For over two years, I’ve been living through a journey I never expected, one that has tested me mentally, emotionally, and physically, and transformed my life in ways I’m still processing.

It’s the reason I’ve been so quiet on the podcast and on socials.
It’s the reason some days I could barely show up at all.
And it’s something I’ve never spoken about publicly… until now.

In this raw and honest episode, I open up about what’s really been happening behind the scenes, how it’s shaped my own occupations, and why it’s changed the way I think about my role as an OT.

If you’ve ever faced a season that completely shifted your world, personally or professionally, this one’s for you.

Follow me and connect on Instagram @parish.rawlins

🧠 Episode Summary:

In this episode, Parish is joined by Justin from WheelieWorx as they bust common myths about wheelchairs, from the idea that “all wheelchairs are basically the same” to whether power assist makes users “lazy.” Together, they explore the clinical, functional, and human elements of wheelchair prescription, and how important it is for OTs to develop genuine confidence and clarity in their clinical reasoning.

You’ll hear real talk from two OTs with different perspectives and lived experience in the wheelchair space, and why it’s so important we move away from the “tick-a-box” approach to scripting.

🧰 Resources & Next Steps:

• 🎓 Want to build your confidence in wheelchair scripting? Join Parish’s mentoring circle.

• Parish (@parish.rawlins) – Instagram

• Justin (WheelieWorx) – Instagram

What if supervision wasn’t just about ticking boxes—but about growth, confidence, and coming back to yourself?

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by UK-based OT Supervisor Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw, who shares her 30-year journey from NHS clinician to independent OT and supervisor. We dive deep into the evolving role of supervision, how to de-NHS yourself (yes, that’s a thing!), and why prioritising your own well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Expect real talk on:

• The hidden emotional load of allied health work
• Breaking free from productivity culture
• Building supervision relationships that actually support you
• Why reflecting on wins (not just challenges) changes everything
• How to show up confidently without the ‘professional mask’

Whether you supervise others, are being supervised, or just want to rethink how you show up in your OT world—this one’s for you.

🎁 Lynsay also shared a special freebie for your supervision journey:

Free PDF Download:

https://www.otsupervisor.com/Supervising-success-OTsupervision-wellbeing-burnout-prevention

Use this PDF to plan and reflect on your needs, bringing attention to your values and boundaries and creating space for self-compassion. Sharing this in your OT supervision sessions helps you explore this with your supervisor to develop a deeper understanding and connection.

You can connect with Lynsay via the links below:

https://www.otsupervisor.com/https://www.instagram.com/lynsay.mcfarlaneshawhttps://www.facebook.com/Lynsay.McFarlaneShawhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lynsay-mcfarlaneshaw

🎉 Plus! A special bonus for my listeners thanks to OTAUS 2025:

As a Friend of the Podcast, you can register for the OTAUS 2025 Conference and access Early Bird pricing, saving up to $265 on your ticket!
And that’s not all—one lucky listener will also go into the draw to win two Gala Dinner tickets for Thursday 26 June. Think good food, great company, and a night to celebrate with your OT peers.

👉 Head to this link to grab your exclusive offer

What if your menstrual cycle wasn’t just something to manage—but a powerful guide in your personal and professional life?

In this deeply expansive episode, I’m joined by Janelle Gullen, a passionate and wildly insightful women’s health occupational therapist, to explore the role of menstrual wisdom, matrescence, and rite of passage work in OT.

We chat about:

• What women’s health OT really looks like (hint: it’s more than pelvic health!)
• Why your cycle isn’t just “a period”—and how it affects everything from energy to creativity
• How OTs can adapt their practice and self-care across the menstrual cycle
• The occupational injustices tied to endometriosis, shame, and cultural silence
• Ways to support yourself and your clients through the lens of rhythm, rest, and reconnection

If you’ve ever felt called to show up more holistically in your work—or want to understand your own rhythm better—this is a must-listen.

💛 Follow Janelle @thewildorangetree

📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review to let me know if you want more conversations like this!

You give so much during each appointment – but what happens after?

This guided reflection is designed for the moments right after your client session. It’s a short, supportive practice to help you process what just happened, notice what went well, and gently let go of anything you don’t need to carry forward.

You’ll be guided to reflect on your strengths, your impact, and how you want to grow – all without judgment, pressure, or overthinking.

Because growth doesn’t happen in the rush between sessions. It happens here — in the pause.

Loved this reflection?This meditation is part of the Permission to Pause bundle — a collection of guided meditations and reflections created just for clinicians and allied health professionals.

✨Purchase your Permission to Pause Bundle here. ✨

What if the biggest gap in OT education isn’t a clinical skill… but mindset?

In this powerful solo episode, I’m diving deep into something we rarely talk about in the allied health space — the mindset of a therapist. We learn assessments, theory, and how to write reports at university, but we’re not taught how to handle the emotional load, the imposter syndrome, or the daily self-doubt that creeps in.

I unpack the mindset shifts every occupational therapist (and allied health professional) needs to make — from reflecting beyond just mistakes, to protecting your energy, to trusting your own clinical reasoning. I also share personal insights from my own journey, how moving to Australia highlighted the gaps, and why self-awareness, boundaries, and belief in yourself matter just as much as clinical knowledge.

You’ll hear:

• Why imposter syndrome isn't your fault — and how we can shift from it

• The impact of energetic boundaries (yes, we go there!)

• The myth that confidence only comes from experience

• How to reflect for growth, not just correction

• My exact morning mindset rituals that changed everything

If this resonates with you and you're ready to work on your mindset, I’d love to support you through mentoring. Let’s unlock the confidence, clarity, and skills already within you.

🎁 Freebie: Download the 'What's Holding You Back?' Self-Assessment Tool
🌱 Work with me: 1:1 Mentoring | Community OT Mentoring Circle | Align, Build & Grow (Waitlist open!)
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @parish.rawlins

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review — your support means the world!

Ever feel like everyone else has it all figured out—and you’re the only one second-guessing every clinical decision? You’re not alone. I’ve been there.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my early career journey—from overthinking everything to becoming a confident, grounded occupational therapist (and now mentor). I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts, support systems, and practical steps that helped me stop comparing myself to others and start trusting my clinical reasoning.

💭 Here's what we dive into:

• Why confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build

• How early support, mentorship, and feedback shaped my growth

• What I did differently to develop quickly as a new grad

• 3 powerful steps to start building your confidence today

• Why knowing your strengths changes everything

✨ Want to take action right away?

Download my free self-assessment: Are You Using Your Strengths?

This tool will help you identify what you bring to the table so you can stop second-guessing and start showing up with clarity and confidence.

If you’re ready to go deeper and want personal guidance, apply for mentoring via the link below or message me on Instagram @parish.rawlins.

Confidence isn’t something that just comes with time—it’s something we build together. Let’s do this 💪

🚀 Why Surface-Level Reflection Isn’t Enough 🚀

When was the last time you truly reflected on your work? Not just a quick "that went well" or "I could have done better"—but real, intentional reflection that actually leads to growth?

Most OTs (and clinicians in general) think they’re reflecting, but in reality, they’re just replaying mistakes without learning from them. In this episode, I break down why surface-level reflection is keeping you stuck, how to reflect like a high-level clinician, and why this is the key to sharpening your clinical reasoning & building confidence.

🔥 Inside this episode:

✅ The difference between micro vs. macro reflections (and how to use them!)
✅ Why reflecting on your wins is just as important as your challenges
✅ The biggest mistakes OTs make when trying to reflect (and how to fix them)
✅ How intentional reflection leads to faster decision-making & stronger clinical reasoning

✨ Ready to reflect with purpose? Download my free End-of-Week Reflection Guide & take your clinical reasoning to the next level!

👇 Hit play now & let’s dive in!

📲 Connect with me: ⁠Instagram ⁠ | ⁠Work with me

Ever feel like your career path took unexpected turns? Same. When I started out as an OT, I thought I knew exactly where I was headed. Spoiler alert—I was wrong.

This episode is a deep dive into my OT journey—from unsure new grad to confident mentor. I’m sharing the real story behind why I started this podcast, how my career evolved, and the lessons I learned along the way.

If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or like you’re not quite where you thought you’d be—trust me, you’re not alone. This podcast is for OTs who want more: more confidence, more clinical reasoning, and more alignment in their careers.

Tune in to hear:

• 🎯 My unexpected start in OT and the pivotal moments that shaped my career.
• 🚦 How I moved from self-doubt to clarity and confidence in my practice.
• 🧠 Why I believe mindset, reflection, and real mentoring are the keys to thriving as an OT.
• 🔥 What you can expect from this podcast moving forward.

✨ Ready to take your own growth further?
👉 Download my Reflective Practice Guide and start your journey of self-awareness and growth today.

If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe to the podcast—there’s so much more to come!

📲 Connect with me: Instagram | Work with me

Let’s grow together! 💪

In this episode of the Passion Occupational Therapy podcast, host Parish interviews Imogen, an occupational therapist and business owner. Imogen shares her journey into occupational therapy, discussing her challenges during university placements, her transition into private practice, and her passion for neuro rehabilitation. She emphasizes the importance of client-centered care and creative strategies in therapy, particularly for clients with brain injuries. Imogen also offers advice for aspiring neuro OTs and highlights the significance of managing cognitive load in clients. The conversation concludes with Imogen discussing her new business, Occupationally Neuro, and her commitment to empowering clients through meaningful activities.

Takeaways

✨ Sign up for our newsletter here

✨ Access your free reflection document here