The Go Beyond Therapy Podcast

Samantha Taylor
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 Welcome to the Go Beyond Therapy podcast, where we dive into the heart of supporting children with diverse needs. I'm Samantha Taylor, a paediatric occupational therapist, passionate about helping children and families thrive. This podcast is all about creating a welcoming space for our entire disability community, from families, therapists, disability support workers, and anyone dedicated to supporting children on their unique journeys. At Go Beyond Therapy, we believe in empowering families at every stage. Through this podcast, we'll explore practical strategies and share valuable resources like tools and education approaches that can make a meaningful impact. We'll connect with other professionals, parents and advocates who are all working towards building a more inclusive and supportive community for our kids. Whether you're navigating everyday challenges, looking for new approaches, or just need a reminder that you're not alone, you're in the right place. Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

Episodes

  1. When both of you are wired differently: Navigating emotions as a neurodivergent parent of a neurodivergent child

    JUN 5

    When both of you are wired differently: Navigating emotions as a neurodivergent parent of a neurodivergent child

    In this heartfelt episode of the Go Beyond Therapy Podcast, host Samantha Taylor explores the unique emotional challenges that come with being a neurodivergent parent raising a neurodivergent child. From sensory clashes to emotional overwhelm, Samantha shares personal reflections and practical, gentle strategies to help you navigate the rollercoaster of parenting when both you and your child are wired differently. This episode offers validation, practical tools, and a reminder that you’re not alone in feeling stretched thin. It's a must-listen for parents who are constantly juggling regulation, routine, and self-compassion in their everyday lives. Episode Highlights: Why co-regulation starts with your own nervous system and how to support it Creating flexible but predictable routines that work for both you and your child Letting go of “shoulds” and practicing self-compassion when parenting feels heavy   For resources click below for the podcast episode page.   Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    16 min
  2. Is it sensory or behaviour? Understanding the 'why' behind behaviour

    MAY 29

    Is it sensory or behaviour? Understanding the 'why' behind behaviour

    In this episode of the Go Beyond Therapy Podcast, host Samantha Taylor dives into one of the most common questions asked by parents: Is this sensory or behavioural? With warmth and clarity, Samantha helps unpack what’s happening beneath the surface when children have meltdowns, shutdowns, or explosive reactions—and why it’s rarely ever “just behaviour.” You’ll hear how sensory processing, emotional regulation, unmet needs, and even transitions can all play a role in how children express themselves. This episode also explores the power of co-regulation, how to track patterns in your child’s behaviour, and why responding with curiosity (not frustration) makes all the difference. If you've ever second-guessed your response or wondered how to explain your child's behaviour to teachers or family—this one is for you.   Episode Highlights: How to tell the difference between sensory overload and behavioural outbursts Why co-regulation is more effective than correcting behaviour in the moment Practical questions to help you understand what’s really behind your child’s actions For resources click below for the podcast episode page.   Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    11 min
  3. The invisible load: What no one sees

    MAY 20

    The invisible load: What no one sees

    In this episode, host Samantha Taylor dives into the often-unseen emotional and mental load carried by parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children or those with additional needs. From managing therapy appointments and navigating NDIS paperwork to being the emotional anchor for an entire household—this episode shines a light on the weight parents quietly carry. Samantha gently unpacks what the "invisible load" really looks like and why it's so exhausting, even when it doesn’t appear “busy” on paper. She offers compassionate, realistic strategies for easing that pressure—without adding more to your to-do list. You’ll also hear powerful journal prompts to support reflection and release. This one’s for the parents doing it all—and often feeling like it’s still not enough. You’re not alone, and you’re not failing.   Episode Highlights: Naming and understanding the invisible load carried by parents of children with additional needs Gentle strategies to reduce daily pressure (brain dumps, micro breaks, realistic letting go) Guided journal prompts to support self-reflection, compassion, and small wins   For resources click below for the podcast episode page. Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    12 min
  4. Holding steady: Managing anxiety while the NDIS changes

    APR 22

    Holding steady: Managing anxiety while the NDIS changes

    This episode holds space for the growing uncertainty and anxiety many families and professionals are feeling around the ongoing NDIS changes. While the system continues to shift, many are left sitting in limbo—unsure how to plan, what to expect, or how to keep showing up for their children or clients amidst the unknown. This episode explores what it means to hold steady through uncertainty and gently offers ways to care for yourself and your nervous system during times of change. Listeners are guided through a grounding moment of mindfulness, with practical reflections on what it means to pause, reconnect with what’s solid, and protect your emotional energy. Whether you're a parent navigating the NDIS or a professional supporting families through it, this episode is an important reminder: you don’t need to have all the answers—you just need space to breathe. Episode Highlights: Naming the quiet stress of “background anxiety” during NDIS changes A guided grounding practice for moments of overwhelm Small ways to hold steady, reconnect, and protect your nervous system For resources click below for the podcast episode page. Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    13 min
  5. Planning for overwhelm: Why doing less can mean more

    APR 15

    Planning for overwhelm: Why doing less can mean more

    If your calendar is packed with therapy sessions, school events, and family commitments—and you're wondering why everything feels like too much—this episode is for you. Samantha explores the concept of white space: unscheduled, unstructured time that’s not a luxury, but a necessity. She explains how constantly “doing” without moments of pause fills up our stress buckets, often leading to burnout, meltdowns, and shutdowns for both parents and kids. This episode will guide you through how to recognise “red flag days,” build buffer time into your schedule, and confidently say no when your family’s capacity has been reached.   Episode Highlights: Why creating white space in your week helps prevent burnout How to identify “red flag days” and build in buffer time Giving yourself permission to do less and protect your family’s peace   For resources click below for the podcast episode page.   Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    12 min
  6. “How Can I Help You Right Now?” – The magic of one simple question

    APR 9

    “How Can I Help You Right Now?” – The magic of one simple question

    In this episode, Samantha Taylor shares one powerful question that can completely shift a moment of meltdown into a moment of connection: “How can I help you right now?” Samantha walks us through how this simple question creates space for co-regulation, reduces power struggles, and turns frustration into curiosity. Whether your child is non-verbal, overwhelmed, or struggling to express what they need, this approach opens the door to emotional safety—for both of you. You’ll also hear real-life strategies for adjusting this question depending on your child’s age and communication style, and how co-regulation can gently support your child in returning to calm. Episode Highlights: How one question can interrupt the stress response and foster connectionAdapting your language to suit your child’s age, stage, or communication needs How co-regulation builds emotional safety, curiosity, and calm Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    14 min
  7. Making sense of sensory processing - Understanding your child's unique needs

    APR 1

    Making sense of sensory processing - Understanding your child's unique needs

    This episode of the Go Beyond Therapy Podcast focuses on sensory processing and how understanding a child's sensory needs can make a real difference in their comfort, safety, and development. The discussion breaks down the eight sensory systems—tactile, auditory, taste, vestibular, visual, proprioception, olfactory, and interoception—and explains how children respond differently to sensory input. It's all about understanding how the brain processes and responds to the world around them. Episode Highlights: Understanding sensory processing and how the brain interprets sensory input. Exploring the eight sensory systems and their impact on children's experiences. The difference between sensory seekers and sensory avoiders. For resources click below for the podcast episode page. Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    14 min
  8. Understanding executive functioning: Helping kids manage the unmanageable

    MAR 13

    Understanding executive functioning: Helping kids manage the unmanageable

    In this episode of the Go Beyond Therapy Podcast, Samantha Taylor dives deep into the topic of executive functioning—the set of mental skills that help children manage daily tasks, stay organized, and focus on goals. Samantha explains what executive functioning is, common challenges children face, and how these skills impact success in school, home, and social settings. She shares practical strategies and tools for parents, educators, and therapists to support children in developing stronger executive functioning skills. Whether it’s struggling to follow multi-step instructions, forgetting school items, or finding transitions difficult, this episode offers helpful tips to ease the challenges and build long-term success.   Episode Highlights:  What executive functioning is and why it’s essential for children’s learning and independence Common challenges children face with planning, memory, impulse control, and transitions Practical strategies to strengthen executive functioning skills, including visual schedules, timers, checklists, and positive reinforcement For resources click below for the podcast episode page.   Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    22 min
  9. Parenting through change: Managing big transitions

    MAR 12

    Parenting through change: Managing big transitions

    In this episode, we dive into the challenges of big transitions—whether it’s starting a new school year, moving house, or adjusting to family changes. I share why transitions can be tough for kids, especially those with Autism or ADHD, and offer practical strategies to help them feel more secure and supported. From using visual schedules and role-playing new experiences to adjusting sensory needs and emotional validation, this episode is packed with tools to help ease change. Tune in for simple, actionable strategies that you can revisit whenever a big transition comes up in your child's life. Episode Highlights: Why transitions are challenging – Understanding why change can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent kids. Practical strategies to ease transitions – From visual schedules to emotional validation, learn ways to support smoother change. The importance of flexibility & self-compassion – How to adapt strategies to your child’s needs and be kind to yourself in the process. For resources click below for the podcast episode page.   Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    14 min
  10. Welcome to The Go Beyond Therapy Podcast

    MAR 5

    Welcome to The Go Beyond Therapy Podcast

    Welcome to the very first episode of the Go Beyond Therapy Podcast! Host Samantha Taylor introduces herself and the vision behind this new platform. With over 10 years in the disability sector and 5 years as an Occupational Therapist, Samantha shares her journey in founding Go Beyond Therapy and how it has grown over the years. In this episode, Samantha reflects on the challenges faced by clinicians, families, and children with additional needs—particularly during the Melbourne COVID lockdowns—and how these experiences shaped a holistic, team-based approach to therapy. Samantha also discusses the range of services offered by Go Beyond Therapy, including 1:1 OT sessions, group programs, therapy assistant support, and upcoming online courses in 2025.  Episode Highlights: The journey of Go Beyond Therapy and its impact on families and clinicians How therapy services adapt to support children with diverse needs (Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, etc.) Upcoming NDIS discussions, school challenges, and therapy solutions in future episodes For resources click below for the podcast episode page.   Where to find Go Beyond Therapy:  Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

    7 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

 Welcome to the Go Beyond Therapy podcast, where we dive into the heart of supporting children with diverse needs. I'm Samantha Taylor, a paediatric occupational therapist, passionate about helping children and families thrive. This podcast is all about creating a welcoming space for our entire disability community, from families, therapists, disability support workers, and anyone dedicated to supporting children on their unique journeys. At Go Beyond Therapy, we believe in empowering families at every stage. Through this podcast, we'll explore practical strategies and share valuable resources like tools and education approaches that can make a meaningful impact. We'll connect with other professionals, parents and advocates who are all working towards building a more inclusive and supportive community for our kids. Whether you're navigating everyday challenges, looking for new approaches, or just need a reminder that you're not alone, you're in the right place. Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobeyondtherapy

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