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   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. 

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______________________________   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.

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 [email protected] 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!

 

 

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.

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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.

 

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If you'd like to connect with Jessica Earle, owner and OT at New Leaf Occupational Therapy visit her website: www. newleafoccupationaltherapy.com

 

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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

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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!

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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

As always, be brave OTs!

In this episode, I sit down with Landy Peek, a success coach for OT and PT entrepreneurs. We dive deep into the unique challenges therapists face personally and professionally. Landy and I work with similar clients in different ways and we share some of thedifferent ways that we use our backgrounds as therapists in working with the clinicians we coach. We talk about somatic practices, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other ways we help therapists get unstuck.

We also discuss the importance of balancing our professional responsibilities with personal wellbeing, and the sometimes overlooked power of group support and shared stories in fostering growth. Landy opens up about her journey from occupational therapist to coaching, her move to Colorado, and the value she places on authenticity, bravery, and embracing one's true self.

You'll hear practical strategies for tackling overwhelm and realigning with your values, as well as candid insights into the bravery it takes to step into something new. Whether you're a therapist, a coach, or someone on a personal growth journey, this conversation is filled with just the nuggets you need.

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To connect with Landy, you can visit her website LandyPeek.com  where you can find links to her Facebook and Instagram profiles as well as her free resources.

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“We often stay stuck because we can see what we will lose with more clarity than we can see what we will gain.” Sandra Chuma

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After a pause, I'm preparing to re-open the doors to my signature program, ACTivate Vitality - Rise & Live Fully. If you're a therapy business owner who is looking for more connection, collaboration, and co-regulation so that you can make your business work in a way that feels values-aligned and honours your needs and energy, let's talk! On this page you can find a button to book a call with me and join our upcoming autumn start. Book a Call

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The BRAVE OT Listeners are treated to a one month grace period when signing up for Jane, the EMR with a human touch. Just use the code: VITALITY when you sign up at jane.app/switch

#therapisttocoach #pelvichealth #somaticexperiencing #trauma #burnout #mindset #subconsciousbeliefs #unstuck #identity #groupcoaching #otentrepreneur #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #womenshealth #brave #commnhumanity #occupationaltherapist

My guest, Ashley Ballou, is someone that I really admire for her deep commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of clients, caregivers, and therapists. 

In this conversation, we take a deep dive into the holistic approach of occupational therapy discussing the vital role it plays, not only in daily activities, but also in mental health and spiritual wellbeing. 

We explore the importance of servant leadership, the intersection of personal values and professional practice and the different challenges OTs face in Canada and the US, particularly in the area of mental health. 

Ashley opens up about her personal journey, sharing compelling experiences from caring for her grandmother to juggling professional life, while being the mother of five.

We also touch upon the essential need for occupational therapists to embody bravery, authenticity, and encourage them to trust their clinical intuition, and to align their actions with their true purposes. This conversation is packed with heartfelt insights, practical advice, and unwavering encouragement to pursue your calling with courage.

You can find Ashley on Instagram @caregiver_thrive

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Listeners of the podcast are eligible for a 1 month grace period with the EMR, Jane. Visit Jane.app/switch and use the code VITALITY for this perk!

In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I’m thrilled to bring you a highly motivating conversation with two trailblazing occupational therapists, Alyson Stover and Karen Jacobs, and their courageous journey in reshaping the landscape of occupational therapy by putting a very important occupational therapy stamp on artificial intelligence. 

Alyson is the president of the American Occupational Therapy Association, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh in their Department of Occupational Therapy, and is an occupational therapist and clinic owner at Capable Kids in Pennsylvania. 

Karen's occupational therapy practice spans over four decades. She is Associate Dean of Digital Learning & Innovation, Program Director of the post-professional doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OT) program, and Clinical Professor at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences.

Through this conversation, Alyson shares her how she is embracing bravery through accountability, advocacy, and self-care, while Karen highlights the pivotal role of intentionality and the exciting intersection of occupational therapy and artificial intelligence. We'll explore the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, including the groundbreaking Korro app, which is revolutionizing therapy for children.

I encourage you to listen through the lens of your own area of practice. How might you hear what they are doing with this technology and consider how you might embrace AI similarly or differently in your work.

OTs have a unique lens, skill set, and collaborative nature that is highly valuable in AI development, which positions us to become leaders in the AI revolution.

Whether you're an experienced practitioner or a student, I know you’ll feel inspired by this discussion of bravery and dedication. We also touch on the importance of setting boundaries, leaning into emotional intelligence, and the invaluable connections forged through global OT networks like OT4OT.

This conversation highlights the power and potential that lies within our profession—whether it’s advocating for ourselves and our clients, embracing new technologies like AI, or simply taking those brave steps to do what matters in our personal lives.

Follow Alyson and Karen through their upcoming blog on the Capable Kids website, where they'll continue empowering the OT community with valuable insights and support. You can also reach out to them here by email or social media.

Alyson Stover - [email protected],  LinkedIn

Karen Jacobs - [email protected], LinkedIn

If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider leaving us a review and sharing the podcast with your friends and colleagues. Together, we can continue to build a brave, informed, and connected occupational therapy community.

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I will be accepting applications for enrolment from OT practitioners for the ACTivate Vitality program until June 15/24, when I pause enrolment. Book a Clarity Call Here

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Be sure to check out the Jane.app and use the code VITALITY to indicate you're a Brave OT Podcast listener and receive a 1 month grace period. Jane is embracing AI as it evolves features that solve problems for the clinicians in their community.