In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we welcome Sarah Gannon Governey, a Senior Occupational Therapist. Sarah shares her journey of becoming an author. She has always been passionate about reducing ableism in the disability sector. Over seven years ago, her first child, Ciara, was born with a rare genetic condition called CHARGE syndrome. Sarah discusses her journey parenting a child with a disability and navigating health services. She describes the impact of dual sensory loss as Ciara is Deaf-Blind, and how in Ireland, dual sensory loss (deaf-blindness) is not currently recognised as a disability.

More importantly, she tells us about the new books that she has just published with her daughter, Ciara. The book “Just See Me” is a beautifully engaging picture book that aims to promote inclusion and break down barriers to understanding disability. The book is available from all major bookstores.

⁠Just See Me

⁠The Anne Sullivan Centre for people who are deafblind⁠

⁠Donate a book⁠

Private Practitioner Networking Summit

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we are honoured to welcome internationally renowned occupational therapist, teacher, speaker, and author Kim Barthel. With over 40 years of experience, Kim is celebrated worldwide for her pioneering work in blending neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and occupational therapy. Her mission is to support the healing of people and communities by deepening our understanding of the brain, behaviour, and the power of human connection.

In our conversation, Kim shares her journey from clinician to international educator and business owner, a path marked not by rigid planning but by courage, intuition, and trust in her calling. We discuss the evolution of private practice, the challenges and the learning that come with stepping outside traditional models, and the importance of cultural sensitivity when working across countries and contexts. Kim reflects on the role of resilience, fierce love, and relational approaches in Irish occupational therapy, offering encouragement for Occupational Therapists to embrace their values and approach their work with curiosity and compassion.

This inspiring dialogue serves as a reminder of how our profession can evolve when we ground ourselves in being, doing, belonging, and becoming, both for our clients and for ourselves.

https://www.kimbarthel.ca/

Kim's workshop in Cork

Private Practitioner Networking Summit

Welcome to Season 5! Your hosts Jen Trzeciak and Dr. Áine O Dea are delighted to introduce the fifth season of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, focusing on innovation, pushing boundaries and global perspectives, within the field of occupational therapy.

We have an exciting lineup of guests, including occupational therapists and other professionals from Ireland and abroad. So please tune in every Sunday for the next 8 weeks!

In this sneaky extra episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge discuss Aideen's decision to step back from the podcast after four successful seasons. >tearful sobs from Jen!!!<

We reflect on our journey, the growth of the podcast, and the importance of community within the occupational therapy field. Aideen shares her reasons for leaving, emphasising the need for work-life balance and the desire to pass the baton to Dr. Aine O'Dea, who will continue the podcast's mission.

The conversation highlights the significance of support, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of occupational therapy in Ireland.

Thank you and Fare Well to Aideen and Fáilte (welcome) to Áine (pronounced AwwnYa)!

Get in touch at [email protected]

Today we interview Michelle Murray from Anchor Therapy, who discusses the importance of executive functioning skills in young people, particularly those facing mental health challenges and neurodiversity. The conversation covers various aspects of executive functioning, including assessment methods, strategies for supporting transitions, emotional management, and the social challenges faced by young people. Michelle emphasises the need for compassionate understanding of executive functioning difficulties and the importance of creating supportive educational environments. Practical strategies for organisation and focus are also shared, making this episode a valuable resource for parents and professionals alike.

In this conversation, Sorcha Rice, an autistic occupational therapist, shares her insights on Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) from a neuroaffirmative perspective. She discusses her personal experiences growing up with PDA, the impact of environmental factors on neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of understanding and supporting children with PDA in educational settings. Sorcha emphasises the need for a shift in parenting and teaching strategies to accommodate neurodivergent needs, advocating for a focus on autonomy and reducing demands. She also provides practical tips and resources for parents and educators to better support children with PDA.

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge interview Niall Kirrane, a clinical specialist in occupational therapy within Ireland's National Gender Service. Niall discusses the multidisciplinary approach to transgender healthcare, the role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals exploring their gender identity, and the challenges faced by young people in this journey. The conversation also covers key terms related to gender identity, common myths and misconceptions, and practical tips for supporting young people and their families.