journeys in the field, the importance of finding one's niche, and the challenges they faced when their paths intersected. The conversation delves into dealing with professional insecurities, the role of AI in copywriting, and practical advice for marketing occupational therapy services. You'll will gain insights into the value of collaboration, the nuances of creating effective marketing strategies, and the necessity of being courageous in business.   Join us in conversation about this podcast episode in our new online community. It's in a Facebook Group called The BRAVE OT Podcast - Let's Discuss! Jenny and Krista have shared some free resources that will be linked in the group. Krista's free training about testimonials Jenny's 5 Copywriting Mistakes Made By OTs (and how to fix them)   You can also follow both on Instagram: Jenny Gill   Krista Frahm And check out their websites:  https://www.kristafrahmagency.com/  https://jennygillcopywriting.com/    🩵 And a big shoutout to our podcast sponsor, Jane.app. I'm grateful to be connected to this organization that feels deeply values-aligned. Did you know Jane won a 2025 Bronze Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Software! Out of 2,100+ entries from around the world, it's no surprize that Jane’s world-class support stood out. 🩵 If you're ready to check Jane out, head over and book a demo HERE and use my code VITALITY for a one month grace period on a new account.     

On this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I get to sit in the interviewee seat as OT student, Jacqueline Buhler, asks me questions about being an OT business owner!  Jacqueline brings her entrepreneurial spirit and curiosity as we discuss my experiences and reflections on choices I made and ways I adapted at different phases of my OT career and business.  We draw some parallels between the transition from OT student to emerging clinician and from OT to OT entrepreneurship, revealing how different traits and skills facilitate success. We explore how traits like adaptability, flexibiity, curiosity, self-awareness, and creative problem-solving are valuable skills to develop.   This authentic dialogue offers both validation and practical insights for OTs questioning their entrepreneurial potential or wondering how to leverage their natural traits while charting their own unique path in practice.   Want to work with me?   ACTivate Vitality is currently open for OT entrepreneurs like you if you would like to grow personally and professionally as the whole person at the centre of your business. Send me an email if this sounds like you! cneek@balanceworksot.ca   Connect with Jacqueline Reach our guest host, soon to be emerging OT, Jacqueline for networking on this Google Form.   Sign Up with Jane A shout-out to our sponsor, Jane, the EMR with heart. To see how Jane can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, head over and meet Jane to book a personalized demo and, if you’re ready to get started, you can use the code VITALITY at the time of sign-up for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

A Lunchroom Conversation with STEMinist Fiction Author and OT, Jaima Fixsen In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jaima Fixsen, a Canadian occupational therapist and USA Today bestselling author who writes STEMinist fiction novels while balancing roles as a mom and OT. We dive deep into how she uses her OT skills to support her creative work and manage the unstructured nature of writing and the midlife desire to shift into new, more aligned occupations. Spoiler alert: tap dancing and sourdough didn't work out. Whether you're an OT interested in creative pursuits, managing your own practice, or simply curious about applying OT principles to your own life and work, this conversation offers valuable insights about embracing new occupations while honoring our professional identity.   Key Topics We Discuss: How Jaima transitioned from full-time OT to splitting her time between clinical practice and writing as a PAID occupation The concept of "middle-essence" - finding new occupations and meaning in midlife transitions Using OT strategies to manage executive function demands of creative work Creating sensory-rich writing routines to support focus and flow Setting boundaries and implementing behavioural strategies for productivity The fascinating historical background of her latest novel "The Specimen" set in 1828 Edinburgh The evolution of medical ethics and consent in anatomical studies Supporting local bookstores    OT Insights to Apply in Your Own Work: Strategies for managing unstructured work time Creating supportive sensory environments Breaking down large projects into manageable chunks Setting appropriate goals and rewards Managing perfectionism and task initiation Techniques to find creative flow and stay healthy   Resources Mentioned: The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen - find it at your local bookstore Get 2 free audiobooks at Libro.fm while supporting a local bookstore of your choice Learn more about Jaima Fixsen Instagram: @byjaimafixsen ACTivate Vitality, my program and community for OT business owners Explore the Jane.app's time-saving writing features, including my fave AI Scribe, with a one month grace period on your new account using the code VITALITY

Episode Summary: Is perfectionism keeping you stuck in “figure-it-all-out-first” mode? You’re not alone and you’re not broken. In this solo episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I explore a powerful reframe for occupational therapy entrepreneurs who stay in perfecting mode, immobilized by self-doubt and a need to get it right before they begin. Maybe you even use the term imposter syndrome. The antidote? The scientific method. Yes, the same framework we trust as clinicians. I walk through how we can approach entrepreneurship like the clinical scientists we already are. Instead of waiting until something is perfect, we can co-create, experiment, observe, revise, and grow. This shift can unlock so much momentum, clarity, and confidence in your business. AND it's best practice in entrepreneurship. I also share some behind-the-scenes updates: from developing a university course on entrepreneurship, to guest teaching, to getting ready for Bronwyn Paynter's Nature Day in Australia, and how all of it connects back to how we show up bravely in our work. This episode is here to help you move forward. One experiment at a time.   In This Episode: Why perfectionism is so common among high-achieving OTs What imposter syndrome really means (and why I rarely use the term) How the scientific method can be your best business tool What entrepreneurship and treatment planning have in common Why selling while you're testing matters more than you think How ACTivate Vitality helps therapy business owners build inner flexibility to navigate outer challenges   Interested in joining me at the Nature Day in Australia? Learn more here → https://bit.ly/NatureDay2025   Want to learn about working with me? I'd love to talk to you about supporting you as the whole person at the centre of your business with a community, collaborative support, human connection, and a proven transformative process to make your business and your life feel more aligned. Let's talk about ACTivate Vitality. Check it out and book a time to connect here: https://www.balanceworks.online/avprogram   A note from Jane: Switch to Jane to make documentation easier with my new best friend, AI Scribe. If you'd like to meet Jane, book a personalized introduction call and you can also use my code VITALITY for a one month grace period on your new account.

This podcast conversation explores supervision in occupational therapy with Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw. Lyndsay brings 30 years of pediatric OT experience and has evolved her career to focus on supervision and mentorship.  We discuss the the concept of supervision in the UK as well as various other ways OTs support each other like coaching and mentorship.  If you've ever wondered about ways to enhance your professional development or support others in theirs, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. To connect with Lynsay Five Tools You Need in Your Supervision Toolbox Lynsay's Facebook Group ACTivate Vitality is Accepting OT Business Owners The ACTivate Vitality program is opening up for 10 new members in March, 2025. 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. Book a Clarity Call with Carlyn to explore this possibility.   To see how Jane can help you focus more on your clients than your costs, book your personalized demo today. 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.

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: ruth@cornerstoneot.ca Cornerstone Occupational Therapy Consultants Cornerstone OT Consulting for Therapists Transitions Vocational Assessment App  Transferable Skills Analysis Online Education ______________________________________ We are still looking for participants for our research on the Cognitive Behavioural and Sensory Job Demands Analysis digital assessment tool. Learn more here: CoBS-JDA ______________________________________ OT Business Owners Need Community  The  ACTivate Vitality program 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. Book a Clarity Call with Carlyn to explore this possibility. ______________________________________  To see how Jane can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, book your personalized demo today. 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. 

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: drlovely.com Podcast: Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely Menopause Doula Society Dr. Lisa Musconi - Neuroscience & Women's Health AMS Menopause Symptom Scorecard _______________________________________ 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 visiting our site. _______________________________________ A shoutout to our sponsor, Jane.app Jane is an EMR with heart. Book your demo today and be sure to use the code VITALITY for a one month grace period. 

When I learned ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), it changed my OT practice and it changed how I navigate my own life. This is why I have created so many things that include ACT concepts - the ACTivate Vitality coaching program for OT business owners who want to thrive without the hustle, the ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner, and the Practical ACT for OTs course... that last one has a Black Friday promo coming out later this week. This podcast is taken from a presentation I did recently in a Facebook group for mental health OTs called MHOT ~ A Collective. It's a helpful introduction to using ACT as a modality in your OT practice to facilitate occupational engagement, particularly when clients are stuck in patterns of avoidance of difficult thoughts, feelings, or sensations. ✴️✴️Head to the Practical ACT for OTs course website to sign up to be notified when the Black Friday early bird registration and promo opens up or when the course officially starts toward the end of January, 2025.✴️✴️   Here are some resources mentioned in this episode: Balance Works OT - Carlyn's OT practice  Balance Works - Carlyn's personal and professional develoment services   ACTivate Vitality Program and Mastermind for OTs who want to THRIVE without the HUSTLE ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner  Practical ACT for OTs Clinical Education Vitality Guide - free download with ACT starter resources ACT Made Simple Facebook Group Choice Point - Russ Harris MHOT ~ A Collective Facebook Group Meet Jane and get a one month grace period on your new Jane account with the code VITALITY.   Article Cited: Dindo L, Van Liew JR, Arch JJ. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Transdiagnostic Behavioral Intervention for Mental Health and Medical Conditions. Neurotherapeutics. 2017 Jul;14(3):546-553. doi: 10.1007/s13311-017-0521-3. PMID: 28271287; PMCID: PMC5509623.     Shoutout to our sponsor, Jane, the all-in-one practice management software we love. To see how Jane can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, head over and meet Jane to book a personalized demo and, if you’re ready to get started, you can use the code VITALITY at the time of sign-up for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

This discussion with our guest, BRAVE OT, Erin Clarelli, brings together heart and mind as we dive into conversations that challenge norms, embrace unique perspectives, and foster the growth and vitality we strive for every day in our professional and personal lives. I am beyond excited to welcome Erin Clarelli to the pod! Erin is a force in the world of OT, deeply committed to mental health, self-compassion, and creating supportive spaces for neurodivergent individuals. She is highly involved in the non-, minimally, and unreliably speaking autistic community in her own private practice, SUNRISE Therapies. She is a passionate advocate and ally and a supportive agent of change for occupational therapists in this specific area of the autistic community.  Erin is here to share her wisdom, insights, and stories that will inspire you to rethink your approach, nourish your passion, and perhaps even spark a little bit of rebellion against the status quo. Be sure to check out Erin's online courses and mentorship programs at OT Level Up  and download the free OT Impact Blueprint. Follow Erin on social: Instagram -  Sunrise Therapies  Facebook - Erin Clarelli ________________________________   The ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner is available on Amazon. Learn more and find links to purchase on Carlyn's Website. ________________________________ To see how the Jane.app can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, head over and meet Jane to book a personalized demo. As a listener of The BRAVE OT Podcast, you are invited to use the code VITALITY at the time of sign-up for a 1-month grace period on your new account.

Today we're diving into all things mindfulness in occupational therapy. Our guest today is a fellow Canadian OT who works in mental health, Sarah Good.    In this episode, we explore how mindfulness can be used as a powerful intervention to enhance occupational engagement and not just as an end in itself. Sarah shares her unique approach of seeing clients in their homes or outdoor settings, integrating nature into therapy to help clients reintegrate socially post-pandemic.  We also discuss how our clients find us and are funded for occupational therapy with a mental health focus and the flexibility of online versus in-person sessions. Alongside practical insights, Sarah and I delve into the profound impacts of using mindfulness within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), offering real-life strategies for therapists and clients alike.     Sarah's Mindful OT Mastery Program is opening for registration Nov. 18-21, 2024. Be sure to click the link to be notfied when it's time to register. Her array of resources for clinicians can also be found on her website.   The Ask for OT campaign is running nationally and in many provinces. Here are a few links that can help you improve access to Occupational Therapy through benefits plans. Alberta - SAOT Ask For OT Nationally - CAOT Ask For OT     I love hearing how you relate to these episodes. Reach out on social to share your insights or tag me in a share.  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn   If you're a busy OT business owner who would like to THRIVE without the HUSTLE, the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based ACTivate Vitality program might be just what you need. Click the link to learn more.      To see how Jane can help you focus more on your clients than your costs, book your personalized demo today. 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.

I’m excited to share something really special—a compilation of clips from ACTivate Vitality 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 Clarity Call 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 info@balanceworksot.ca to find out when it will be available again.   Here's a playlist of episodes with some of the brave ACTivate Vitality participants here: Ep. 24: From Overwhelmed to Thriving, JD the OT’s Business Evolution Ep. 33: Scarcity Mindset to Sustainable Growth - Jessica Earle’s ACTivate Vitality Story Ep. 17: Redefining OT - Jessica Miller's Path from Exhaustion to Empowered Mentor Ep. 18: Nourishing Your Nervous System - With Guest, Jessica Miller, Part 2 Ep. 20: Post-traumatic Growth with Guest, Emma Shears Ep. 4: Balance is Elusive with Guest Ashley Reina Ep 6: Jam With 2 Mental Health OTs on 2 Continents And stay tuned for an episode coming soon with Erin Clarelli!   To see how Jane can help you focus more on your clients than your costs, book your personalized demo today. 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.    

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 ACTivate Vitality 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: https://www.activatevitality.online/call   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: www. newleafoccupationaltherapy.com   🍃 🍃 🍂 🍂 🍃 🍃 🍂   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: SEE JANE IN ACTION

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 Pelvic Health Clubhouse. 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: Triangle Pelvic Health Blog Pelvic Health Clubhouse IG@phclubhouse ____________________________________________ 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 ACTivate Vitality—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 book a free Clarity Call 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: SEE JANE IN ACTION

SPECIAL WORKSHOP-STYLE EPISODE. Listen and use the companion workbook (linked below), to explore your occupational therapy business through the Kawa Model. WORKBOOK DOWNLOAD We are applying, the Kawa Model, an innovative occupational therapy model from Japan to assess and enhance the life flow of your OT business. By visualizing your professional journey as a river, I hope you'll build awareness of your values, workflows, log jams, and be able chart a course towards an expansive and fulfilling future. Listen to the podcast anytime and then download the PDF workbook to reflect on your own business life flow. With these two parts together, you'll be guided through reflective exercises designed to provide insights into your priorities, environment, obstacles, and the influential factors shaping your business. Whether you’re driving, walking, or making dinner, listen in to start your journey towards greater clarity and vitality in your OT career which is an imporant part of your life. I share how I've reflected on my own journey through this process to help you consider what this might look like. This episode promises not only to deepen your understanding of your business flow but to inspire actionable steps towards a more balanced and thriving OT practice. Download the Find Your Flow PDF workbook Explore joining the ACTivate Vitality Program when doors re-open in October Connect with Carlyn Neek on social media for further discussion and support Meet 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 new subscriptions.  As always, be brave OTs!