In Episode 37 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by Australian occupational therapist Bradley Williams. Together, they discuss the profound ways occupational therapy fosters meaningful engagement, drawing from eastern ways of knowing such as the Japanese concept of Ikigai which acknowledges the intersection of passion, mission, profession, and vocation. Exploring the interweaving of an occupational therapy professional's work, beliefs, values, passions, and goals, this podcast discussion invites listeners to unravel the essence of occupation and passion in a shared quest for fulfillment.

The Becoming Collective

In Episode 36 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker and occupational therapist Crystal Dieleman, explore holistic occupational therapy service provision with persons in prison and forensic mental health settings, and with clients who have a criminal record. Today, 1 in 7 adult Canadians have a criminal record, but are not in prison or forensic settings. This discussion sheds light on how societal factors influence participation in criminal occupations and emphasizes the need for OTs/OTAs to address personal and professional biases and provide equitable care to all individuals, regardless of their past experiences.

For episode 35 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapist Skye Barbic to discuss the expansive scope of occupational therapy in mental health service delivery. Together, they unpack the profound impact OT has on wholistic well-being and the significance of meaningful occupation. Occupational therapists across Canada are tirelessly advocating for acknowledgment as essential mental healthcare providers. To better understand the current state of affairs, Skye and Justine explore the historical and contemporary perceptions surrounding occupational therapy, especially within current mental health contexts. This episode serves as a navigational compass, guiding the profession on its journey to reclaim its collective identity as mental health service providers.

In episode 34 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker explores the transformative potential of AI with occupational therapists Shelley Vaisberg and Sarah Brzeszkiewicz. From revolutionizing assessment to streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing interventions, this discussion considers the various ways AI is influencing occupational therapy practices and clinical settings. Tune in for a captivating conversation at the intersection of technology and human wellness!

In Episode 33 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker explores the reshaping of Canadian health systems with guests Dr. Ivy Bourgeault and Dr. Ivy Oandasan. Dr. Bourgeault, a Professor at the University of Ottawa, leads the Canadian Health Workforce Network and focuses on gender perspectives in health workforce research. Dr. Oandasan, a Professor at the University of Toronto, specializes in interprofessional education and family medicine. Both became co-leads of a $45.3 million federal-funded project, "Team Primary Care: Training for Transformation." As leaders in health systems transformation, their work significantly impacts occupational therapy amid nationwide discussions on reshaping and enhancing primary care teams.

In Episode 32 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host, Justine Jecker, explores team-based leadership with guests, social worker Gayle Adams-Carpino and occupational therapist Kathryn Wise. Aligned with its strategic priorities, CAOT is dedicated to empowering OTs and OTAs to be influential leaders. The podcast dives into understanding interprofessional competencies in the context of leadership while navigating the shift towards team-based care. Together, Justine, Gayle, and Kathryn skillfully unpack the intricate nuances of team-based leadership within the dynamic landscape of healthcare. Join us to hear more about Gayle and Kathryn's experiences and insights. 

In Episode 31 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by Stefanie Matos and Husna Harmi, two internationally educated occupational therapists (IEOTs). Stefanie and Husna openly share their unique international journeys, shedding light on the various joys and challenges encountered while studying and working abroad. They also explore the hurdles faced during the transition to a new country, offering valuable insights into the complexities of professional integration for IEOTs, a process which in Canada is overseen by the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) through the Substantial Equivalency Assessment Systems (SEAS) program. 

In Episode 30 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, the host, Justine Jecker, explores the intersection of occupational therapy, mental health, and psychotherapy. Accompanying her to discuss the various theories and practices within the psychotherapeutic realm are occupational therapists, Sandeep Marwaha and Sarah Good. In the world of occupational therapy, navigating the nuanced landscape of psychotherapy and mental health remains challenging but essential. Join the discussion as they unravel the complexities and shed light on how occupational therapists actively contribute to shaping the evolving narrative of mental health in Canada.

For foundational information about psychotherapy within occupational therapy practice, visit the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario's psychotherapy webpage.

For episode 29 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker explores the vital but often overlooked area of practice supporting eating disorders and disordered eating. Joined by occupational therapists Elyse Trudell and Sossy Sahakian, this episode offers a glimpse into how occupational therapy professionals assess, intervene, and provide support to individuals on their path towards enhanced physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being in the context of their relationship with eating and wellness. Join us for an informative discussion that sheds light on a growing area of practice within occupational therapy.

In Episode 28 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast. Host, Justine Jecker dives into the second part of our series on occupational therapy within Primary Care teams with OTs Rachel Degan from Saskatchewan and Lisa Diamond-Burchuk from Manitoba. Our aim with this series is to connect OTs from diverse regions, shedding light on how occupational therapy is shaping Primary Care nationwide. Our first episode featured insights from Ontario and British Columbia. In this episode, we center our focus on the heart of Canada, offering a comprehensive view of our profession's role within this landscape. Discover how occupational therapists contribute to preventive health, holistic care, and client empowerment, all aimed at addressing health issues upstream. Join us as we continue to explore the evolution of primary care occupational therapy skills.