OT Coaching Confidential

In this episode, we chat with Nikki an early career OT who’s navigating her first year in practice with confidence, reflection and a clear sense of direction. After entering the profession with previous experience in the disability sector, Nikki began working as a contractor before moving into sole trader work offering a well-defined service. Now, she’s intentionally seeking an employed role that offers strong supervision and collaborative learning – building both roles side-by-side to grow her skills in a sustainable way. We explore: The realities of stepping into private work earlier than planned What to look for in supervision and team culture Navigating confidence, capability and scope in the first year Building referral networks and professional visibility The balance between autonomy and ongoing learning This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about early practice, professional identity, and choosing growth with intention. Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Alyce Svensk is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, business mentor and founder of The OT Coach Australia. She supports therapists at all stages of their career whether you're just starting out, building a business or redefining your next chapter. Through The OT Coach Australia, Alyce offers career mentoring, business Solutions Sessions, and ongoing support through clinical supervision, business mentoring and sole trader guidance. Need support with your next step in practice or business? Explore your options at www.theotcoach.au

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, we meet Tanya an experienced OT who made the shift from public health to private work in search of better balance and flexibility. What started as a handful of clients quickly snowballed into a full-blown service, a small team of contractors, and the realities of running a business. Tanya shares honestly about the challenges of scaling without a clear plan, navigating financial pressures, juggling clinical and business demands, and learning to set stronger boundaries in service delivery. We talk about managing complex psychosocial caseloads, the limitations of non-attendance policies in outreach services, and why working on the business is just as critical as working in it. Together we unpack strategies for purposeful delegation, identifying admin support needs, and carving out protected time to refocus. This conversation is a must-listen for any OT navigating growth in their private practice.  Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Alyce Svensk is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, business mentor and founder of The OT Coach Australia. She supports therapists at all stages of their career whether you're just starting out, building a business or redefining your next chapter. Through The OT Coach Australia, Alyce offers career mentoring, business Solutions Sessions, and ongoing support through clinical supervision, business mentoring and sole trader guidance. Need support with your next step in practice or business? Explore your options at www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, we meet Michelle, a regional paediatric OT who transitioned from burnout in a large organisation to building her own therapy service. We explore the early years of business setup without clear mentorship, and the challenges of managing a long-term stagnant caseload while juggling a full-time mobile therapy load and motherhood. Together, we unpack strategies for sustainable practice: Shifting to term-based therapy planning Using contracting conversations with families to define what therapy is and isn’t Introducing goal-specific caseload mapping (top-down, bottom-up, holding space) Building in protected non-face-to-face time and defining when and why we do the extra Identifying whether admin should be outsourced or simply restructured Michelle reflects on her goals for the next chapter and what she’d do differently if she were starting again. Resources mentioned throughout: Master timetable   Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Alyce Svensk is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, business mentor and founder of The OT Coach Australia. She supports therapists at all stages of their career whether you're just starting out, building a business or redefining your next chapter. Need support with your next step in practice or business? Explore your options at www.theotcoach.au

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with Jane, an experienced occupational therapist and trained play therapist who has just launched her own private practice. Seven weeks in and already full, Jane shares the early realities of running a solo service - from navigating boundaries and managing emotional load, to thinking ahead about admin support and long-term sustainability. We explore what it means to create “service rules” that protect your energy, the benefits of introducing a virtual assistant early, and how to streamline referral pathways so your time stays focused on therapy — not inbox admin. Jane also reflects on her dual pathways (OT and play therapy), and how being intentional from the start can help you build a service that aligns with your values, capacity, and lifestyle. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reset how your service is structured, this episode is packed with practical insight and thoughtful reflection. Mentioned in this episode: – Getting the Admin Support You Actually Need Workshop – The Master Timetable tool – Creating “service rules” to help manage referrals and expectations   Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Alyce Svensk is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, business mentor and founder of The OT Coach Australia. She supports therapists at all stages of their career whether you're just starting out, building a business or redefining your next chapter. Through The OT Coach Australia, Alyce offers career mentoring, business Solutions Sessions, and ongoing support through clinical supervision, business mentoring and sole trader guidance. Need support with your next step in practice or business? Explore your options at www.theotcoach.au 

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I chat with Claudia, an Occupational Therapist whose journey into OT began later in life and has taken some fascinating turns. From setting out to be a brilliant clinician, Claudia found herself unexpectedly drawn into the business support space - building a service designed to help solo OTs streamline their non-clinical tasks and free up their time to focus on therapy. We explore: The reality of working as a solo OT and how the “$193/hour” perception doesn't reflect the hidden workload Claudia’s shift from doing everything herself to hiring admin staff and creating scalable systems Her deep interest in mental health and psychosocial OT, and the importance of supervision and training when shifting scopes The evolving nature of the NDIS and the impact of recent changes on service delivery and therapist sustainability How Claudia’s business was born out of the exact admin frustrations she sought to escape and how she’s now helping others reclaim their time Thoughts on innovation, rural/remote access, and why “just keep turning up” has become her guiding mantra  Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Alyce Svensk is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, business mentor and founder of The OT Coach Australia. She supports therapists at all stages of their career - whether you're just starting out, building a business or redefining your next chapter. Through The OT Coach Australia, Alyce offers career mentoring, business Solutions Sessions, and ongoing support through clinical supervision, business mentoring and sole trader guidance. Need support with your next step in practice or business? Explore your options at www.theotcoach.au

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I chat with Anna, an Occupational Therapist working in the adult space with a growing private practice focused on chronic fatigue, Long COVID and invisible illness. We explore: Transitioning from public health into private practice (and the culture shock that can come with it) The discomfort around charging for therapy and how Anna is starting to claim the value of her time and experience Developing a therapy model that works in a flexible yet sustainable way - including clearer session structures, communication boundaries, and client pathways Using tools like Halaxy and Google Workspace with privacy in mind Strategies for growing a caseload, setting up referral systems, and building long-term client relationships Creative ideas for reducing admin load and building group or maintenance-style support in the future We also discuss my workshop Sensational Start in Private Practice Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Alyce Svensk is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, business mentor and founder of The OT Coach Australia. She supports therapists at all stages of their career, whether you're just starting out, building a business or redefining your next chapter. Through The OT Coach Australia, Alyce offers career mentoring, business Solutions Sessions, and ongoing support through clinical supervision, business mentoring and sole trader guidance. Need support with your next step in practice or business? Explore your options at www.theotcoach.au 

In this episode, we chat with Jamie - a regional paediatric OT who’s blending community therapy with the launch of a sensory-friendly café. Jamie shares her unique career journey. From early roles in aged care and burns to leading services across rural and remote settings. Now running her own business, she reflects on the challenges of working solo in a large region, the realities of clinical burnout, and how she’s building a new model of service delivery rooted in flexibility, family values and neurodiversity-affirming practice. We explore: Starting over in a new region The headspace required to run both a clinic and a café Balancing solo work, motherhood and executive function Using AI tools with caution and intention in clinical practice Reframing creativity and rest for business owners This is an honest and insightful conversation about burnout, boundaries and bringing new ideas to life. Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Alyce Svensk is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, business mentor and founder of The OT Coach Australia. She supports therapists at all stages of their career - whether you're just starting out, building a business or redefining your next chapter. Through The OT Coach Australia, Alyce offers career mentoring, business Solutions Sessions, and ongoing support through clinical supervision, business mentoring and sole trader guidance. Need support with your next step in practice or business? Explore your options at www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, we chat with Lisa, an experienced OT working in the neuro, palliative care, and driving assessment space, who took the leap into private practice after recognising the traditional model wasn't sustainable for her life or values. Lisa reflects on how she built a business that works for her family, her energy, and her clients. She shares honestly about letting go of the internalised version of “success” that many of us hold, including the idea that we need a clinic or a full-time admin team to be legitimate. Together we explore: Moving from burnout to boundaries Building a schedule that works with, not against, your life The mental load of perfectionism and redefining success Delegating admin tasks and navigating VA support The tension between wanting a clinic and actually needing one Why sustainability, not busyness, is the real measure of success We also chat about what kind of support actually helps in business, including the role of clinical supervisors, business mentors, and emotional support. Alyce shares practical strategies like time tracking, defining what support you actually need, and accessing free state-based business coaching. Mentioned in this episode:  Alyce’s free eBook “Reframing Success in Allied Health” https://www.theotcoach.au/pl/2148657871  Toni Knight, a psychotherapist and supervisor who works with OTs on burnout, perfectionism, and building emotionally sustainable careers. Connect with Toni at or email her at Toni Knight | Burnout Recovery & Personal Transformation Coaching  Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Alyce Svensk is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, business mentor and founder of The OT Coach Australia. She supports therapists at all stages of their career, whether you're just starting out, building a business or redefining your next chapter. Through The OT Coach Australia, Alyce offers career mentoring, business Solutions sessions, and ongoing support through clinical supervision, business mentoring and sole trader guidance. Need support with your next step in practice or business? Explore your options at theotcoach.au

Summary For the final episode of Season 2, I’m joined by Isabelle and Paige. Co-founders of a paediatric OT service built on shared values, strong team culture, and thoughtful, reflective leadership. We explore the realities of growing a team, supporting clinicians across sites, and navigating change. Including how they’re preparing for one founder to relocate while maintaining connection and cohesion. We also cover practical tools and strategies including: Zoom-based supervision with transcript summaries Structuring sustainable workloads for new graduates Creating space for supervision to feel meaningful (not rushed!) Planning future clinic expansion without overcommitting Using ChatGPT for service planning and content ideas This is a beautiful, grounded conversation for any therapist reflecting on leadership, growth, or staying aligned with their “why.” If you’ve loved this season and would like to be a guest on a future episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I’d love to hear from you.  Register your interest OTCC Podcast EOI Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

Summary: In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with J, an early-career paediatric occupational therapist who is working hard to bridge the gap between clinical training and real-world therapy. J shares what it’s like to feel well-trained but still unsure — navigating multiple models, complex family dynamics, and unclear expectations in NDIS-funded therapy. Together, we explore: The challenge of integrating approaches like DIR/Floortime, CO-OP, and SOS Therapy contracting and how to explain your “why” to families Setting boundaries early in your career How supervision can help build clarity and confidence Developing your clinical voice when things feel uncertain This episode is an honest reflection for any OT working in paediatrics who’s still piecing it all together — especially in those early years where growth often happens outside the textbooks. We have various workshops coming up that address some of the practice areas discussed Caregiver Capacity Using a coregulation approach in therapy The Art of Paediatric Therapy – Live July 2025   Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

Summary In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with Taylor, an Occupational Therapist who has moved through hospital rotations, mental health, and now community-based NDIS work. She’s built strong clinical confidence - but is now planning how to run her own business! Taylor shares her reflections on navigating time pressures, unclear expectations around billables, and the early stages of considering what working for herself might look like. Together, we explore: What it feels like to be confident clinically but still unsure of your direction. Managing time and ensuring you are billing effectively across a mixed caseload. How sole trading is often the next step for building a professional practice that aligns with your professional values.  Why reflecting on what doesn’t work can help shape what comes next. This thoughtful, real conversation is for any therapist who’s built something solid—but is starting to wonder what comes after “getting good at the job.” Resources:  We didn't speak about this during the pod - but Verve OT Learning has a great workshop about billable time Navigating Billable Time & the NDIS Spreadsheet  Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

Summary In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I sit down with Jess, a sole trader OT with a decade of experience and a clear vision for the kind of business—and life—she wants to build. Jess shares her journey from early NDIS work to leadership roles, and eventually, stepping back into sole trading for the flexibility it offered her growing family. We unpack the complexity of doing it all—functional assessments, home mods, assistive tech, reports, supervision, student placements, and dreaming up bigger things like subcontracting and building her own team. Together, we explore: The challenge of wearing all the hats as a sole trader Pricing, self-worth, and saying no to unaligned opportunities Structuring time and caseloads to avoid burnout Why supervision and teaching are core to her future goals Navigating student placements and early-stage hiring plans The tricky reality of juggling family, admin, and ambition This honest, relatable episode is full of practical reflection for anyone building a service on their own terms—especially if you're craving a slower pace, but dreaming big. Resources:  Sample Diary - https://alyce-svensk.mykajabi.com/pl/2148656142  Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

Summary: Abigail didn’t plan to go solo—but after workplace changes, she found herself taking on private clients while figuring out her next steps. In this episode, we talk through the reality of stepping into sole trader work without a long-term plan, and the importance of pausing to reflect before making big career moves. We explore how supervision, curiosity, and practical self-awareness have shaped Abigail’s growth, and why it’s essential to think ahead—especially in paediatrics, where going solo comes with long-term responsibilities. Big Takeaway: Private work might seem like a flexible option, but especially in paediatrics, it’s not something to leap into lightly. Take time to clarify your vision, scope, and systems before making the move. Curious about private work but not sure where to start? Check out my Sensational Start to Private Practice workshop—it walks you through all the essential decisions before you leap, so you can start with confidence and clarity. https://www.verveotlearning.com.au/Sensational-Start-to-Setting-Up-in-Private-Practice   Looking for your next role: This free workshop will chat through the considerations https://sensationalstart-au.zoom.us/rec/share/_cibZYCX7zsb62REFhGAPbnAuyUrI0z1eD0jM6Dw5-Du8rx336kij2iy51wOQqoG.u5U2YGdrbIYLEhnU  Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

Summary: After two years of building confidence in managing a mixed caseload and refining her clinical practice, Missy is now considering her next professional challenge—exploring whether a Master of Research could fit into her career growth. But how do you take on something new without overcommitting or disrupting the balance you’ve worked hard to achieve? In this episode, we explore: How Missy developed confidence in caseload management and structured her workload more effectively Balancing clinical work with professional growth – Creating space for new challenges while maintaining sustainability Exploring research as a potential pathway – How to trial research involvement before committing to a full degree Practical decision-making strategies – Considering workload, personal commitments, and long-term goals before taking the next step Resources & Strategies Discussed:Caseload Management Documents & Time-Tracking Tools – Practical ways to visualize workload and ensure time for growth opportunitiesClient Snapshot Approach – A method to track active cases, streamline workflow, and ensure balance across different client needsTimetable Strategies for Private Work – How to structure work blocks to account for billable and non-billable tasks effectively Big Takeaway: This episode is packed with insights on how to explore new opportunities while maintaining confidence in your current role. If you’ve been thinking about expanding your career but are unsure how to balance it with clinical practice, this conversation will help you reflect, plan, and move forward with confidence. Hosted by: Alyce SvenskThe OT Coach Australiawww.theotcoach.au

Summary: Starting and growing a mobile OT practice is completely different from working as a clinician. In this episode, Andy shares her journey in the early stages of business setup, balancing metro and rural service delivery, and navigating the challenges of caseload management, business growth, and sustainability. We discuss: The biggest mindset shifts when transitioning from clinician to business owner • The challenges of balancing generalist vs. specialist work in a mobile OT service • Why structured intake systems and caseload tracking are essential for sustainability • How to avoid admin overload and manage report writing, referrals, and billing more effectively • Exploring therapy assistant models to support rural service delivery Big takeaway: Growing a mobile OT business requires clear boundaries, structured processes, and a sustainable caseload. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—mentorship, business coaching, and external support can make a world of difference! Listen now and learn practical strategies for structuring a mobile OT practice that works for you. Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

Episode Summary: Running a business and leading a team is completely different from clinical work. In this episode, Peter shares what he’s learned after years in leadership and business ownership. We discuss: • The biggest mindset shifts when moving from clinician, to business owner, to leader • Why business coaching and external supports are essential for growth and these needs may change over time. • How to step back from the day-to-day and let your business work for you Big takeaway: Business ownership is a skill that requires a growth mindset —you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Try and find someone to guide you through the journey! Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

Episode Summary: Starting your first OT job is a huge transition. After years of structured university learning, suddenly you’re expected to make clinical decisions, manage a caseload, and figure out your therapy approach—on your own. This week’s guest, Addy, is a brand-new OT navigating her first few weeks in paediatrics. She’s highly self-aware, and while that’s a strength, it can also make the transition even more overwhelming when you focus too much on what you don’t know. We cover: • The importance of knowing your own learning style • How self-awareness can be both a strength and a challenge • Why supervisors need to ask the right questions—not just assume a new grad is thriving  Big takeaway: New grads don’t need to know everything straight away. Confidence comes with time and experience!   Early Career Clinical Resource - https://alyce-svensk.mykajabi.com/pl/2148656146 Sample Diary - https://alyce-svensk.mykajabi.com/pl/2148656142 Client Snapshot Tool - https://alyce-svensk.mykajabi.com/pl/2148656130     Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

Many OTs love creating therapy resources, but how do you turn that passion into a business? In this episode, Renee shares her journey of balancing full-time OT work while growing a successful side hustle in therapy resource development. We discuss: • The challenges of pricing and valuing your time • How to set realistic expectations for a side business vs. a full business • Some strategies to use when supporting a national clinical team. Big takeaway: Whether you’re thinking about creating resources, starting a business, or simply want to hear how another OT has done it, this episode is full of insights! Hosted by: Alyce Svensk The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

The episode features Claire, a new graduate occupational therapist, preparing for her first OT role. Claire shares her journey to studying OT and preparing for her new graduate role. The discussion covers: Transition Challenges: Moving from student to professional, imposter syndrome, and learning to manage professional relationships and caseloads. Strengths & Growth Areas: Recognizing her strong communication and relationship-building skills while navigating new industry-specific expectations. Time & Caseload Management: Strategies such as the "client snapshot tool" for tracking cases and separating general admin from clinical management tasks. Self-Care & Boundaries: Managing cognitive fatigue, avoiding perfectionism, setting boundaries around work-life balance, and strategies to prevent burnout. Confidence in Clinical Decision-Making: Encouraging Claire to trust her knowledge, present her reasoning when asking questions, and recognize her growth throughout the year. Resources to download: Early Career Clinical Resource - https://alyce-svensk.mykajabi.com/pl/2148656146 Client Snapshot Tool - https://alyce-svensk.mykajabi.com/pl/2148656130 Hosted Alyce Svensk  The OT Coach Australia www.theotcoach.au

In this episode, "Franco" opens up about his journey in leadership, addressing imposter syndrome while supporting therapists with diverse learning needs. We explore how to manage professional growth conversations and provide constructive feedback in the workplace. This session offers strategies for fostering team development, handling self-doubt, and navigating leadership challenges with confidence. It’s a valuable episode for therapists in management roles looking to improve their leadership skills and effectively support their workforce.