The OT Flourish Podcast

In this episode, we’re diving deep into OT burnout prevention—what it looks like, why it happens, and how we can address it head-on. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or a student just entering the field, burnout is something we all need to be aware of. But here’s the good news: burnout isn’t inevitable, and there are ways to prevent it. I’m joined by Deanna M. Ottinger, ppOTD, OTR/L, CAPS, LSVT BIG, Associate Professor at Milligan University in Northeast Tennessee. Deanna shares how her interest in gratitude and stress management began while supporting her graduate students—and how that work can benefit all of us. Her OT passions include neuro rehab, low-end home modifications, and, of course, long walks on the beach. Key Takeaways: * 🚨 The early signs and symptoms of burnout * 🧠 The powerful mindset shifts that can keep you grounded * 🌬️ How breathwork and mindfulness can calm your nervous system * 🧰 Practical strategies like micro-breaks, transition rituals, and peer support If you’re an OT Accelerator member, don’t forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. This conversation is full of real talk, encouragement, and immediately useful tips to help you care for yourself while you care for others. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: * Box Breathing Technique [https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cxtruq5Rkja/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com [OTflourish.com], including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It’s the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you’ll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership [OTflourish.com/membership] Connect with OT Flourish: * Website: OTFlourish.com [https://otflourish.com] * Instagram: @OTFlourish [https://instagram.com/otflourish] * Facebook: OT Flourish [https://facebook.com/otflourish] 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Miller OTR, CBIS, an occupational therapist with a passion for neuro, to discuss chaining techniques, and how it helps patients in neuro rehabilitation. Jessica shares practical insights on incorporating backward chaining in therapy, her approach to fostering patient independence, and tips for OT practitioners working with neuro patients. Key Takeaways: * Backward Chaining: A powerful technique for improving patient independence, especially for neuro clients. * Effective Intervention: Focus on task completion from the final step backward to build confidence and skills. * Neuro-Rehabilitation: Tailor your approach to each patient’s needs for optimal outcomes. * Practical Tips for OTs: Learn how to implement these techniques in real-life therapy settings. Resources: * OT Accelerator Membership [otflourish.com/membership] – Join for mentorship, community, and more! * New to Neuro [https://www.pathwaysneurorehab.com/new-to-neuro-program] – Neurorehabilitation mentorship for OT practitioners. * Follow Jessica and @new.to.neuro [https://www.instagram.com/new.to.neuro/] on Instagram! If you’re an OT Accelerator member, don’t forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com [OTflourish.com], including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It’s the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you’ll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership [OTflourish.com/membership] Connect with OT Flourish: * Website: OTFlourish.com [https://otflourish.com] * Instagram: @OTFlourish [https://instagram.com/otflourish] * Facebook: OT Flourish [https://facebook.com/otflourish] 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

Struggling with OT goal writing? In this episode, I explore why goal writing can be so challenging and how to overcome common pitfalls. I'll also give a sneak peek into my upcoming ebook, Mastering OT Goal Writing The Ultimate Guide and Goal Bank for Adult Rehab, launching next week!  Key Takeaways EMR Limitations Dont let dropdown menus box you incustomize when possible. Goal Formats Use COAST, SMART, or RHUMBA to fit client needs. Outcome Measures Matter Tie goals to measurable progress with tools like the Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire. Resources Mentioned Mastering OT Goal Writing The Ultimate Guide and Goal Bank for Adult Rehab [https] ebook: Launching next week! Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire: [https] Great for tracking caregiver stress and setting meaningful goals. If youre an OT Accelerator member, dont forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com [OTflourish.com], including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if youre ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! Its the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, youll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice. Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership [OTflourish.com/membership] Connect with OT Flourish * Website OTFlourish.com [https] * Instagram @OTFlourish [https] * Facebook OT Flourish [https] Enjoyed this episode? Dont forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community.

Level II fieldwork is a major milestone in occupational therapy education—both exciting and nerve-wracking. In this episode of the OT Flourish Podcast, Erin Jeffords OTD, MS, OTR/L joins us to share real advice from students who’ve just completed their 12-week rotations. We’ll discuss their biggest challenges, what they wish they had known, and practical tips to help you succeed with confidence. Whether you’re starting fieldwork or mentoring students, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Key Takeaways: * How to mentally and emotionally prepare for Level II fieldwork * The biggest surprises students encountered during their rotations * Time management strategies for balancing documentation, learning, and self-care * How to build strong relationships with supervisors and ask for feedback * Tips for staying organized and managing stress throughout the experience If you’re an OT Accelerator member, don’t forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. Resources & Links: * OT Accelerator Membership [learn.otflourish.com/join] – Get mentorship, treatment ideas, and confidence-building resources for working in geriatrics * In-Room Treatment Ideas [https://otflourish.com/in-room-treatment-ideas-for-ot/] blog post * Patient Refusals [https://otflourish.com/patient-refusal-of-care/] blog post 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com [OTflourish.com], including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It’s the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you’ll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership [OTflourish.com/membership] Connect with OT Flourish: * Website: OTFlourish.com [https://otflourish.com] * Instagram: @OTFlourish [https://instagram.com/otflourish] * Facebook: OT Flourish [https://facebook.com/otflourish]   👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

In this episode, we explore the power of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in occupational therapy. If youve ever felt uncertain about your treatment decisions, EBP is here to guide you. We cover the three core components of EBPresearch evidence, clinical expertise, and client valuesand offer practical tips for integrating EBP into your practice without feeling overwhelmed. Key Takeaways * What EBP is and why its essential for confident decision-making. * How to balance research, experience, and client values in treatment. * Strategies to make EBP easier to implement in your daily routine. Resources * OT Accelerator membership [learn.otflourish.com/join] * PubMed OTseeker, and evidence-based research tools * Evidence Based Practice in Occupational Therapy Embracing Excellence [https] blog post Take action today by researching an intervention for a client or sharing EBP strategies with a colleague. If youre an OT Accelerator member, dont forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com [OTflourish.com], including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if youre ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! Its the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, youll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice. Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership [OTflourish.com/membership]. Lets navigate, innovate and flourish together!