Health Coach OT

Jaclyn Schwartz
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Health Coach OT is a podcast for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who want to strengthen their clinical practice using coaching skills — without leaving the profession. Hosted by Jaclyn Schwartz, PhD, OTR/L, NBC-HWC, the show explores how health coaching can fit within everyday occupational therapy practice. We discuss behavior change, chronic disease management, self-management, participation, and helping clients take more ownership in their care. This podcast is not about rebranding as a life coach or exiting healthcare. It is about practicing differently — shifting from directing change to supporting it in a way that is ethical, grounded, and aligned with occupational therapy scope. If you are an occupational therapist who cares about strong clinical reasoning, clear professional identity, and better long-term outcomes, this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    10 Why Carryover Determines Occupational Therapy Outcomes (And How Coaching Skills Help)

    Most occupational therapy outcomes are decided outside the session. In this episode, I explore why carryover — what clients actually do in daily life — matters more than in-session performance, and how coaching skills support real-life change in OT practice. Occupational therapy practitioners are trained to design effective sessions. But clients spend far more time navigating real routines, real barriers, and real environments without us. If an intervention doesn’t carry over into daily life, it doesn’t produce meaningful outcomes. Using the example of missed home exercise programs (HEPs), I discuss why “noncompliance” is often just information. When a client says they didn’t follow through, that moment reveals habits, readiness, context, and feasibility. Coaching-informed occupational therapy helps us slow down, ask better questions, and adjust interventions based on real life. In this episode, we discuss: - Why carryover determines occupational therapy outcomes - How productivity-driven systems prioritize visible performance - Why missed home programs are data, not failure - Where coaching skills naturally live in OT practice - Why coaching conversations can feel uncomfortable - How coaching strengthens therapeutic use of self This episode is for occupational therapy practitioners who want to support behavior change and participation without leaving OT scope. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Carryover vs in-session performance 05:00 – The missed home exercise program moment 08:30 – “Noncompliance” as information 10:30 – Coaching conversations in OT 12:00 – Productivity systems and discomfort 13:24 – Closing reflections 📥 Resources Download the OT Coaching Intervention Framework & Subscribe to the weekly newsletter: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1667608/160601731305047244/share 🔎 Hashtags #OccupationalTherapy #OTPractice #OccupationalTherapyCoaching #BehaviorChange #HealthCoachOT

    14 min

  2. 09/18/2025

    9 Three Health Coaching Career Paths Every OT Practitioner Should Consider

    Tired of being stuck in the traditional occupational therapy system with limited autonomy over your schedule, interventions, and client outcomes? Discover three distinct health coaching career paths that leverage your unique OT background while offering flexibility, remote work opportunities, or the potential to earn more than traditional OT salaries. In This Episode: Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz breaks down three health coaching career paths specifically designed for occupational therapy practitioners, each with different benefits, challenges, and income potentials. What You'll Learn: Path #1: Employee Health Coach - Work remotely for established companies like insurance providers or health tech startups, with immediate income and flexible scheduling Path #2: Independent Health Coaching Practice - Build your own business with unlimited income potential and complete autonomy over your practice Path #3: Integrated Coaching Skills - Enhance your current OT practice with evidence-based coaching techniques for better client outcomes Key Takeaways: - Why OTs are naturally suited for health coaching roles due to their training in activity analysis, behavior change, and client-centered care - How health coaches can work across state lines and provide services both in-person and online - The advantage of coaching scope allowing broader geographic reach compared to traditional OT practice - How these paths aren't mutually exclusive - you can combine approaches to build a career that works for your life Who This Episode Is For: - Occupational therapy practitioners experiencing burnout in traditional settings - OTs seeking geographic flexibility and remote work opportunities Practitioners wanting to enhance their clinical effectiveness with coaching skills - Allied health professionals interested in expanding beyond traditional interventions Resources Mentioned: Health Coach OT website: www.healthcoachot.com Weekly newsletter with evidence-based coaching tips and updates on our health coaching certificate for occupational therapy practitioners. Connect with Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz: Website: healthcoachot.com Email newsletter for coaching tips and early access to programs

    7 min

  3. 09/11/2025

    8 From Traditional OT to ADHD Coach

    Discover how an OT enhanced her approach to ADHD treatment by shifting from traditional one-hour weekly sessions to comprehensive family coaching that creates lasting change. In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz interviews Julia Welter, an occupational therapist who made the bold transition from traditional pediatric OT practice to specialized ADHD coaching. Julia shares her journey from archaeology student to ADHD expert, revealing why the traditional therapy model wasn't enough to create the lasting change families desperately needed. What You'll Learn: - Why traditional one-hour weekly OT sessions have significant limitations for ADHD treatment - The key differences between treating the child versus coaching the entire family system - How to identify performance deficits in children with ADHD beyond the obvious hyperactivity symptoms - Practical intervention strategies that parents can implement throughout the week - The strengths-based approach that transforms how we view ADHD - Essential resources and next steps for OTs interested in ADHD coaching Guest Bio: Julia Welter is an occupational therapist with seven years of experience in outpatient pediatric settings. She specializes in working with families navigating ADHD challenges and has developed a coaching approach that empowers parents with the tools and strategies typically reserved for therapy sessions. Her business, Wildly Brilliant Brains, focuses on helping families understand and support the unique ADHD brain. Connect with Julia: Instagram: @WildlyBrilliantBrains Facebook: Wildly Brilliant Brains 🎯 TAKE ACTION: If this episode inspired you to explore ADHD coaching or expand your approach with neurodivergent families, we want to hear from you! - Share your biggest takeaway on social media using #HealthCoachOT and tag @healthcoachot & @wildlybrilliantbrains - Connect with fellow listeners who are also expanding beyond traditional interventions - Have a question for Dr. Schwartz? Send it to jaclyn@healthcoachot.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode - Know an OT who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a colleague who works with ADHD families Stay Connected: Website: www.healthcoachot.com Instagram: @healthcoachot Email: jaclyn@healthcoachot.com ⭐ Love the show? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your reviews help other therapists discover these game-changing approaches to client care.

    18 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    7 Coaching in Early Intervention Occpational Therapy

    Join Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz as she speaks with Dr. Katie Bogan, an early intervention occupational therapist. Katie share more about her life as an early intervention OT, and she discusses coaching techniques that she uses in practice. This episode is perfect for therapists who want to see practical examples of how coaching tools like motivational interviewing, the stages of change model, and permission-based coaching can transform client relationships and outcomes. Guest Bio Dr. Katie Bogan is an occupational therapist who found her calling in early intervention as a second career. She specializes in working with families of young children with developmental delays in their homes, daycares, and community settings. Katie is also founder of HelloJoyOT.com, a mentorship network for early intervention occupational therapists. Key Topics Discussed - Early Intervention Model - How early intervention differs from traditional therapy approaches - Family coaching model vs. direct service delivery - Working in natural environments (homes, daycares, community) - Embedding strategies within existing family routines - Motivational interviewing in early intervention - Assessing family readiness for change using the transtheoretical model - Permission-based interventions that respect client autonomy - Practical examples of coaching language and techniques during therapy visits - Why coaching skills enhance rather than replace OT clinical expertise Key Quotes - "Instead of going in and working directly with a child, I am going in and working with a family while the family works with the child." - "It's very much meeting the family where they are, seeing what tools they have available, what have they already tried, what's working, and then meeting them with strategies that they can use that are reasonable and practical for their family." - "All the milestones, like you can work on milestones all day long, but at the end of the day, what really matters to human experience is relationships." Resources Mentioned Takeaways for OT Practitioners - Expand Your Toolbox: Learn coaching skills alongside clinical expertise to better serve families - Think Systems: Consider the whole family system, not just the child with delays - Cultural Humility: Recognize that Western developmental norms aren't universal truths - Flexibility is Key: Be prepared to adapt your approach based on family needs and circumstances - Relationships Matter: Focus on connection and relationships as much as developmental milestones Resources: Child of Mine by Ellyn Satter - Recommended approach to feeding babies and toddlers Zero to Three - https://www.zerotothree.org/ HelloJoyOT.com - https://hellojoyot.com/ Connect with Katie Website: www.HelloJoyOT.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellojoyot/ Email: Katie@HelloJoyOT.com Connect with Jaclyn Website: www.HealthCoachOT.com Email: jaclyn@healthcoachot.com

    24 min

  5. 08/19/2025

    6 What is Health Coaching? A primer for occupational therapists

    In this foundational episode, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz explores the intersection of occupational therapy and health coaching, providing essential knowledge for practitioners ready to transform their approach to chronic disease management. Learn how health coaching can enhance your OT practice and create lasting behavior change with your clients. Key Topics Covered - What is Health Coaching? - Why Health Coaching Matters for OTs - Health Coaching vs. Traditional OT Approach - Scope of Practice Considerations - Evidence Base - Application Across OT Settings - Getting Started: Next Steps - Addressing Common Concerns Key Takeaways Health coaching enhances rather than replaces OT clinical skills Addresses the "why" behind behavioral change, not just the "what" Focuses on sustainable, long-term habit formation Leverages OTPs' existing strengths in client-centered, holistic care Creates opportunities for deeper impact with chronic disease management Resources & Contact Host Contact: Jaclyn@healthcoachot.com Website: www.healthcoachot.com Ready to expand what's possible in your OT practice? Join the newsletter at healthcoachot.com for weekly tips and updates on upcoming certification programs designed specifically for occupational therapy professionals. References and Resources Wayne, N., et al. (2015). Health coaching reduces HbA1c in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Patient Education and Counseling, 98(9), 1123-1129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2015.04.004 Whittemore, R., et al. (2020). A systematic review of the effects of nurse-led diabetes self-management interventions. Patient Education and Counseling, 103(6), 1157-1172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2020.01.014 Angermayr, L., et al. (2018). Multidisciplinary disease management programs in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Cardiology, 266, 226-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.04.010 Graham, F., et al. (2018). Coaching skills training with occupational therapists: A mixed methods pilot study. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 25(5), 362-370. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2017.1409261 Poulsen, A. A., et al. (2019). Coaching approaches in occupational therapy for children with developmental coordination disorder. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 39(4), 384-402. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2018.1541906 Rosenberg, L., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of occupational therapy using coaching versus standard care for children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 176(5), 438-445. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.6845 National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching: https://nbhwc.org

    13 min

  6. 05/07/2025

    5 Addressing Sleep in Occupational Therapy: Expert Tips from a Sleep Specialist

    In this conversation, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz and sleep expert Louise Berger discuss the critical role of sleep in rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. They explore various sleep disorders, the importance of identifying sleep issues in clients, and the effective interventions available, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). The discussion emphasizes the need for occupational therapists to expand their practice to include sleep assessments and interventions, overcoming barriers to address sleep health in their clients. Connect with Louise on LinkedIn Takeaways - Sleep is essential for physical and psychological health. - Occupational therapists can play a vital role in sleep interventions. - Insomnia is often misunderstood and requires specific criteria for diagnosis. - The Three P's model helps understand the development of insomnia. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is highly effective for treatment. - Sleep hygiene is just one aspect of managing sleep disorders. - Identifying sleep issues starts with simple questions about sleep habits. - Sleep disorders can have significant societal and economic impacts. - Taking the fear out of sleep can improve outcomes for clients. - Starting small with sleep interventions can lead to significant improvements.   00:00 - The Importance of Sleep 07:02 - Sleep Terminology 13:31 - The 3 P Model of Insomnia 17:21 - Evaluating for Sleep Disorders 22:57 - Sleepiness vs Tiredness 25:36 - Interventions for Sleep Improvement 27:28 - CBT for Insomnia 29:32 - Sleep Interventions in General Medical Settings 30:26 - Intervention - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia 31:10 - Intervention - Removing Fear 33:28 - Intervention - Sleep Diaries 36:42 - Intervention - Don't Chase Sleep 39:54 - Overcoming Barriers to Address Sleep in Clinical Practice 42:13 - Resources for Continuing Education 45:17 - Finding Louise Online   Keywords #sleep, #rehabilitation, #occupational therapy #insomnia, #sleepdisorders #sleepbetter #healthcoaching #chronicdisease

    43 min

  7. 04/23/2025

    4 The 15-Minute Finish: Streamlining Documentation & Enhancing Client Outcomes

    In this episode of The Health Coach OT, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz shares a game-changing technique for occupational therapists and rehabilitation professionals: The 15-Minute Finish. This practical approach helps therapists complete documentation during sessions while simultaneously improving patient education and increasing home program adherence. Episode Highlights: - The Challenge: End-of-day documentation struggles, forgotten session details, and poor client follow-through - The Solution: A structured 15-minute session conclusion that serves multiple purposes - Setup Requirements: Positioning documentation systems for shared viewing and planning session timing - Component 1: Client-led session review (5-7 minutes) that facilitates active recall and authentic documentation - Component 2: Collaborative home program development (5 minutes) with SMART goals and confidence checks - Component 3: Setting the stage for effective follow-up at the next session Benefits: - For Practitioners: Reduced documentation time, clearer understanding of client perspectives, and more efficient patient education - For Clients: Increased engagement, better carryover between sessions, improved understanding of treatment purpose, and greater ownership of rehabilitation Resources: Download a free comprehensive guide with scripts, examples, and a printable cheat sheet at https://www.healthcoachot.com/15min Connect with Jaclyn Email: jaclyn@healthcoachot.com Instagram: @healthcoachOT About The Health Coach OT: The Health Coach OT podcast provides evidence-based coaching tips and resources for managing chronic disease in rehabilitation. Host Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz, an occupational therapist, scientist, board-certified health coach, and educator, explores how to expand traditional rehabilitation boundaries to address root causes of chronic disease through evidence-based approaches to nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and visit healthcoachot.com for more resources.

    10 min

  8. 04/14/2025

    3 Decoding 1099 vs W2 Jobs: A Guide for Making Informed Employment Decisions

    Episode Summary In this episode of The Health Coach OT, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz interviews Matthew Shiebler, CPA, about the financial implications of W-2 employment versus 1099 independent contractor status for healthcare professionals. Matthew, with over 25 years of accounting experience and specialization in working with therapy professionals, provides valuable insights into the pros and cons of each employment classification, helping listeners make informed decisions about their career paths. Key Points Discussed Fundamental differences between W-2 and 1099 status: W-2 employees: Employer withholds taxes and matches Social Security and Medicare contributions 1099 contractors: Responsible for paying all taxes themselves, including self-employment tax W-2 employees qualify for unemployment benefits; 1099 contractors typically don't Benefits considerations: W-2 positions often include health insurance and retirement contributions 1099 contractors must arrange their own benefits but have more flexibility in choosing plans Some retirement options (like SEP IRA or Solo K plans) offer 1099 contractors greater tax advantages Tax implications: 1099 contractors can deduct business expenses on Schedule C Recent tax law changes eliminated unreimbursed employee expense deductions for W-2 employees Cell phones, mileage, and other work expenses may be deductible for 1099 contractors Evaluating offers: Compare total compensation packages (salary plus benefits for W-2 vs. higher hourly rate for 1099) Consider the value of employer-provided benefits versus the flexibility of choosing your own Factor in tax implications and additional expenses when comparing offers Red flags when considering 1099 positions: Employers who pay you as a 1099 contractor but treat you like a W-2 employee Lack of written contracts Unclear malpractice insurance coverage Poor reputation for timely payments or regulatory compliance Practical Tips Create a spreadsheet to compare the total value of different employment offers Consider forming an LLC if working as a 1099 contractor to legitimize your business status Always get contracts in writing and clarify who covers malpractice insurance Research potential employers by speaking with current contractors before accepting positions Determine if combining a W-2 position with a 1099 "side hustle" might be the best approach About the Guest Matthew Shiebler, CPA, is the owner of Interactive Accountants and has been practicing accounting for over 25 years. His firm specializes in working with healthcare professionals, including occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Matthew has extensive experience helping therapy professionals navigate HIPAA-compliant bookkeeping, identifying valuable tax deductions, and making strategic financial decisions. Resources Mentioned For income tax services or more information, contact Matthew Shiebler at info@ia.tax Connect with The Health Coach OT Website: www.healthcoachot.com Instagram: @HealthCoachOT Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights and updates If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review. For free resources, visit www.healthcoachot.com and join our newsletter for weekly insights and updates on integrating coaching into your healthcare practice. #OccupationalTherapy #physicaltherapy #speechlanguagepathology #healthcoaching #taxes #1099 #w2 #accounting #cpa #jobsearch

    20 min

  9. 03/31/2025

    2 Addressing Health & Wellness in Acute Care

    In this conversation, Sonoe Oft, an experienced occupational therapist, shares insights into the complexities of working and addressing health behaviors and chronic disease self management in an acute care setting. She discusses the daily routines of an OT, the challenges of treating chronic health conditions, and the importance of incorporating lifestyle changes into patient care. The conversation also highlights the significance of building rapport with patients, understanding their needs, and the role of self-care for therapists. Sonoe emphasizes the need for continuous education and resources to enhance practice in acute care. Takeaways - Lab values can indicate mismanagement of chronic conditions. - Building rapport with patients is crucial for effective interventions. - Lifestyle changes should be approached gently and gradually. - Time constraints in acute care can limit intervention opportunities. - Documenting lifestyle interventions is essential for continuity of care. - Coaching techniques can enhance patient engagement in therapy. - Self-care for therapists is vital for providing quality patient care. Chapters 01:54 Typical Day in Acute Care 03:25 Populations served in acute care 04:25 Evaluation in Acute Care for Health Behaviors 07:29 Intervention in Acute Care for Lifestyle Factors 11:44 Barriers to Lifestyle Changes in Hospital Settings 13:42 Documenting Health Behavior Interventions in Acute Care 14:29 Length of Care 16:41 Incorporating Health Coaching Techniques 17:26 One small thing to implement today 19:10 Resources for continued learning 22:18 How to connect with Sonoe Keywords occupational therapy, acute care, chronic health conditions, lifestyle changes, patient evaluation, healthcare education, therapy interventions, patient mindset, coaching techniques, healthcare resources

    24 min
  10. 1 Why I became a health coach

    03/30/2025

    1 Why I became a health coach

    In this conversation, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz shares her journey from being a frustrated occupational therapist in acute care to becoming a health coach focused on chronic disease management. She discusses the gaps in the healthcare system that she observed, particularly in supporting patients with chronic conditions, and how her experiences led her to pursue further education and training in health coaching. Dr. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of addressing lifestyle factors and providing comprehensive support to patients, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare practices and the needs of individuals managing chronic diseases.   Takeaways - The healthcare system often addresses symptoms rather than root causes. - There is a significant gap in support for patients with chronic conditions. - Health coaching can provide the necessary support for lifestyle changes. - Education and training in health coaching can enhance occupational therapy practices. - Many health coaches lack training for medically complex individuals. - Comprehensive support is essential for managing chronic diseases effectively. - Occupational therapists can expand their roles through health coaching.   Episode Quotes "The care we're trained to provide doesn't feel complete."   Chapters 00:00 - About Today's Episode 03:46 - Bridging the Gap: From Research to Practice 05:02 - Transformative Coaching: A New Approach to Health 06:07 - Empowering Change: Supporting Healthcare Providers and Patients 06:49 - Introduction to Evidence-Based Coaching 06:49 - Resources for Managing Chronic Disease

    7 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Health Coach OT is a podcast for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who want to strengthen their clinical practice using coaching skills — without leaving the profession. Hosted by Jaclyn Schwartz, PhD, OTR/L, NBC-HWC, the show explores how health coaching can fit within everyday occupational therapy practice. We discuss behavior change, chronic disease management, self-management, participation, and helping clients take more ownership in their care. This podcast is not about rebranding as a life coach or exiting healthcare. It is about practicing differently — shifting from directing change to supporting it in a way that is ethical, grounded, and aligned with occupational therapy scope. If you are an occupational therapist who cares about strong clinical reasoning, clear professional identity, and better long-term outcomes, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Jaclyn Schwartz
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Health Coach OT