On this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I get to sit in the interviewee seat as OT student, Jacqueline Buhler, asks me questions about being an OT business owner!  Jacqueline brings her entrepreneurial spirit and curiosity as we discuss my experiences and reflections on choices I made and ways I adapted at different phases of my OT career and business.  We draw some parallels between the transition from OT student to emerging clinician and from OT to OT entrepreneurship, revealing how different traits and skills facilitate success. We explore how traits like adaptability, flexibiity, curiosity, self-awareness, and creative problem-solving are valuable skills to develop.   This authentic dialogue offers both validation and practical insights for OTs questioning their entrepreneurial potential or wondering how to leverage their natural traits while charting their own unique path in practice. ________________   ACTivate Vitality is currently open for OT entrepreneurs like you if you would like to grow personally and professionally as the whole person at the centre of your business. Send me an email if this sounds like you! [email protected] _______________ Reach our guest host, soon to be emerging OT, Jacqueline for networking on this Google Form. ________________ A shout-out to our sponsor, Jane, the EMR with heart. 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 podcast conversation explores supervision in occupational therapy with Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw. Lyndsay brings 30 years of pediatric OT experience and has evolved her career to focus on supervision and mentorship.  We discuss the the concept of supervision in the UK as well as various other ways OTs support each other like coaching and mentorship.  If you've ever wondered about ways to enhance your professional development or support others in theirs, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. To connect with Lynsay

Five Tools You Need in Your Supervision Toolbox

Lynsay's Facebook Group

ACTivate Vitality is Accepting OT Business Owners The ACTivate Vitality program is opening up for 10 new members in March, 2025. It is a thriving community of OT business owners who support each other, collaborate, co-conspire, co-regulate, and help you not be alone in private practice. Together we build core skills from acceptance and commitment therapy to be more grounded and mindful in our practices, in our work, in our lives, aligning our actions in all domains with our values. We create community so that we can move forward in blazing some trails and doing the things that really matter, building more flow and satisfaction in our lives. Book a Clarity Call with Carlyn to explore this possibility.

 

To see how Jane can help you focus more on your clients than your costs, book your personalized demo today. If  you're ready to get started, you can use the code VITALITY at the time of signup for a one-month grace period applied to your new account.

Whether you're just starting a new OT business, or considering developing a new product, technology, or moving in the direction of retirement, I think you'll find a lot of value in this episode. I am excited to be talking to my friend and colleague, Ruth Duggan.  In this episode, we talk about a lot of parallels between the process of starting a business or a product and the familiar assessment and intervention process we use as OTs.  We share about our experiences in the early days of starting our businesses and how we've developed new offers and products. Ruth gives us a peek into how she is preparing for that next phase of her business where she's less active in it, and how she is leaving a legacy by transferring her knowledge through the development of an app and related training. You are invited to connect with Ruth at: [email protected] Cornerstone Occupational Therapy Consultants Cornerstone OT Consulting for Therapists Transitions Vocational Assessment App  Transferable Skills Analysis Online Education ______________________________________ We are still looking for participants for our research on the Cognitive Behavioural and Sensory Job Demands Analysis digital assessment tool. Learn more here: CoBS-JDA ______________________________________ OT Business Owners Need Community  The  ACTivate Vitality program is opening up in March, 2025 for our next cohort. It is a thriving community of OT business owners who support each other, collaborate, co-conspire, co-regulate, and help you not be alone in private practice. Together we build core skills from acceptance and commitment therapy to be more grounded and mindful in our practices, in our work, in our lives, aligning our actions in all domains with our values. We create community so that we can move forward in blazing some trails and doing the things that really matter, building more flow and satisfaction in our lives. Book a Clarity Call with Carlyn to explore this possibility. ______________________________________  To see how Jane can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, book your personalized demo today. Or if  you're ready to get started, you can use the code VITALITY at the time of signup for a one-month grace period applied to your new account.

I am thrilled to share this authentic and vulnerable conversation with you. My guest is Dr. Fiona Lovely. You may know her from her mindblowing podcast, Not Your Mother's Menopause.

With two decades of experience, Dr. Lovely is a trailblazer in women's health. Specifically focusing on the menopause transition, perimenopause and menopause.

Stick with us on this vulnerable and passionate conversation because in it, we share stories of our own experiences and highlight how community and connection are the bedrock for growth and healing in a health system that has only begun to prioritize women's health.

Dr. Lovely helps us understand the growing evidence and debunks misconceptions in the menopause narrative. Spoiler alert, but there's a lot in here about social justice and a little bit of swearing.

We talk about the mental and physiological shifts women encounter during this time of renovation in our bodies and in our brains, and some myths about cognitive decline. 

This episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and a heartfelt big sister kind of conversation. Whether you're an occupational therapist, someone in their 30s and 40s experiencing symptoms you didn't know were perimenopause, or you're simply interested in understanding this vital aspect of health, there's so much here for you.

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Links to resources mentioned in the podcast:

Dr. Fiona Lovely's Website: drlovely.com

Podcast: Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely

Menopause Doula Society

Dr. Lisa Musconi - Neuroscience & Women's Health

AMS Menopause Symptom Scorecard

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Are you a therapy business owner seeking a community of support as the whole person at the centre of your business?

We will be accepting applicants to the ACTivate Vitality program and community in late January. Let's see if this is a good fit for you by visiting our site.

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A shoutout to our sponsor, Jane.app

Jane is an EMR with heart. Book your demo today and be sure to use the code VITALITY for a one month grace period. 

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. 

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

______________________________   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.

 

🍃 🍃 🍂 🍂 🍃 🍃 🍂

 

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

 

🍃 🍃 🍂 🍂 🍃 🍃 🍂

 

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