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:

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:

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:

Resources & Strategies Discussed:
Caseload Management Documents & Time-Tracking Tools – Practical ways to visualize workload and ensure time for growth opportunities
Client Snapshot Approach – A method to track active cases, streamline workflow, and ensure balance across different client needs
Timetable 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 Svensk
The OT Coach Australia
www.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:

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.