Function First Care

Dinuli Senaratne
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Function First Care Podcast is where meaningful conversations meet practical healthcare insights. Hosted by Occupational Therapist and Founder Dinuli Senaratne, this podcast features expert guests, inspiring stories, and evidence-based discussions on occupational therapy, disability support, wellbeing, leadership, and inclusive healthcare. Each episode is designed to empower healthcare professionals, individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, more independent lives.

  1. 22h ago

    What Do We Actually Mean by 'Meaningful Participation"?

    What Do We Actually Mean by "Meaningful Participation"? "Occupation" is core vocabulary in occupational therapy — but whose definition are we actually using? In this episode, Hayley Brackley joins me to unpack how achievement culture follows us from childhood into adulthood. Dance lessons become exams. Football becomes performance. Music becomes grades. We don't encourage children to play an instrument because they love the music — we encourage them to get through their exams. So what happens when you're 20, 30, 40, 50 and you just want to go for a walk? Somehow even that has to be justified. Did you hit your step count? Burn enough calories? Listen to a podcast? Make a phone call while you were out? Walk up a hill to make it "count"? Because a walk for fresh air — nothing in your ears, just the sound of what's around you — should be enough. And that, in itself, is meaningful participation. We talk about stepping back from our own assumptions, holding the individual in front of us in mind, and letting movement be movement again. A conversation about person-centred practice, unproductive rest, and the walk that didn't need to earn anything. Guest: Hayley Brackley — an all-round legend in this space, working across social media to share practical, neuroaffirmative thinking with people who need it most. 🔗 Connect with Hayley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleythebrackley/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-brackley/X: https://x.com/HayleyBrackleyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayley.brackley 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and if this resonated, leave a review — it genuinely helps.

    What Do We Actually Mean by 'Meaningful Participation"?

  2. 2d ago

    When Work Doesn’t Work for You: Neurodivergence, Burnout and Workplace Change

    Part 2 In this episode, we speak with ⁠Deoné Duffy⁠, a coach and facilitator who helps people explore how they work, navigate change, and respond to the complexity of the systems around them. Deoné offers one-to-one coaching, monthly group coaching, and strategic-thinking spaces for teams and leaders going through change. After many years working as an accountant, Deoné understands how work demands and structures can affect our health, capacity, and choices. We talk about moving forward thoughtfully, and about creating a life that works for you and for the people around you. Deoné’s Human Space is a monthly ⁠group coaching space ⁠for people navigating fluctuating capacity, offered on a choose-your-contribution basis. Find out more or join a free session via her website. You can also book a free chemistry call at ⁠www.deoneduffy.com/book20⁠. Resources mentioned in the episode Books Why We Sleep — Matthew WalkerBrain Energy — Christopher M. Palmer (with a note of caution about deficit-focused language)Move! — Caroline WilliamsInner Sense — Caroline WilliamsBreath — James NestorPodcast ⁠Mast Cell Matters — Dr. Tania Dempsey⁠Find Deoné on ⁠LinkedIn⁠, or explore her⁠ group coaching and short workshops ⁠through her website.

  3. Oct 20

    It Wasn’t Just Burnout: Autism, MCAS & Finding the Right Environment — with Giona Duffy

    In this episode, we speak with Deoné Duffy, a coach and facilitator who helps people explore how they work, navigate change, and respond to the complexity of the systems around them. Deoné offers one-to-one coaching, monthly group coaching, and strategic-thinking spaces for teams and leaders going through change. After many years working as an accountant, Deoné understands how work demands and structures can affect our health, capacity, and choices. We talk about moving forward thoughtfully, and about creating a life that works for you and for the people around you. Deoné’s Human Space is a monthly group coaching space for people navigating fluctuating capacity, offered on a choose-your-contribution basis. Find out more or join a free session via her website. You can also book a free chemistry call at www.deoneduffy.com/book20. Resources mentioned in the episode Books Why We Sleep — Matthew WalkerBrain Energy — Christopher M. Palmer (with a note of caution about deficit-focused language)Move! — Caroline WilliamsInner Sense — Caroline WilliamsBreath — James NestorPodcast Mast Cell Matters — Dr. Tania DempseyFind Deoné on LinkedIn, or explore her group coaching and short workshops through her website.

  4. Oct 18

    The Diagnosis That Changed Everything: ADHD, Burnout & The Lies We Believe About Productivity

    Sarah is an EMCC-accredited coach, certified ADHD/AuDHD coach, and experienced facilitator and consultant.Since her own late ADHD diagnosis in 2023, she has been on a journey that has seen her leave her decade-long corporate career and found a business dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals thrive, whether that’s through 1:1 coaching, or transforming the working environments they exist in through workshops, training & supervision, and in-depth support to become more neurodiversity-friendly.She’s worked with clients across the UK and across sectors, from the food and drink industry to professional services and legal sector.https://www.londonpsychiatry.clinic/s...https://www.adhdworks.info/advancedau...https://www.neurodivergentworks.com/w...

  5. Oct 14

    The Diagnosis That Changed Everything: ADHD, Burnout & The Lies We Believe About Productivity. Part 1

    Sarah is an EMCC-accredited coach, certified ADHD/AuDHD coach, and experienced facilitator and consultant. Since her own late ADHD diagnosis in 2023, she has been on a journey that has seen her leave her decade-long corporate career and found a business dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals thrive, whether that’s through 1:1 coaching, or transforming the working environments they exist in through workshops, training & supervision, and in-depth support to become more neurodiversity-friendly. She’s worked with clients across the UK and across sectors, from the food and drink industry to professional services and legal sector. https://www.londonpsychiatry.clinic/specialists/sarah-castor-perry https://www.adhdworks.info/advancedaudhdcoachdirectory/sarah-castor-perry https://www.neurodivergentworks.com/why-neuroinclusion-is-not-a-one-off-training-session/

  6. Oct 11

    Perimenopause, hormones & mental health: the gap our systems still ignore

    Tracey supports women's mental health through nature connected 1-1 coaching and group mindful walks for overwhelmed women. Before setting up her own business Mother Nature Coaching in 2025 she worked in the NHS for over 30 years. She is a mental health occupational therapist who progressed to senior leadership roles in service improvement programmes across mental health and maternity services. Her passion for this career was driven by her personal experience of postpartum psychosis.  She is a trustee for specialist national charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis who raise awareness of the illness and provide support. She has told her story in the media to raise awareness and trained as a peer supporter. Tracey’s journey into professional coaching and nature connection was a response to workplace burnout alongside managing perimenopause symptoms.  She now balances her work with travel, especially to mountains and lakes, and spending reflective time in nature including walking and open water swimming.  Make direct contact via email: tracey@mothernaturecoaching.com LinkedIn: Tracey Robinson | LinkedIn Facebook: Facebook Book on a Mindful Walk for Overwhelmed Women in Kent: https://buytickets.at/mothernaturecoaching For information, support or to get involved: Action on Postpartum Psychosis | The national charity for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis

  7. Oct 7

    Surviving Postpartum Psychosis: From NHS Senior Leader To Nature‑Connected Coach | Tracy Robinson

    Tracey supports women's mental health through nature connected 1-1 coaching and group mindful walks for overwhelmed women. Before setting up her own business Mother Nature Coaching in 2025 she worked in the NHS for over 30 years. She is a mental health occupational therapist who progressed to senior leadership roles in service improvement programmes across mental health and maternity services. Her passion for this career was driven by her personal experience of postpartum psychosis.  She is a trustee for specialist national charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis who raise awareness of the illness and provide support. She has told her story in the media to raise awareness and trained as a peer supporter. Tracey’s journey into professional coaching and nature connection was a response to workplace burnout alongside managing perimenopause symptoms.  She now balances her work with travel, especially to mountains and lakes, and spending reflective time in nature including walking and open water swimming.  Make direct contact via email: tracey@mothernaturecoaching.com LinkedIn: Tracey Robinson | LinkedIn Facebook: Facebook Book on a Mindful Walk for Overwhelmed Women in Kent: https://buytickets.at/mothernaturecoaching For information, support or to get involved: Action on Postpartum Psychosis | The national charity for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis Thank you for listening

  8. Sep 17

    Brain Injury, Neurodiversity & Finding Your Way Back to Work | Dr. Aine O'Dea

    Dr. Áine O'Dea is a researcher, clinical supervisor, educator, and practising Occupational Therapist with extensive expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions, self-regulation, executive functioning, coaching and family-centred practice. Dr. O’Dea has authored several peer-reviewed research papers on Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) and School-Based Occupational Therapy. She has also contributed to the Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) Manual, supporting the advancement of coaching as an evidence-based, participation-focused approach in clinical practice. She is an Occupational Performance Coach Trainer and regularly provides training in Ireland and the UK. As an OPC presenter, she brings a unique integration of clinical expertise, research insights, and practical application, helping clinicians build high-trust partnerships with clients to embed coaching approaches into everyday practice.Dr O’Dea is a clinical supervisor and has authored several chapters in Supervision for Occupational Therapy: Practical Guidance for Supervisors and Supervisees. She has extensive experience and continues to provide clinical supervision for practitioners in Independent Practice and Leadership roles. She has an upcoming Online Supervision Course “Become a Sensational Supervisor”📅 Live online course dates 2026: November 3rd, 10th and 17th ⌚ 9am -12.30pmCoursesSupervision Training https://radianceconsultinghub.com/supervision-training/Best Practice Towards Assessment and Intervention of DCD https://radianceconsultinghub.com/online-learning-on-demand/ResourcesPodcast: Co-host of Inside The Mind Beyond The Desk Spotify Link https://open.spotify.com/show/53paPZMCX8GULllD6HY0FH?si=a5ab8293bf994dcfLots of Free downloadable evidence summaries on Developmental Coordination Disorder viahttps://radianceconsultinghub.thinkific.com/manage/products/digital_downloads

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About

Function First Care Podcast is where meaningful conversations meet practical healthcare insights. Hosted by Occupational Therapist and Founder Dinuli Senaratne, this podcast features expert guests, inspiring stories, and evidence-based discussions on occupational therapy, disability support, wellbeing, leadership, and inclusive healthcare. Each episode is designed to empower healthcare professionals, individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, more independent lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Dinuli Senaratne
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dinuli Senaratne
  • Show Website
    Function First Care