The Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast

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

SummaryIn this conversation, Sorcha Rice, an autistic occupational therapist, shares her insights on Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) from a neuroaffirmative perspective. She discusses her personal experiences growing up with PDA, the impact of environmental factors on neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of understanding and supporting children with PDA in educational settings. Sorcha emphasises the need for a shift in parenting and teaching strategies to accommodate neurodivergent needs, advocating for a focus on autonomy and reducing demands. She also provides practical tips and resources for parents and educators to better support children with PDA.

SummaryToday 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.

Summary In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge interview Niall Kirrane, a clinical specialist in occupational therapy within Ireland's National Gender Service. Niall discusses the multidisciplinary approach to transgender healthcare, the role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals exploring their gender identity, and the challenges faced by young people in this journey. The conversation also covers key terms related to gender identity, common myths and misconceptions, and practical tips for supporting young people and their families.

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge welcome Lorraine Madden, an educational psychologist, to discuss school-based anxiety. Lorraine shares her personal experiences with anxiety in school and provides insights into the symptoms, contributing factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health. She emphasises the importance of understanding the unique needs of neurodivergent children and offers practical tips for parents and educators to support children experiencing anxiety. The conversation highlights the significance of building safe environments and fostering connections to help children thrive academically and emotionally.

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, Aideen Ruttledge and Jen Trzeciak welcome Sarah Sproule, an occupational therapist and sex educator. They discuss the importance of open conversations about sexuality, particularly with teens, and how occupational therapy can play a role in facilitating these discussions. Sarah shares her journey into sex education, the challenges of discussing sexuality in a cultural context filled with misconceptions, and the need for accurate, shame-free information. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for young people to explore their sexual orientation and the necessity for therapists to engage in self-regulation and personal growth to effectively support their clients.

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, Hannah Daly, a specialist occupational therapist and advocate for neurodiversity, shares her personal journey navigating education and professional life with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism. She discusses the importance of understanding individual sensory needs, the evolution of awareness in educational settings, and the challenges faced during her transition to university. Hannah emphasises the significance of advocacy, self-identification, and the use of assistive technologies to support neurodivergent individuals. The conversation culminates in key takeaways about inclusivity and the value of every individual's experience.

Season 4 of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast focuses on some of the challenges faced by teenagers and young people. We hear from OTs and other health professionals about different approaches to support. This season will provide helpful insights for both parents and those working with young people.

Teresa Foley, a children's occupational therapist and founder of Shooting Stars Private Clinic, discusses specialized feeding therapy for children with complex feeding challenges. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing the challenges of parenting and providing practical tips and advice. Teresa explains that feeding difficulties can range from neophobia (fear of certain foods) to picky eating to problem eating. She highlights the need for a neuroaffirmative approach, meeting children where they're at, and focusing on slow, safe, and consistent changes. Teresa also mentions the benefits of family meals and the importance of reducing guilt and judgment around feeding difficulties.Find Teresa at :https://www.thefeedingtherapist.co.uk/https://shootingstars.ie/or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shooting_stars_ot/Key Takeaways:​Feeding is a core occupation and encompasses sensory, developmental, and relationship aspects.​Differentiate between picky eaters and problem eaters, and adopt a non-judgmental approach.​Assessment for feeding difficulties should ideally be done as part of a multidisciplinary team.​Consider a neuroaffirmative approach and focus on family meals, consistency, and slow, safe changes.​Resources like the Magical Mealtimes online course can provide support for parents.

Grace Magennis, an occupational therapist and founder of Sensory Submarine, shares her journey of creating play experiences for children. She emphasises the importance of play in child development and highlights the benefits of sensory play. Grace provides tips for parents on incorporating play into their busy schedules and offers advice on supporting children with sensory processing challenges. She also shares a heartwarming success story of a child with complex medical needs who found joy and socialization through sensory play. For more visit: https://www.thesensorysubmarine.com/ Key takeaways Play is a child's main occupation and should be respected and embraced. Sensory play stimulates the senses and promotes fine motor skills, cognitive skills, emotional regulation, and imaginative play. Parents can incorporate play into their busy schedules by setting aside 15 minutes a day for uninterrupted playtime with their child. Sensory play can be adapted for children with sensory processing challenges by following their preferences, providing alternative ways to interact with sensory materials, and creating a calm corner. Parents can gather inspiration for sensory play from social media accounts and by observing their child's interests and preferences. Sensory play doesn't have to be complicated or expensive; everyday items like cardboard boxes, kitchen roll tubes, and loose parts can be used. Leaving sensory play materials out and involving the child in the setup can encourage independent play and exploration. Play is regulating for both children and adults, and incorporating movement and visuals can enhance the sensory play experience. Sensory play can have a profound impact on children with complex medical needs, providing opportunities for socialisation and joy.

In this episode clinical nurse specialist Ann Costigan discusses the topic of toilet training and constipation in children. She shares her expertise and provides practical tips and advice for parents. Ann emphasises the importance of recognizing constipation in children, understanding the signs of readiness for toilet training, and addressing regression and bedwetting. She also debunks the myth of toilet training in two days and highlights the need for an individualised approach. Listeners are can reach out to Ann for further information and consultation at: https://www.instagram.com/pooandtheloo/ Key Takeaways: Recognising constipation in children is important, as it can present differently than in adults. Signs of readiness for toilet training include the ability to follow instructions, pull up and down clothes, and physically hold urine. Regression in toilet training is common and can be caused by changes in routine, urinary tract infections, or a lack of attention and rewards. Bedwetting at night can be addressed by establishing a good daytime routine, promoting a healthy bladder routine, and addressing any underlying issues. Toilet training should be approached with a relaxed and individualised mindset, focusing on small wins and providing support and reassurance to the child.

Gráinne McElvany, creator of Sonny's Dream, shares her journey as a parent of two autistic children and the challenges they face. She emphasises the importance of early intervention and the need for consistent therapy at home. Gráinne discusses the value of structured play and the individualised approach required for each child. She also highlights the need for a support system and the benefits of joining a parent support group. Gráinne shares her experiences with navigating the system and the importance of focusing on what can be controlled. She encourages parents to advocate for their children and seek fundraising opportunities to access therapy. Follow Gráinne here: https://www.instagram.com/sonnys_dream/ Key Take-aways: Early intervention is crucial for children with autism, and consistent therapy at home is essential for progress. Structured play can be more effective for some autistic children, and therapy should be tailored to their individual needs. Joining a parent support group can provide a valuable support system and a sense of community. Navigating the system can be challenging, and it's important to focus on what can be controlled and prioritize the needs of the child. Fundraising can be a helpful way to access therapy and support for children with autism.

In this conversation speech and language therapist, Sarah Kelly, discusses the importance of individualised communication strategies for children. She emphasises the need for parents to seek information and advice from reputable sources, such as registered health professionals. Sarah provides practical tips for parents to support their child's communication and language development through play and everyday routines. She highlights the significance of gestures, imitation, and turn-taking in communication. Sarah also discusses the use of Augmented Interactual Communication (AAC) devices and the importance of providing choices for children to express themselves. You can find Sarah at: https://speakeasyslt.ie/ https://wwhttps://speakeasyslt.ie/w.playeasy.ie/ Key Takeaways: Seek information and advice from registered health professionals for communication challenges in children. Support communication and language development through play and everyday routines. Focus on gestures, imitation, and turn-taking in communication. Consider the use of Augmented Interactual Communication (AAC) devices for children with communication difficulties. Provide choices for children to express themselves and foster autonomy.

In this conversation, Patricia Flynn, a perinatal and paediatric occupational therapist and researcher, discusses the importance of sleep for parents and children. She emphasises the need for parents to trust their own instincts and expertise when it comes to their child's sleep. Patricia also highlights the impact of sleep on the parent-child relationship and offers practical strategies for improving sleep. She encourages individualisation and non-judgment when it comes to sleep environments and addresses the concept of sleep regression. Patricia advocates for occupational therapists to take a holistic and occupation-centered approach to sleep support. Key Takeaways: Parents should trust their own instincts and expertise when it comes to their child's sleep. Child sleep is inseparable from the parent's sleep, and it is important for parents to prioritise their own sleep as well. Sleep environments should be flexible and tailored to the individual needs of the child and family. Sleep regression is a normal part of development and should be viewed as progression rather than regression. Occupational therapists should take an occupation-centered approach to sleep support, focusing on individualisation and non-judgment. For more information go to https://knowsleep.org/

Introducing Season 3- this is a limited series focused on the basics of parenting. Speaking to Occupational Therapists and other experts in the field we will address areas such as feeding, toileting, sleep, communication, play and parenting children with additional needs. Hit follow to make sure you get your weekly update!

Dr. Claire Murphy is the Occupational Therapy Manager at Cavan and Monaghan Hospital. With a wealth of clinical experience spanning mental health and primary care services, Claire's journey into management in late 2023 marks a significant career milestone. In this episode, Claire shares insights from her transition from hands-on clinical practice to strategic leadership within a hospital setting. Delving into her passion for evidence-based interventions, Claire reveals the pivotal role of occupational therapy in facilitating the transition from institutional to independent living, drawing from her PhD research completed in 2020. For anyone who is interested in the process of undertaking a PhD, Claire shares some top tips on how to approach this. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Yvonne Pennisi is an impassioned Occupational Therapy lecturer in University College Cork. Hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Australia, Yvonne tells us of her journey from practicing OT to crafting a pioneering OT course on the Gold Coast and then transitioning to Cork. In this episode Yvonne unveils the nuances between OT education in Ireland and her homeland, offering a fascinating comparative insight. Yvonne also offers invaluable nuggets of wisdom for any OTs who are considering working abroad Whether you're an aspiring therapist or a seasoned pro, this episode promises to ignite your passion for Occupational Therapy and expand your horizons! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Gina Davies, a specialist Speech and Language Therapist, shares her journey to understanding and developing expertise in relation to autism throughout her career. She discusses her realisation that traditional therapy was limiting for autistic children. Gina also shares the importance of practical problem-solving, and the evolution of Attention Autism as a model of practice. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Jen, Emer, and Aideen discuss menopause and its impact on women. Emer, an Irish Occupational Therapist who specialises in menopause, shares her journey into this field, starting with a project in university. She highlights the lack of understanding and attention given to menopause and emphasises the need for more focus on this issue. Regardless of areas of practice, Occupational Therapists who are working with women or people assigned female at birth need to be aware of their role in supporting individuals experiencing menopause. Find Emer at https://www.the-meno-ot.ie/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Corinna Keaney and Margaret McEvoy, the founders of Occupational Therapy Northern Ireland, discuss their services in occupational therapy and occupational health. They highlight the growing demand for these services, particularly during the pandemic, and the various areas they cover, including supporting employees and employers in maintaining work despite long-term conditions, providing paediatric services, and case management for individuals with catastrophic injuries. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the challenges faced when conducting health assessments for employees and the increasing trend of hybrid working models. https://occupationaltherapyni.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Adam Griffin, an Occupational Therapist from Ireland, shares his experience of working and living in Dubai. He discusses the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the value of Irish OTs in Dubai, and the registration process for therapists. Adam also emphasises the importance of professional development and support for therapists, his approach to creating engaging therapy sessions, and the universal and cultural aspects of occupational therapy in Dubai. Follow Adam on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/adam.the.ot/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

In this episode we speak with Raphael Olympio, a Cork-based artist and Occupational Therapy student. He shares his experiences with racism and isolation, the impact of music on his life, his transition from nursing to Occupational Therapy and his passion for advocacy work. Raphael shares his appreciation for the holistic approach in working with clients in mental health and his belief in the power of hip-hop as a therapeutic tool. We discuss the need for improved representation in the field of Occupational Therapy from diverse communities. Raphael also shares his positive experiences as an OT student at University College Cork. Follow Olympio on Spotify Find out about gigs: https://www.instagram.com/olympio_official/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Bridget Harney is the HSE Occupational Therapist who worked with John O'Brien (Season 1, Episode 6). In this episode, Jen, Bridget, and Aideen discuss the role of psychosis in young adults and the services provided by Bridget's team in addressing physical health, misconceptions, and supporting fulfilling lives. The importance of maintaining normal milestones, community access facilities, and self-care for both individuals and their families is emphasised. The impact of distress on personality and the importance of continuous professional development, teamwork, and self-care to prevent burnout are also highlighted. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

In this episode we talk to Sarah English about her personal experience of burnout and recovery from burnout. We look at how to recognise the stages of burnout you may be at and practical strategies to support recovery. Sarah is a senior Occupational Therapist who specialises in paediatrics. She is currently practicing within a private trauma based service for children in residential care in Ireland, informed by a neurosequential and developmentally sensitive approach. Sarah is founder of Flourish Yoga and Flourish kids, an Occupational Therapist led yoga service based in the community. Flourish kids specialises in sensory processing yoga informed by the theory of Sensory Processing, Occupational Therapy and child-led play. Sarah is passionate about the mind-body connection, sensory regulation and believes the body keeps the score. The research on burnout by Nick Petrie that Sarah speaks about can be found here: https://www.nicholaspetrie.com/general-8 Follow Sarah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/flourish_yoga_ot/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

This episode focuses on the role of Occupational Therapy in managing chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes. Michelle Lowry shares her personal experience with type 1 diabetes and emphasises the importance of understanding the psychosocial aspects of living with a chronic condition. Michelle highlights the potential of occupational therapy in diabetes management, the significance of empowering individuals to manage their health within the context of their daily lives, and the role of family and friends in the treatment process. Further information about D1 Now: https://d1now.ie/ Michelle's research: Reimagining care for young adults living with type 1 diabetes Piloting an Intervention to Improve Outcomes in Young Adults Living With Type 1 Diabetes: The Experience of the D1 Now Support Worker Improving outcomes among young adults with type 1 diabetes: the D1 Now pilot cluster randomised controlled trial Diabetes Distress in Adolescents and Young Adults Living With Type 1 Diabetes --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Aoife received a formal diagnosis of ADHD 10 years after initial suspicions that she may have the condition. Aoife talks about her experience of living with ADHD, how it has influenced her career as an OT and h Follow Aoife or reach out for support at https://www.instagram.com/the_adhdot/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Aideen and Jen reflect on the first season of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, discussing highlights and learnings. They share their surprise at the positive response and the number of listeners. Looking ahead to season two, they express a desire to broaden their scope, including interviewing Occupational Therapists from other countries and including other professions. Share your thoughts at irishotpodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @irishotpodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Jen and Aideen discuss working as an OT in each sector. The security of the public sector compared to the autonomy of the private. The opportunity to specialise in a chosen area in private practice compared to the benefits of accessible team work in an organisation. They also discuss the options for people needing to access OT services and benefits and drawbacks of both public and private options.  Contact us at irishotpodcast@gmail.com Find an OT | The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (aoti.ie) Contact the HSE -HSE.ie Phone Freephone: 1800 700 700 Phone: 01 240 8787 From outside Ireland or the UK: 00 353 1 240 8787 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Today we meet with Sarah Devlin a special needs teacher and member of the senior management team in a Dublin based school.  Sarah is an advocate for a universal approach within schools.   She provides valuable insights into how Occupational Therapists, educational staff and parents can work together to meet the diverse needs of students within the classroom environment. Sarah also gives us honest and constructive feedback into what teachers need from Occupational Therapist supporting school aged young people.  She shares exciting innovations which her school is trialing. Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) | Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre (ed.ac.uk) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Dr. Áine O' Dea, is an Irish Occupational Therapist and an expert in dyspraxia and developmental coordination disorder (DCD). She is also a clinical supervisor and mentor providing support to Occupational Therapists and other professionals across Ireland. Áine completed her PhD in this area which which highlighted the importance of understanding children's interests and strengths, such as their awareness and understanding of their own abilities and finding their own ways of doing things. Articles and guidelines that Áine mentions: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0245738 https://researchrepository.ul.ie/articles/thesis/Using_an_evidence-based_and_theory-based_approach_to_occupational_therapy_intervention_development_to_improve_participation_outcomes_for_children_with_Developmental_Coordination_Disorder/19827733/1/files/35245519.pdf Find Áine at https://radianceconsultinghub.com/contact/ or on Instagram or LinkedIn --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Claire and Chris share how immersing their Occupational Therapy practice in nature led to a passion which provided opportunities for change, growth and wellbeing unlike anything a clinic or classroom can provide. Together with their psychologist colleague Matt, they created Eco Sensory Therapy and are now training therapists across the globe in it's evidence based model. Their mission is to empower practitioners to move 'beyond the four walls' and into their local nature spaces, working with nature as a healing and regulating medium in their everyday practice. Claire and Chris: share how this framework can be used with many populations tell us about a typical session in woodlands and the tools and resources they use for outdoor settings describe how we can bring nature indoors to therapy sessions through focusing on our senses and incorporating smell and touch through natural resources. We learn about the training pathway they provide for health, social care and education professionals which teaches about the evidence and neuroscience behind the regulating and transformative power of working with nature. Their introductory webinar is entitled 'sowing the seeds' which leads onto further online and face to face training and development. You can learn more about Eco Sensory Therapy at ⁠www.ecosensorytherapy.com⁠ Follow the team on social media ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ecosensorytherapy/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/EcoSensoryTherapy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Today we speak with Emma Connolly, a Clonakilty based Occupational Therapist and founder of 'Flourish and Be' Sensory Inclusive hair salon. Emma recognised the need for an Occupational Therapist's perspective into the experience of visiting a hair salon for people who experience sensory processing differences. She gives insight into what the Occupational Therapy profession can add to this necessary routine which so many struggle with. Emma shares practical tips and advice for, parents, hairdressers and OTs supporting neurodivergent individuals with this necessary life routine. She also gives us information on how to access more guidance and training in this area with the 'Flourish and Be Academy'. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

In this episode, we are joined by Aoife Costello, a passionate paediatric Occupational Therapist who loves using developmental toys and products to support children's motor and cognitive skills. Aoife shares with us her journey and why she is so passionate about working with children as an OT. Aoife tells us about how she how sources, creates and sells educational and sensory products to support children's motor and cognitive skills through her company, OT-ABC. her process for trialing and quality assessing products to ensure they meet her high standards. We also dive into the importance of play in a child's development, and Aoife provides us with some great tips on how to engage your child in play to promote learning and development. AND, if you're wondering why she loves a sucker, you'll have to tune in to find out! Whether you're a parent, caregiver, teacher, or just someone interested in learning more about supporting children's motor and cognitive skills, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Visit https://ot-abc.com/ or follow @occupationaltherapyabc on Instagram to view Aoife's educational videos and keep up to date. Get in touch at IrishOTPodcast@gmail.com or via Instagram @IrishOTPodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

In this episode we have the privilege of hearing John O'Brien's remarkable story. John, a talented photographer based in Dublin, has overcome anxiety, depression, and psychosis to pursue his passion for photography. Through his lens, he aims to break down stigma surrounding mental health and psychosis and spark conversations that promote understanding and acceptance. John takes us back to the beginning, sharing that his mental health journey started when he was in secondary school. Over the years, he has made tremendous progress and is in a much better place today. His passion for photography has played a crucial role in his recovery, allowing him to capture the beauty of day-to-day life, explore his interests, and address important topics such as mental health and wellbeing. With the support of his Occupational Therapist and the team at Ballyfermot CMHT, John was able to turn his passion into a profession. His OT helped him develop vital skills such as budgeting and time management, enabling him to return to college and study photography. However, John's aspirations go beyond personal growth. He seeks to challenge societal stereotypes and break down the stigma associated with mental health and psychosis. In addition to his photography journey, John shares some exciting personal news—he recently got engaged to his partner and is actively searching for their first home together. Life is moving in a positive direction, and he remains committed to using his art and experience to promote mental health awareness and understanding. Follow John on Instagram @‌beardie_man_photography We want to hear from you! Tell us what you like/ don't like/ want to hear more of or if you want to get involved. Get in touch at IrishOTPodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram ⁠@IrishOTPodcast⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Aideen and Jen discuss the importance of work-life balance and signs of burnout. Both share their experiences of feeling of overwhelm at different stages of their careers. Jen shares the moment she realised she was feeling burnt out and had to make changes in her life with Aideen discussing why she finds maintaining a healthy work life balance easier said than done due to technology and working from home. Aideen and Jen delve into: the experiences of the challenges faced by occupational therapists in Ireland, including waiting lists and lack of progress the need for setting boundaries, leading by example, and having healthy habits in work the challenges of balancing work and home life concepts like energy accounting, pursuing passion projects, fostering connection in the workplace, and the need for autonomy the role of employers and organisations in supporting work-life balance. Resources mentioned: https://www.lifehack.org/876079/prioritization-matrix https://mychildhasautism.co.uk/2022/09/19/energy-accounting-and-autism/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

In this episode, we have special guest, Caroline O'Neill. Caroline is a digital creator, entrepreneur, and the founder of Digg For Success, an organisation that helps businesses utilise social media to grow their brand and achieve success. She is also the co-founder of the Northern Ireland Social Media Awards, recognising excellence in the digital realm. Caroline's passion for making a difference led her to create Digg Deep for Kids, a remarkable initiative that has raised almost £1 million for charitable organisations such as Cash for Kids, Women's Aid, and Children in Northern Ireland. Her dedication to philanthropy and leveraging her expertise for the greater good is truly inspiring. Interestingly, Caroline's journey began as an Occupational Therapist. Despite transitioning into the digital world, she still cherishes her OT training and experience. In this episode, we delve into how her background as an OT influences her life, career, and the various successes she has achieved along the way. Caroline's expertise in social media and her entrepreneurial spirit have enabled her to assist countless businesses in growing their brands and reaching new heights. She shares valuable insights on how to harness the power of social media for business success and the strategies that have made Digg For Success such a thriving organisation. Furthermore, Caroline is known for her podcast, The Digg Podcast, where she shares her knowledge and interviews experts in various fields. In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast Caroline encourages OTs to use their voice to highlight the profession share's her tips on how OTs can communicate what they do more effectively across all platforms talks about how her brand values stem from her OT past highlights the good that OT's can do on social media Caroline's ability to wear multiple hats successfully is awe-inspiring. Balancing her various roles and responsibilities can be challenging, but she has found ways to be ok with what she is doing. She shares her insights on maintaining balance and what is most important to her in terms of personal well-being. Join us for this captivating episode as we dive into Caroline O'Neill's remarkable career highs, her philanthropic endeavors, and the influence of her OT training and experience on her journey. Get ready to be inspired by her passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. https://www.instagram.com/diggmama/ Get in touch at IrishOTPodcast@gmail.com or via Instagram @IrishOTPodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

In this episode we talk to Padraig Danaher, The OT Coach. Padraig is an Occupational Therapist with a focus on trauma, sensory-attachment, positive psychology, and coaching. Padraig joins us to share his expertise and insights on his unique approach to working with young people who have experienced trauma. Throughout the episode, Padraig emphasises the importance of building a toolkit of different modalities to effectively support young people with trauma. shares his experiences and strategies, drawing from various therapeutic approaches and interventions, to create a tailored approach that meets the specific needs of each individual. highlights profound impact of connection on the healing process. He highlights the significance of establishing genuine and meaningful connections with young people, fostering trust, and creating a safe space for exploration and growth. addresses the distinction between coaching and Occupational Therapy. He highlights the complementary nature of these approaches and how they can work together to support individuals on their journey. Towards the end of the episode, Padraig shares a heartwarming moment that brought him immense joy and fulfillment in his work. He recounts a young person telling him, "I feel like I'm living again," illustrating the transformative power of Occupational Therapy and the positive impact it can have on someone's life. Find out more about Padraig at https://www.theotcoach.ie/ or by following him on Instagram @the_ot_coach We want to hear from you! Tell us what you like/ don't like/ want to hear more of or if you want to get involved. Get in touch at IrishOTPodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram ⁠@IrishOTPodcast⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Eavan Rooney is an inspirational OT who has worked in services at the cutting edge of international best practice. When Eavan realised that HSE services couldn't meet the needs of some paediatric clients in her community, so set up her own clinic to meet these needs. In this episode Eavan tells us: why she chose to move back into working in the HSE how having a daughter who was born with a physical disability affected her perspective her experience of navigating services about her PhD research 'Digitots', which will look at the impact of digital devices on the motor and cognitive development of Irish preschool children Follow Eavan's research here: https://www.tudublin.ie/research/discover-our-research/research-institutes-centres-and-groups/peei/people/postgraduate-researchers/d22128254mytudublinie.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Welcome to the first episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast! In this exciting debut, your hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge introduce themselves and their reasons for starting this podcast. Both are experienced Occupational Therapists who share a passion for the profession and a desire to promote it in Ireland and beyond. Jen and Aideen take us on a journey through their personal stories, discussing how they got into OT and what keeps them motivated in their work. They explore the unique and diverse aspects of the profession, from mental health to physical rehabilitation, and explain why OT has something to offer for everyone. In this episode, Jen and Aideen also shed light on how OT in Ireland might differ from other countries, and share their thoughts on the value of transdisciplinary working for successful outcomes. They touch upon the challenges and opportunities of working in a field that is constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and approaches. And if that's not enough, Jen and Aideen also give us some great recommendations for their favorite podcasts, both within and outside the OT world. Whether you're a seasoned OT practitioner or simply curious about this fascinating profession, this podcast promises to be an engaging and informative resource. So sit back, relax, and join Jen and Aideen for a stimulating conversation about all things OT Podcasts mentioned: ⁠OT Potential podcast ⁠ ⁠The Squiggly Careers Podcast ⁠ ⁠Unspoken Podcast by Dr Clodagh Campbell ⁠ ⁠The Happiness Lab Podcast⁠ Course mentioned: ⁠How to set up in Occupational Therapy Private Practice⁠ We want to hear from you! Tell us what you like/ don't like/ want to hear more of or if you want to get involved. Get in touch at IrishOTPodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @IrishOTPodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message

Welcome to the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, hosted by Occupational Therapists Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge. We delve into the world of Occupational Therapy and its benefits for people of all ages and abilities. Our aim is to provide valuable insights to Occupational Therapists, healthcare professionals, OT service users, and anyone interested in the field. Through expert interviews, we cover a range of Occupational Therapy topics, including cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and real-life case studies. We also address the challenges and opportunities within occupational therapy in Ireland today, with a focus on collaborative efforts to enhance the lives of those we assist. Our podcast is a valuable resource for anyone interested in occupational therapy. Join us as we explore this fascinating and rewarding field, and discover its positive impact on people's lives. oNefS2KFIJBc7GpwLiFK --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irishotpodcast/message