February 19, 2026

S8E04 - When OT practice ownership gets real

50 minutes

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Alyce go off-script (in the best way) and unpack the realities of practice ownership and employment in OT - from unexpected knock-backs and “rejection” moments, to the high-stakes responsibilities that come with employing staff. They explore psychosocial hazards, trauma exposure, and why psychological safety isn’t a “nice to have” - it’s a core part of running a business and supporting a workforce working in complex systems like the NDIS. The episode also dives into ethical offboarding, client handovers, and how to navigate transitions with integrity.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Why therapists often aren’t used to “try-outs,” knock-backs, or rejection and what happens when it finally hits

What “exposure therapy” looks like for business owners (and why it can feel brutal)

The realities of PCBU responsibility and sending staff into unpredictable environments

Psychosocial hazards in OT work: trauma exposure, overload, low control, and how to respond

Ethical offboarding: handovers, notice periods, and why communication matters

The client transition dilemma: when clients want to follow the therapist, and what choice & control means in practice

The practical limits of “flexibility” in paediatric caseloads (after-school capacity is real)

A reminder: OTA members can access EAP supports

Additional links

OT Unplugged - Adelaide Friends of the Podcast event
We’re bringing the OT Unplugged Networking Night to an iconic venue in Adelaide on the evening of the 2026 ATSA expo – and you’re invited!

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1543542

...more

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By Sarah Collison, Nikki Cousins and Alyce Svensk