OT Coaching Confidential

The OT Coach Australia
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OT Coaching Confidential - Real conversations. Real growth. Real therapists. Real world. OT Coaching Confidential is a mentoring podcast for occupational therapists and allied health professionals who want honest insight, genuine reflection, and the reassurance that they are not navigating this work alone. Each episode is a real, unscripted one-on-one mentoring session between host Alyce Svensk and an anonymous guest. An honest conversation about where they are right now, what they are working through, and what it looks and feels like to grow as a therapist and professional. Topics span the full breadth of practice life: clinical complexity, building confidence, managing a caseload, stepping into leadership, navigating private practice, career transitions, and everything in between. You will find: Real mentoring conversations grounded in everyday practice Thoughtful questions and gentle reframes that shift perspective Practical strategies you can take straight back into your week Space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with why you do this work Whether you are just starting out, deep in the complexity of clinical work, or building something of your own - there is something here for you. Hosted by Alyce Svensk, paediatric occupational therapist, coach, and founder of The OT Coach Australia. Want to be a guest? Being a guest on OT Coaching Confidential is a real mentoring session with Alyce and your story could be exactly what another OT needs to hear. Guests remain completely anonymous, so you can speak openly and honestly about where you are in your journey. Apply here: https://www.theotcoach.au/podcast-1

  1. 5d ago

    Season 6 Episode 5: Creating a Career That Doesn't Exist Yet: Building an OT Role in Maternal Health

    In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I'm joined by Katie, an occupational therapist with a background in acute, rehabilitation and hospital practice who is building a completely new area of occupational therapy in maternal health.  After experiencing the transition into motherhood herself, Katie recognised a gap in the support available to women recovering from Caesarean birth. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and lived experience, she's now developing a private practice that combines occupational therapy, education and digital resources to support mothers physically, emotionally and practically through one of life's biggest transitions. Together, we explore what it really takes to build a business around an idea that doesn't yet have a roadmap and the difference between having a great clinical concept and creating a service people can access, understand and value. We explore: Identifying an emerging area of occupational therapy practice through lived experience Moving from hospital practice into private practice and business ownership Building referral networks before asking for referrals Defining an ideal client and positioning a service outside traditional OT pathways Designing a client journey that balances education, therapeutic support and sustainable service delivery Using AI as a strategic thinking partner for business planning, marketing and content creation Creating scalable digital resources alongside one-to-one clinical services The practical foundations of private practice, including pricing, Medicare, business systems and client onboarding Key takeaways: Some of the best business ideas begin by solving a problem you've experienced yourself. Creating a new area of practice requires just as much clarity around service design as it does clinical expertise. Building genuine professional relationships comes before building referral pathways. Confidence often follows action not the other way around. AI can become a valuable thinking partner when used for planning, strategy and idea development, not just content writing. A well-designed client journey helps transform knowledge into a sustainable and valuable service. Building a niche business is about testing, refining and learning not waiting until everything feels perfect. Mentioned in this episode: Sensational Start to Setting Up in Private Practice (Verve OT) – A workshop covering pricing, business foundations, funding pathways and setting up a sustainable private practice. Digital Picnic – Practical training and education for building an intentional social media strategy. Claude AI & ChatGPT – Using AI tools as strategic thinking partners for business planning, marketing and content creation. Ready to Boss Legal – Legal templates and resources for Australian online businesses and private practice owners. Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Supporting occupational therapists and allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops and The OT Coach Academy. If this conversation resonated with you and you'd like support through supervision, business mentoring or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.

    Season 6 Episode 5: Creating a Career That Doesn't Exist Yet: Building an OT Role in Maternal Health

  2. Aug 9

    Season 6 Episode 4: Becoming the OT You Already Are: Finding Confidence, Language and Direction

    In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I'm joined by Harry, an occupational therapist working in paediatrics while also holding a pastoral leadership role within his church community. After taking seven years to complete his occupational therapy degree and spending much of his early adulthood mentoring young people, Harry reflects on the transition into professional practice and the challenge many early career therapists face: knowing they are helping clients, but not yet feeling confident explaining exactly why what they are doing works. Two years into practice, Harry is beginning to recognise that many of the relational skills, instincts, and experiences he brings to therapy are not separate from occupational therapy, they are part of it. Together, we explore what happens when lived experience, therapeutic use of self, and professional frameworks start to come together, and how confidence often grows from learning the language behind work you are already doing well. In this conversation, we explore: Bringing previous mentoring, youth work, and pastoral experiences into occupational therapy practice Understanding therapeutic use of self as a genuine clinical skill Clarifying intervention approaches and helping families understand why particular strategies are being chosen Moving beyond one-off supervision questions and towards intentional three-month therapy planning Identifying how you learn best and seeking supervision and professional development opportunities that align with your learning style Navigating uncertainty about future career pathways, including paediatrics, assistive technology, home modifications, and assessment-focused roles Key takeaways Confidence often develops from recognising and naming skills you already possess Being naturally good at connecting with people is a valuable therapeutic skill, not simply a personality trait Supervision, training, and mentoring serve different purposes, and it is okay to ask directly for the support you need Intentional reflection and short-term planning can make complex caseloads feel more manageable You do not need to decide on your long-term career direction early in practice, curiosity and exploration are part of professional growth Mentioned in this episode The Art of Paeds Training The Client Snapshot Tool   Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Supporting allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops, and The OT Coach Academy. If this conversation resonated with you and you would like support through supervision, business mentoring, or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.

    Season 6 Episode 4: Becoming the OT You Already Are: Finding Confidence, Language and Direction

  3. Aug 2

    Season 6 Episode 3: Leading with Heart: Building Boundaries, Teams, and a Sustainable Practice

    In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce is joined by Jessica, a paediatric occupational therapist who built her own private practice from the ground up and is now navigating what it takes to lead well without losing herself in the process. With close to a decade and a half in paediatrics, including a foundational stint at a larger multi-site practice with strong mentoring and supervision, Jessica reflects on how that early model continues to shape the way she trains and supports her own team today. Now leading her practice alongside her husband, she shares openly about the boundaries she's had to build with staff and with herself, the discomfort of renegotiating long-standing relationships as the business has grown, and learning to see profit as something that protects her team rather than something to feel guilty about. We explore The personal experience that shaped Jessica's path into occupational therapy Moving from clinician to business owner, and the boundaries that takes Setting boundaries with staff, and with herself, as a heart-led leader The shift in long-standing staff relationships from personal to professional Why being a great clinician doesn't automatically make you a great supervisor Reframing profit as protective rather than something to feel guilty about Building a team culture where ongoing learning is the expectation, not optional Key takeaways Caring deeply about your team doesn't mean ignoring the financial reality of running a business Being an excellent clinician and being an effective supervisor are different skills, and the second one needs to be taught Staff don't carry the same risk or emotional investment in the business that you do, and that's not a reflection of how much they care A safe boss still holds boundaries, even when it's uncomfortable Documenting your values and ways of working makes it easier for new staff to buy in from day one Mentioned in this episode Michelle Bihary's work on lifelong learning and professional development: michellebiharyhealth.com Gerda's episode "Dealing with Rejection as a Practice Owner" on The Private Practice Success Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oJg7RLtlvynXtIcPIsILM The Business Hub Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Supporting allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops, and The OT Coach Academy. If this conversation resonated with you and you would like support through supervision, business mentoring, or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.

    Season 6 Episode 3: Leading with Heart: Building Boundaries, Teams, and a Sustainable Practice

  4. Jul 26

    Season 6 Episode 2: Finding Your Niche, Managing Burnout and Building Sustainable Practice as a Paediatric OT

    This week I am joined by C, a paediatric OT working in a subcontracting role, and we talk about what happens when you love the clinical work but the systems around it are slowly wearing you down. In this episode we discuss: Finding your clinical niche and why specialising can be a protective factor Moral burnout and the difference between caseload overwhelm and systems overwhelm Navigating anticipated NDIS changes with your existing clients Becoming the primary anchor for complex families and what to do about it The "extra extra" - above-and-beyond work that isn't contracted or contained Written communication load and how to manage it with a neurodivergent caseload Termly planning as an energy management tool Professional development pathways toward mental health OT endorsement Key takeaways: Specialising aligns your PD, supervision, and clinical reasoning - it is protective, not limiting Moral burnout has a different source to caseload burnout - naming it matters A priority pyramid helps you define your role within a client's care team intentionally Responsiveness becomes a liability when it is the reason families value you A brief acknowledgement response is often enough - not every email needs a full reply Termly planning does not need explicit goals - it can be your own internal orientation for each family The OTA mental health OT training builds boundary frameworks, not just clinical content Mentioned in this episode: Michelle Bihary - moral burnout: michellebiharyhealth.com OTA Mental Health Foundations training: otaus.com.au/cpd-and-events/cpd/mental-health-foundations Client Snapshot Tool: theotcoach.au/otcoachlibrary If this episode resonated and you would like support through supervision, business mentoring, or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.

    Season 6 Episode 2: Finding Your Niche, Managing Burnout and Building Sustainable Practice as a Paediatric OT

  5. Jul 19

    Season 6 Episode 1: The First Hire: Growing a Practice and Growing as a Leader

    In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I'm joined by Chris, an occupational therapist running his own small private practice specialising in home modifications and assistive technology. Chris has been working for himself full-time since 2023, building steadily from a standing start during COVID into a practice with subcontractors, a full-time VA, and a part-time support person. Now, with his first full-time employee, a new graduate OT is about to start, Chris is stepping into a new chapter of his business and a new identity as a clinical leader. Together, we explore what it really looks like to grow a small OT practice intentionally, and what it takes to bring on and support a new graduate well. We explore: Building a small OT practice from the ground up in the NDIS and aged care space The realities of recruiting in a challenging market, even when you are doing everything right The difference between onboarding an experienced therapist and genuinely teaching a new graduate Training versus supervision, and why they are not the same thing Building clinical reasoning, not just clinical tasks Documenting competency in a way that supports both the new grad and the practice Structuring your week to absorb the demands of leadership without burning out Using existing systems and team members more strategically as you grow What it means to think clearly about the business you are actually trying to build Key takeaways: Recruiting is hard even when you are doing everything right - persistence matters more than strategy in the current market Bringing on a new graduate is a leadership transition, not just a hiring decision Training and supervision are different functions and need to be held separately Teaching clinical reasoning requires making your own thinking visible, not just delegating tasks Competency frameworks do not have to be complex - a simple sign-off checklist goes a long way A dedicated onboarding block, even just two weeks, can reduce the pressure of trying to do everything at once Growth requires a clear vision of what you are building, not just a desire to be bigger Employer brand starts with having a team to show Mentioned in this episode: Gerda Muller's podcast on building a self-running business Verve OT training modules for foundational NDIS knowledge ATSA and competency framework development in the assistive technology space The Health Professionals and Support Services Award and what changes at the middle management tier mean for small practices Using a VA strategically to manage contractor check-ins and reduce clinical leadership load Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Supporting allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops, and The OT Coach Academy. If this conversation resonated with you and you would like support through supervision, business mentoring, or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.

    Season 6 Episode 1: The First Hire: Growing a Practice and Growing as a Leader

  6. Apr 5

    Season 5 Episode 9: Growing a Practice Without Losing Yourself

    In this final episode of OT Coaching Confidential Season 5, I’m joined by Rochelle, an experienced paediatric occupational therapist who has recently taken a significant next step in her business journey. After years of building a strong trauma-informed paediatric caseload as a sole trader, Rochelle has just transitioned into company structure and brought on her first employee. What sounds exciting on paper also brings a very real shift in identity, workload, and responsibility. Alongside holding her own long-term caseload of children and families with complex trauma backgrounds, Rochelle is now navigating onboarding, supervision, service agreements, business systems, payroll, and the invisible emotional load of becoming the person responsible for both clients and another therapist. This conversation explores what happens in those first few weeks after your first hire, when your clinical work remains full but the business suddenly demands a whole new layer of leadership and structure. We explore: Transitioning from Sole Trader to Company Structure Onboarding and Supervising a First Therapist Building a Caseload Intentionally Rather Than Reactively The Emotional Load of Trauma-Informed Paediatric Practic Boundaries Around Phone Calls, Emails, and Crisis Communicatio Balancing Client Care with Business Sustainabilit Planning Systems for Future Growth Including Clinic and Admin Support Key takeaways: Your First Hire Changes Your Role as Much as Your Business Supervision Needs Clear Structure and Intentional Tapering Responsive Care Does Not Mean Being Constantly Available Boundaries Protect Both Clinician Wellbeing and Service Quality Sustainable Growth Requires Systems Before Expansion Mentioned in this episode: The Master Timetable / Paper Planning Tool The OT Coach Business Hub Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Supporting occupational therapists and allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops, and The OT Coach Academy. If this conversation resonated with you and you’d like support through supervision, business mentoring, or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au  to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you.

  7. Mar 29

    Season 5 Episode 8: Stepping Into Private Practice: Navigating Autonomy, Admin, and Sustainability in Mental Health OT

    In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I’m joined by Marie, an experienced occupational therapist who has recently transitioned from hospital and community mental health into private practice. With over 15 years of experience, Marie reflects on the shift from structured public health roles into the autonomy of private work. While the transition has brought flexibility and creative freedom, it has also introduced new challenges particularly around business systems, financial management, and the invisible load of admin. Together, we explore what it really looks like to build a sustainable mental health OT practice while balancing clinical care, business responsibilities, and personal life. We explore: Transitioning from public mental health roles into private practice The emotional and cognitive load of managing admin, finances, and systems independently Navigating payment boundaries and discomfort around money conversations Structuring caseloads across NDIS, Medicare, and private clients Letting go of work streams that don’t align (e.g., functional capacity assessments) The tension between flexibility, family life, and financial sustainability Using tools (like AI and practice software) to reduce admin burden The difference between “being the therapist” and “running the business” Key takeaways: A smooth clinical transition doesn’t always mean a well-structured business foundation Discomfort around money is common and requires clear, consistent systems Not all work streams are worth keeping, alignment matters more than opportunity Admin overwhelm is often a mix of clinical and business tasks, not just “extra work” External accountability (deadlines, supervision, structure) supports follow-through Autonomy is powerful but requires intentional boundaries and decision-making AI and digital tools can reduce cognitive load when used intentionally Sustainable practice comes from aligning workload, income, and lifestyle priorities Mentioned in this episode: Halaxy practice management system (invoicing, Medicare, client management) ChatGPT and AI tools for documentation, planning, and communication “She’s on the Money” podcast (financial literacy and planning) The concept of separating you from the business when setting boundaries Virtual assistants vs. clinical admin realities Financial planning, payroll setup, and income structuring for private practitioners Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia Supporting occupational therapists and allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops, and The OT Coach Academy. If this conversation resonated with you and you’d like support through supervision, business mentoring, or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au  to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you.

  8. Mar 22

    Season 5 Episode 7: Building a Values-Led Practice: Slowing Down, Backing Yourself, and Letting It Unfold

    In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce is joined by Sophia, an experienced occupational therapist who is navigating early private practice while holding the weight of past system reform, identity shifts, and changing personal priorities. With over a decade of experience across government disability services, hospitals, schools, and child development teams, Sophia reflects on how previous large-scale funding changes continue to shape her response to uncertainty today and how those experiences have also deeply strengthened her clinical reasoning and adaptability. Now running a small private practice alongside motherhood, she shares openly about reclaiming joy and creativity in her work, redefining professional success, and building a service that aligns with her values rather than external expectations. We explore Living at a point of clinical mastery and why familiarity can feel unsettling The emotional imprint of past system reform and how it resurfaces during current NDIS uncertainty Identity shifts as OT becomes part of life rather than the whole of it Neurodiversity-affirming, relational, and nervous-system-informed practice Transitioning from government services into values-based private practice Navigating Medicare, NDIS, and private funding without shrinking clinical ambition Contracting, intentionality, and clarity in parent-focused work Holding space, slowing down, and trusting professional judgement Building sustainability without pressure to grow faster than feels right Key takeaways Feeling unsettled at a point of competence is often a sign of growth, not failure You don’t need to know everything before stepping into private practice Intentional contracting supports confidence, boundaries, and clinical clarity Presence and relationship are powerful therapeutic tools Success in private practice can be defined by alignment, flexibility, and values not just income or growth Mentioned in this episode Alyce’s Caregiver Capacity Framework The Therapy Conversation Planning Tool Contracting and intentionality in therapy delivery Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Supporting occupational therapists and allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops, and The OT Coach Academy. If this conversation resonated with you and you’d like support through supervision, reflective practice, or business mentoring, visit www.theotcoach.au to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you.

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About

OT Coaching Confidential - Real conversations. Real growth. Real therapists. Real world. OT Coaching Confidential is a mentoring podcast for occupational therapists and allied health professionals who want honest insight, genuine reflection, and the reassurance that they are not navigating this work alone. Each episode is a real, unscripted one-on-one mentoring session between host Alyce Svensk and an anonymous guest. An honest conversation about where they are right now, what they are working through, and what it looks and feels like to grow as a therapist and professional. Topics span the full breadth of practice life: clinical complexity, building confidence, managing a caseload, stepping into leadership, navigating private practice, career transitions, and everything in between. You will find: Real mentoring conversations grounded in everyday practice Thoughtful questions and gentle reframes that shift perspective Practical strategies you can take straight back into your week Space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with why you do this work Whether you are just starting out, deep in the complexity of clinical work, or building something of your own - there is something here for you. Hosted by Alyce Svensk, paediatric occupational therapist, coach, and founder of The OT Coach Australia. Want to be a guest? Being a guest on OT Coaching Confidential is a real mentoring session with Alyce and your story could be exactly what another OT needs to hear. Guests remain completely anonymous, so you can speak openly and honestly about where you are in your journey. Apply here: https://www.theotcoach.au/podcast-1

Information

  • Creator
    The OT Coach Australia
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The OT Coach Australia
  • Show Website
    OT Coaching Confidential

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