In this episode, we’re joined by Jill Martin, a UK-based occupational therapist with a career spanning over three decades in mental health. From her early days in NHS psychiatry to delivering a powerful TEDx talk on the hidden magic of OT, Jill has been a passionate advocate for the profession and its unique role in supporting recovery.

After experiencing burnout within the NHS, Jill retrained in coaching and psychology but soon returned to her OT roots, realising the depth, regulation, and holistic impact of occupational therapy was what people really needed. In 2020, alongside her business partner Nikki Green, she co-founded Purpose People, a thriving independent practice now home to a 30-strong team of OTs and OT assistants, supporting adults with mental health needs across London.

In this conversation, Jill shares her journey of stepping outside the traditional boundaries of OT, the challenges and rewards of building a private practice, and the importance of standing tall as occupational therapists in a world that often overlooks our value. Her passion for community, creativity, and clinical integrity shines through, offering both inspiration and practical insights for OTs everywhere.

Ted Talk - The hidden Magic of Occupational Therapy

Today, we welcome Jane Brown from Jane Assists, who speaks about her journey from an emergency nurse to podcast production. Jane discusses the benefits of podcasting, highlighting how it supports clinicians in practiceby sharing information and knowledge with clients, as well as creating social media content. She shares how her services have helped to take the pain out of podcasting for busy health professionals or those who are nervous aboutstarting. To find out more about Jane, check out the links below.

⁠https://janeassists.com/⁠

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Carlyn Neek, an occupational therapist, coach, and host of The Brave OT Podcast. Carlyn is the founder of Balance Works, whereshe helps OTs and other helping professionals rediscover joy, purpose, and balance in their work and life. With over two decades of experience, she blends her clinical expertise with coaching strategies to support those who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out in their careers.

In our conversation, Carlyn shares openly about her own brave step, thinking beyond the OT world and exploring how occupational therapy perspectives can reach the wider public. We dive into how OTs can own what we know, translate our professional wisdom into practical, meaningfulstrategies for everyday living, and start conversations about thriving without the hustle.

Whether you’re an OT seeking inspiration in your own practice or simply curious about how occupational therapy thinking can transform wellbeing, this episode is full of encouragement and ideas.

So grab a cup of tea and join us as we chat with Carlyn about bravery, balance, and bringing OT wisdom to the world.

The Brave OT Podcast

OT Personal & Professional Development Coach | Carlyn Neek | Balance Works | Home

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we welcome Sarah Gannon Governey, a Senior Occupational Therapist. Sarah shares her journey of becoming an author. She has always been passionate about reducing ableism in the disability sector. Over seven years ago, her first child, Ciara, was born with a rare genetic condition called CHARGE syndrome. Sarah discusses her journey parenting a child with a disability and navigating health services. She describes the impact of dual sensory loss as Ciara is Deaf-Blind, and how in Ireland, dual sensory loss (deaf-blindness) is not currently recognised as a disability.

More importantly, she tells us about the new books that she has just published with her daughter, Ciara. The book “Just See Me” is a beautifully engaging picture book that aims to promote inclusion and break down barriers to understanding disability. The book is available from all major bookstores.

⁠Just See Me

⁠The Anne Sullivan Centre for people who are deafblind⁠

⁠Donate a book⁠

Private Practitioner Networking Summit

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we are honoured to welcome internationally renowned occupational therapist, teacher, speaker, and author Kim Barthel. With over 40 years of experience, Kim is celebrated worldwide for her pioneering work in blending neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and occupational therapy. Her mission is to support the healing of people and communities by deepening our understanding of the brain, behaviour, and the power of human connection.

In our conversation, Kim shares her journey from clinician to international educator and business owner, a path marked not by rigid planning but by courage, intuition, and trust in her calling. We discuss the evolution of private practice, the challenges and the learning that come with stepping outside traditional models, and the importance of cultural sensitivity when working across countries and contexts. Kim reflects on the role of resilience, fierce love, and relational approaches in Irish occupational therapy, offering encouragement for Occupational Therapists to embrace their values and approach their work with curiosity and compassion.

This inspiring dialogue serves as a reminder of how our profession can evolve when we ground ourselves in being, doing, belonging, and becoming, both for our clients and for ourselves.

https://www.kimbarthel.ca/

Kim's workshop in Cork

Private Practitioner Networking Summit

Welcome to Season 5! Your hosts Jen Trzeciak and Dr. Áine O Dea are delighted to introduce the fifth season of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, focusing on innovation, pushing boundaries and global perspectives, within the field of occupational therapy.

We have an exciting lineup of guests, including occupational therapists and other professionals from Ireland and abroad. So please tune in every Sunday for the next 8 weeks!

In this sneaky extra episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge discuss Aideen's decision to step back from the podcast after four successful seasons. >tearful sobs from Jen!!!<

We reflect on our journey, the growth of the podcast, and the importance of community within the occupational therapy field. Aideen shares her reasons for leaving, emphasising the need for work-life balance and the desire to pass the baton to Dr. Aine O'Dea, who will continue the podcast's mission.

The conversation highlights the significance of support, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of occupational therapy in Ireland.

Thank you and Fare Well to Aideen and Fáilte (welcome) to Áine (pronounced AwwnYa)!

Get in touch at irishotpodcast@gmail.com

Today we interview Michelle Murray from Anchor Therapy, who discusses the importance of executive functioning skills in young people, particularly those facing mental health challenges and neurodiversity. The conversation covers various aspects of executive functioning, including assessment methods, strategies for supporting transitions, emotional management, and the social challenges faced by young people. Michelle emphasises the need for compassionate understanding of executive functioning difficulties and the importance of creating supportive educational environments. Practical strategies for organisation and focus are also shared, making this episode a valuable resource for parents and professionals alike.