The Brave OT Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Mel Homan, a fellow OT who has turned her experiences with burnout into a transformative program for others. Whether you're an OT, a helping professional, or anyone navigating the challenges of a demanding career, this episode is packed with insights just for you. We share invaluable insights on overcoming hustle, nurturing our mental health, and the significance of building strong community ties. Mel is extending an invitation for you to join her Facebook group, Building Fulfillment and Transformation, which is a great place to continue these discussions on getting out of burnout and you can learn more about her offerings at melhoman.com.   If you are an OT... who has been listening and today’s discussion resonated with you, I’d love to know about it. A really great way to do this is to share the episode Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and tag me in the post with any points on what you found helpful about it.   If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your vitality and well-being, I invite you to explore my ACTivate Vitality program. It’s designed specifically to create a community of support for OT business owners like you, aiming to get out of the things that hook us into overworking like self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear of failure and get on with loving how you live and work. https://www.balanceworks.online/avprogram Remember, you’re not alone in your journey. Let’s continue to build on what we’ve learned today and support each other along the way. You learn from the people around you so make sure you’re surrounding yourself with media and peers who nudge you in the direction you want to be going.  Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague or friend who might benefit from our conversation.

In this episode, down-to-earth business coach, Brettany Sorokowsky shares many tangible tips to help you simplify your business, including some golden instructions on using ChatGPT to streamline your business marketing. Brettany and I found each other because we share values around making your business work for you and not listening to the generic business coaching advice that is regularly thrown our way. What do you love to do? What is an indicator of success in your day? How can you do what you love to achieve success by this definition each day? If you want to reach Brettany, you can find her here: Facebook The Link The Hive Here are those ChatGPT instructions in case you don't want to take notes. She is specifically talking about turning a podcast into many pieces of content but you can start with any type of long-form content: Transcribe the podcast episode (use an app like Otter.ai or Descript) Copy and paste the interview into ChatGPT and ask for a summary, having programmed your ideal client info in for context Ask ChatGPT for 5 newsletter topics Ask for articles from those topics with specific word count. Ask for 5 motivational quotes related to the topics and your ideal client’s struggles Bulk Create in Canva (do a YouTube Search for how to use this feature, it's a gamechanger) Schedule the posts in a social media scheduler _____________________________   If you're in the mood for spring cleaning your business so that it can feel fresh and light, I'd love to book a breakthrough session with you to see what we can do. BOOK HERE   _____________________________   Our podcast sponsor, Jane, is offering listeners of The BRAVE OT Podcast a 1 month grace period when you create a new account with their clinic management software if you use the word VITALITY at sign-up. Book your appointment now to make the switch jane.app/switch I'm in the process of a seamless switch right now myself. They've been so helpful!

In this relatable episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sit down with Jarrett Dottin, a trailblazing occupational therapist and business owner, who shares his inspiring transition from feeling overwhelmed to achieving a state of calm mastery in his professional and personal life. Discover how Jarrett embraced intentional choices, cultivated his own version of work-life balance, and harnessed his unique strengths to create a thriving practice that resonates with authenticity and purpose.  You can find JD the OT online at jdtheot.com or check out his YouTube channel    I am grateful to be one of the mentors in Jarrett’s corner. If you would like some guidance in pausing to reflect on what would make your business feel more aligned, The Thriving OT Reflective Business Workshop is available on-demand. You can Carlyn Neek, BA, BScOTn up and get instant access here: https://activatevitality.online/thriving-ot-workshop

This is part 2 of our discussion with Rebecca Rae-Hodgson, The Chronically Resilient OT. She shared a lot about her lived experience as am ADHD and Autistic OT who found her way to practicing OT in New Zealand while accommodating the energetic and nervous system regulation ups and downs of persistent mental and physical illnesses.  In Part 2 we discuss how she’s crafting and curating her work to fit her strengths and needs in creative and brave ways.  Make sure you visit her resources shop here https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/resources-shop  If you are enjoying The BRAVE OT Podcast, please leave a review or a rating through your podcast player’s platform.

In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast our guest, Rebecca Rae-Hodgson bravely shares her real and raw lived experience as a ADHD and autistic OT who has crafted a business and life that is sustainable while living with chronic illness.  With the energetic and nervous system regulation ebbs and flows of fibromyalgia, borderline personality disorder, chronic fatigue and other persistent medical conditions, working in a typical OT job would not work for her. Just as she has crafted a home life that fits, she has curated a way of working that works with her strengths and needs.  As we lean into this conversation with Rebecca Rae Hodgson, The Chronically Resilient OT, we would like to share a content warning to let you know that there is discussion of suicide, trauma and self harm. If you’d like to skip to more detail about how Rebecca is working now, Part 2 doesn’t come with the same content warning.  Be sure to check out Rebecca’s work at https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/ If you are enjoying The BRAVE OT Podcast, please leave a review or a rating through your podcast player’s platform.

In this quietly inspiring episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, we dive deep into the heart of what it truly means to define success on your own terms. Laura Bremner is my guest, and an exceptional occupational therapist and occupational performance coach from the UK. We explore the journey of stepping away from conventional measures of professional success to embrace a life full of occupations that create fulfillment, and true happiness. Laura shares her story of cutting through the noise of endless growth and productivity to find a peaceful flow of doing what she loves in her job, with her family, and in her business. Her approach to success is not only about achieving professional goals but also about nurturing a life filled with joy, connection, and making an impact in what she does. This episode is a beacon for anyone feeling lost in the hustle of life, offering a new perspective on how to live more authentically and meaningfully. After you listen, please: Reach out to Laura Bremner and explore her incredible work at www.lbtherapy-ot.com Reflect on your own Key Vitality Indicators, KVIs. What does success look like for you? Then share the episode with a friend so you can check in regularly on your KVIs together Visit www.balanceworks.online/avprogram to discover how you can be a part of the life-changing ACTivate Vitality program and mastermind

Emma Shears’ story of personal and professional resilience is deeply impactful. I’ve been grateful to be part of her transformation journey since 2022 when she joined the ACTivate Vitality Program. She has shown up FULLY and embraced the challenge of change and her presence in the program has impacted so many others.  I hope you’re inspired to make important changes in the way you live and work after hearing Emma’s story.  If you would like to learn more about the ACTivate Vitality Program and Mastermind that Emma is a part of, please visit the website here. ACTivate Vitality We have room for 3 more OTs to join us in February so reach out soon. If you’re more interested in learning how to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in your OT practice, my Practical ACT For OTs course is starting March 1, 2024. You can find the details and register here: Practical ACT for OTs You can connect with Emma on LinkedIn or at OT is Fab where she features her Neuro OT Supervision and Education services, her up and coming Nature Therapy offer, and her community based OT services.

OTs around the world are asked to add their voices to support the OTs of British Columbia in maintaining their scope of practice in the face of proposed changes to the Health Professions ACT of BC by completing this form. This morning, Michelle Ferguson and I sat down to talk about the pressing issue and its impact on the profession, particularly in the area of mental health occupational therapy. She is the Chair of the Mental Health and Substance Use Practice Network for the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.  Governance matters. Policy matters. Mental health matters. _______________________________________ I am excited to share that I will be launching my Practical ACT for OTs course on February 1, 2024. Be sure to sign up to be notified when registration opens so that you'll have access to early bird bonuses. Sign up to be notified when registration opens here.

In this second part of our engaging conversation with Jessica Miller on The Brave OT podcast, we go deeper into Jessica's transformative journey within the field of occupational therapy. This episode focuses on how Jessica overcame burnout and redefined her work as an OT and how she pays this growth forward by supporting other OTs in nourishing their nervous systems.  We explore the integration of mindfulness, embodiment practices, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in fostering resilience and growth. Through this conversation, you'll gain insights into embracing change, nurturing one's mental health, and the power of community support in the professional and personal development journey as an whole-human OT. _________________________________________________ Has the way you are working in your business become unsustainable? If you've read all of the business books and paid for all of the traditional business coaching, yet you remain stuck in a too-busy, hustle-and-grind pattern that isn't aligned with how you want to show up, maybe it's time for a different approach. ACTivate Vitality is a personal and business mastermind that supports your holistic needs rather than attempting to separate your personal growth from your business evolution. The high-achieving person that got you here may not fit in this next phase of life where your priorities are shifting, and you know, deep inside, it's time to make a shift to align your business with your life priorities. If this sounds like where you are, book a chat with me; I'd love to talk. https://www.activatevitality.online/chat-booking _________________________________________________ If you're looking for neuro education, mentorship and community, get on the wait list for New to Neuro's OT Collective... where peace and plasticity grow. https://newtoneuro.com/the-collective-is-coming You can also connect with Jessica on IG: https://www.instagram.com/new.to.neuro/

In this enlightening episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast I have a deep conversation (not sure I know another kind) with Jessica Miller, a neuro-based occupational therapist and brain injury specialist who is also a member of my ACTivate Vitality community as a client and contributor. Discover how Jessica's journey intertwines personal growth, professional development, and innovative approaches in providing neuro OT services and education. We delve into topics like embracing non-traditional OT roles, overcoming burnout, and finding alignment between personal and professional life. This episode is a must-listen for OTs seeking to expand their horizons, understand the importance of self-care, and explore new pathways in their careers. _________________________________________________ Has the way you are working in your business become unsustainable? If you've read all of the business books and paid for all of the traditional business coaching, yet you remain stuck in a too-busy, hustle-and-grind pattern that isn't aligned with how you want to show up, maybe it's time for a different approach. ACTivate Vitality is a personal and business mastermind that supports your holistic needs rather than attempting to separate your personal growth from your business evolution. The high-achieving person that got you here may not fit in this next phase of life where your priorities are shifting, and you know, deep inside, it's time to make a shift to align your business with your life priorities. If this sounds like where you are, book a chat with me; I'd love to talk. https://www.activatevitality.online/chat-booking _________________________________________________ If you're looking for neuro education, mentorship and community, get on the wait list for New to Neuro's OT Collective... where peace and plasticity grow. https://newtoneuro.com/the-collective-is-coming You can also connect with Jessica on IG: https://www.instagram.com/new.to.neuro/

In Episode 16: Falling In and Out of Love with OT, we explore Rhiannon Crispe's journey. Together, Rhiannon and I peel back the layers of what it truly means to be an OT with a heart for change. She's a trailblazer who's not just living the OT life, but redefining it. Through her story, we explore what it was really like to create a documentary about OT, Finding Me in OT. And we explore resisting externally imposed urgency, and being brave enough to do things in your own time. I hope you're ready to embrace the twists and turns of an OT journey less traveled to find the intersection where passion meets purpose.  This is more than just a dialogue. It's a call to be BRAVE, to unhustle and to light up the path for others in our field. So take a deep breath, let the spirit of curiosity lead the way, and be inspired.  Rhiannon is an occupational therapist in Australia who owns a private practice and is the founder of the OT lifestyle movement. She's a self-described salty soul and health enthusiast.  She's a dreamer and a doer, a goal-setter and a go-getter, a change agent and a game changer. I am sure you'll love this conversation as much as I did.  Download The OT Collective BookListen to the rest of this conversation on The OT Lifestyle Movement Podcast _______________________________________________________   Remember the trailblazing journey of an OT is not walked alone.  It's a path we pay for together. One brave step at a time. Many brave OTs start solo businesses so that they can work in alignment with their values. But then the precarious feeling of being out on a ledge alone can make it so difficult to continue taking brave steps.  In my ACTivate Vitality group program, we are a community of heart centred OT business owners who are supporting each other in taking brave steps toward living and working in deep alignment with our values. Some days that means we're collaborating and celebrating, launching new programs. And other days we are celebrating, converting a whole day, a week from a hustle day to one where we ignite our passions and restore. If this is what you need to grow in 2024, book a chat with me to discuss this opportunity further.  ✳️ LET'S CHAT ✳️ If this discussion ignited a fire within you, I encourage you to keep that flame alive. Send a link of this episode to three OT friends who you want to be a part of the conscious rebellion, reshaping our beloved field of occupational therapy.Post a screenshot of the episode you just listened to on Instagram with your thoughts, and please be sure to tag @balnceworksot and @rhiannoncrispe.Subscribe to The BRAVE OT podcast on your favorite listening platform. Thanks for listening and, as always, BE BRAVE OTs.

In this enlightening episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sit down with Kathryn Wise, a trailblazer in the field of occupational therapy and health leadership. Kathryn, an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University and Program Director at University of California at San Francisco, shares her insights on the importance of interprofessional leadership development and the critical role of compassionate leadership. This episode delves into the essence of compassionate leadership, the interplay between emotional intelligence and leadership skills, and the unique challenges faced by OTs stepping into leadership roles. Kathryn’s extensive experience in educating and coaching healthcare leaders and her commitment to fostering innovation make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of healthcare, occupational therapy and leadership.  Tune in to hear how Kathryn is shaping the next generation of health leaders and bringing a fresh perspective to the occupational therapy field. If you'd like to connect with Kathryn Wise, you can do so via LinkedIn or email her at kathryn@kathryn-wise.com. In the podcast she mentions the book, Compassionate Leadership: How to do Hard Things in a Human Way, by Hougaard and Carter.   Do you feel like burnout might knocking at your door?  Download my Banish Burnout Mini Book and see where you are in the 12 Phases of Burnout and what you might do at each stage.  I'm passionate about helping therapy business owners break the habitual hustle pattern that helped them rise in their careers but is now hurting them. Connect with what matters most deeply and be brave enough to revise how you live and work so that your next season is filled with more freedom, fulfillment, and joy. Thriving as a human business owner is possible.  At the time this podcast airs, I have a Black Friday promotion for my ACTivate Vitality Program. You can learn all about it here: ACTivate Vitality Program for Therapy Business Owners

Venture with me into the heart of conscious rebellion with a very special guest, Lindsey Vestal.  Long before training as an OT, Lindsey saw an opportunity for Occupational Therapy to be at the heart of pelvic health, and she has been paving the path for other OTs to become trained and established in this area of practice ever since.  Even if pelvic health isn’t your passion, you are going to get a lot out of this episode as we talk through Lindsey’s story of standing up to claim OT's place as, not only a companion in this practice area that’s more traditionally been a physical therapy space, but asserting that OT has an important role in this area of practice as we bring our biopsychosocial approach, our understanding of the intersection between the person, their pelvic function, their life experiences, their occupations, and their environment.  This is a really special discussion because Lindsey and I are in consistent contact as supporters in each other’s journeys as women, mothers, OTs and entrepreneurs who are doing things a little differently. We talk a lot about the courage to confront discomfort, the strength to trust in your path, and navigating all the feels that come up when we do brave things.  ____________________________________ I'd love to chat with you if you are at a crossroads in your own OT business and aren't sure how to make it work for you.  👉 👉 Book a Chat Today. 👈 👈 ____________________________________ Lindsey Vestal graduated as an OT from NYU in 2011 with the clear goal of working in pelvic health. While many people, including some of her professors, said OTs can’t work in pelvic health, she founded The Functional Pelvis, which was first in-home pelvic health practice in New York City run by an OT. Now, she teaches OTs how to become rock star pelvic floor therapists. She has trained more than 1,000 OTs in becoming pelvic health therapists and her goal is that 10,000 OTs are trained in Pelvic Health by 2030! She supports over 6000 therapists through her Facebook Group, OTs for Pelvic Health which a ton of free training. She also has a podcast called OTs in Pelvic Health. You can check out her podcast, OTs in Pelvic Health. These episodes relate to our conversation: ____________________________________ OTs In Pelvic Health Podcast Reframing Imposter Syndrome with Carlyn Neek  If the Pelvic Floor Is Not Healthy, There Is No Occupation We Can Perform" with Alyson Stover, AOTA President What I Learned From Not Getting Accepted to Speak at the AOTA Conference

There are a number of people in my life with whom a simple, superficial conversation is not possible. This guest is one of those people and I think you'll enjoy the layers and gentle rhythm of our discussion on the unique development potential in the crises that highly creative, deep feeling, big thinking individuals encounter.  In my work I often support occupational therapists through their own crisis points toward knowing themselves more deeply and thriving personally and professionally as levels that were not possible before things fell apart (or explode as the case may be). This can be viewed through the lens of post-traumatic growth, self-actualization, growth mindset, ACT, or positive psychology but the theory that always comes to mind for me is the Theory of Positive Disintegration, developed by Polish psychologist, Kazimierz Dąbrowski.  If you are experiencing a disorienting season of challenge and uncertainty, I'd be happy to talk to you and see if we can work together toward making sense of it, as I have with many international OTs in my coaching practice and a variety others in my mental health OT practice.  ➡️ Book a call with me here ⬅️ This interview came about because one of the people who taught me about the theory of positive disintegration, my sons' elementary school principal, Hal Curties, approached me to discuss his observation of this theory playing out on my social media pages as OTs posted about their struggles, sensitivities, complex reflections and responses to the world in crisis, career transitions, and midlife unravelling over the last few years.  Hal Curties is also the musician who created the intro and outro music for The BRAVE OT Podcast. He has retired from his profession since this episode was recorded and is now able to focus more fully on his music and other meaningful occupations. 🎶 If you'd like to explore hiring Hal to compose music to deepen your impact on the world, you can email him at hscurt@gmail.com. His band, Ceard also has an album called Now and Then on Spotify.   More on the Theory of Positive Disintegration Dąbrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration, a somewhat complex concept, is, at its heart, a guide to understanding the beautiful mess of our inner worlds. It's about recognizing that moments of inner turmoil, when you feel like everything is falling apart, may reach beyond the chaos and toward personal growth. As one comes through the suffering and chaos disintegration, the independent pieces come together more artfully to create a beautifully intricate mosaic, tapestry, or painting, creating newfound levels of consciousness, creativity, authentic alignment between values and actions. Often referenced in gifted education, this theory can help you see the vivid artistry in your own disorienting experiences and appreciate the potential hidden within your complexities, sensitivities, and excitability. Websites: Positive Disintegration - A website with a comprehensive collection of knowledge on TPD Wikipedia - I like the way the levels of disintegration are described here in a digestible way Recommended books on the topic: Dąbrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration by Sal Mendaglio   Personality Development Through Positive Disintegration: The Work of Kazimierz Dąbrowski by Bill Tillier  Positive Disintegration by Kazimierz Dąbrowski Personality Shaping by Kazimierz Dąbrowski

On a number of occasions I have taken time away from the noise of routines and tasks to reflect on my business. How it feels, how it aligns with my values and life direction. I've been at this a long time so I've done it a few times. I essentially Marie Kondo my work. Which parts spark joy? Which ones do not? It's really a process of getting out of autopilot and taking a high level life review that has taken me down some pretty cool paths in search of doing the things that create ENERGY, JOY, SATISFACTION, and ALIGNMENT.  Some might say I share a bit too much about the ups and downs in my own business for someone who helps others find alignment in theirs but it's an important value of mine to show up AUTHENTICALLY so here it is; highs, lows and what I have done to make shifts. I hope my reflection ignites your journey toward growth in the direction of more VITALITY and INTENTIONALITY. If you want to talk about sparking more joy, flow, and vitality in the way you live and work, send me an email at cneek@balancworksot.ca. I'd love to chat with you.

Are you an occupational therapy business owner, a nature OT, or an OT in midlife looking for more peace in your business? If so, you're in for a treat! In this episode of The Brave OT Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of nature-based therapy and its transformative impact on well-being. Our guest, Bronwyn Paynter, a seasoned occupational therapist in Australia, shares her personal journey of discovering the healing power of nature. She opens up about her own challenges, including overcoming breast cancer, and how it shaped her perspective on holistic approaches to health. Join us as Bronwyn shares her unique insights and experiences with forest bathing, partnering with nature, and the profound connections between sensory experiences and well-being. Discover how she found calm and serenity by immersing herself in guided experiences that brought her closer to nature and created a whole business to support other occupational therapists in doing the same! In this episode, you'll learn: The role of nature therapy in promoting well-being and enhancing occupational therapy practices.How to integrate nature-based interventions into your OT business or practice.The power of sensory connections and mindfulness in nature for personal and professional growth.Strategies for embracing holistic approaches to health and wellness. If you're an occupational therapy business owner, a nature OT, or an OT in midlife seeking fresh perspectives and meaningful strategies, this episode is a must-listen. If you love what you hear... Don't forget to rate and review The Brave OT Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring content. Also, be sure to share this episode with a friend or colleague who would benefit from Bronwyn's insights. Connect with Bronwyn Paynter on Facebook through her engaging and supportive community, NatureOTs - connect and grow. Join the conversation, share your experiences, and learn more about incorporating nature into your OT practice. You can also check out her website here. Thank you for tuning in to The Brave OT Podcast, where we empower occupational therapists to step up, level up, and embrace conscious rebellion in service of our profession, our clients, and our own well-being. As always, Be BRAVE OTs! If you'd like to explore what coaching might look like with me, book a call I'd love to chat with you. Book it here.

I loved sitting down with Michele Hampton, an inspiring mental health occupational therapist, who shares her journey in starting her own private practice and the lessons she learned along the way. With humour and heart, Michele shares her stories about calling into radio talk shows, how her husband wrote a banjo song for their pandemic puppy, and how she found the courage and support to launch her nature-based, adult mental health private practice. Being gritty Canadian gals, we couldn't help but throw in a couple gems about shiny tractors and monster trucks. I hope you enjoy it and laugh along with us. In this episode, you'll learn: The ups and downs of starting a private practieThe imporance of laughter and having a flexible, curious outlookHow to overcome challenges and stay motivatedThe power of sharing stories and connecting with othersHow to make the most of unexpected opportunitiesAnd what a shiny tractor has to do with it all So grab a cup of coffee or head out for a walk as you get ready to be entertained and inspired by Michele's journey in starting Opening Doors Occupational Therapy. ***** If you're an OT just starting a new business and would like some support in moving forward through those natural sticking points, I'd love to help you like I helped Michele. She had to start turning away work within months of getting started and you can too! Book a time for a quick 15 min chat with me and let's see what we can do.

Get to know trailblazer Keir Harding, an occupational therapist and mental health advocate from the UK who specializes in working with people living with suicidal tendencies and who engage in self-harm as a way of coping. He passionately advocates for individuals while working toward making system-level changes in the way individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder are treated with the goal of reducing stigma and offering more respectful,safer, and more effective treatment in the community. Understanding why people choose the occupations they do is key for making these changes and OTs are well positioned to make these changes. In this episode, Keir provides a sneak preview of his upcoming Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture, "Nothing Grows in Toxic Environments," taking place on Thursday, April 27, 2023. It's free to register for the lecture online, so invite your colleagues, clients, and changemakers to join you. Register here. In addition to the upcoming lecture, we discuss the power of social media in finding a voice and community, and how occupational therapists can be more vocal about the important work we do.    As an OT who coaches other OTs, I love creating a safe space for occupational therapists to thrive. If you're feeling like you're on the verge of burn out and want to find your mojo again, download my Banish Burnout and Find Your Mojo Minibook, and don't hesitate to reach out for more information.

Join Jill Garaffa and I in an expansive discussion about how occupational therapists and coaching. Jill shares her vision for a professional disruption where finding OTs in on staff becomes the norm in corporate settings. We are well equipped to work with individuals and organizations, transforming functional to optimal. Jill is a licensed occupational therapist in New Jersey, USA and an ICF-credentialed professional certified coach.  Jill and I discuss different perspectives on qualifications, certifications and differentiation when it comes to OTs engaging in coaching work. She shares her journey of stepping out of the more traditional medical model of occupational therapy by bringing it into the corporate world and she shares her trade secrets on how she goes about getting her foot in the door.  Join us as we explore the transformative power of OT coaching and its potential to make a difference in the lives of individuals, corporations, organizations, and communities. You can find Jill Garaffa on LinkedIn and in her Facebook Group OT Coaches and on her website www.seedsofchangecoaching.com. My website is www.balanceworks.online and I'd love to hear how you like the show so far. If anything inspires you, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share the episode with some of your OT friends.  If you don't already have it, head over to download my Banish Burnout & Find Your Mojo Minibook.

We all know the uncertainty that surrounds our profession, how we communicate it to others, how we define our scope and impact, how others see our value. Yet I think we deeply know our value and purpose as OTs. In my role supporting OTs in their personal and professional development, I know that this uncertainty sometimes undermines the confidence of OTs, particularly when stepping out of traditional roles and into private practice or emerging roles. What if we reframe that uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a problem? What if we look at it as a way to explore with our clients rather than dictating a path based on our “expert recommendations”? In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, Brad Williams and I dive into the world of occupational therapy and explore how to stand firm in the values of OT and lean into the uncertainty that naturally arises. Brad is an Australian OT and founder of The Becoming Collective, an online community of occupational therapists who are trying to reconnect with the roots of their profession and understand what occupational therapy means to them as individuals. In this interview, Brad shares his insights on the importance of being brave and leaning into uncertainty, the value of understanding your own values and ways of seeing the world, and the role of occupational therapy in nature. He also talks about his vision for The Becoming Collective and how he connects with his own values by creating a community of OTs who are cruising in a similar direction and sharing tools to support each other. Brad and I share a philosophy about doing things imperfectly so that we can learn and grow in the process of implementation and co-creation with our clients, be they traditional recipients of OT services or the OTs in our communities. Join us as we explore the world of occupational therapy and discover the power of embracing uncertainty and leaning into our values. If you're interested in connecting with me, I'd love to hear from you at cneek@balanceworksot.ca or on Facebook As of mid-March 2023, Brad is opening up enrolment for The Becoming Collective so be sure to check it out if you're curious. If you are enjoying the content in this podcast, I'd appreciate a rating or review on your podcast platform or even send an episode to a friend. These actions help the people who need to hear these messages find them. Be BRAVE OTs!