Season 5 Episode 2: Balancing Clinical Work, Creativity and What Comes Next

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I’m joined by B, an experienced paediatric occupational therapist navigating a demanding and uncertain season of practice. After eight years as an OT and nearly five years running her own business, B reflects on the emotional load of long-term paediatric NDIS work, the pull toward creative and entrepreneurial projects, and the challenge of holding multiple professional roles at once.

While she remains committed to clinical work, she’s questioning what kind of OT work feels sustainable and meaningful moving forward.

We explore:

• Sitting at a point of clinical mastery where work feels familiar but draining
• The cumulative impact of relational, family-centred paediatric work
• Balancing NDIS-funded therapy with content creation and product development
• Delegation, boundaries, and the emotional pull to say yes to referrals
• Clarifying scope and expectations when working with families

Key takeaways:

• Feeling tired or uncertain can be a sign of growth, not failure
• Narrowing focus does not mean closing doors permanently
• Clear boundaries and contracting support long-term sustainability
• Relational, family-centred work carries both meaning and emotional load

Mentioned in this episode:

Alyce’s Caregiver Capacity Framework (also available in Adapting Therapy to Support the Family workshop)

The Therapy Conversation Planning Tool, for structuring complex or emotionally charged conversations

Like-Minded Bitches Drink Wine (Facebook group), for product-based and entrepreneurial business development

Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia.

Supporting occupational therapists and allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops, and The OT Coach Academy.

If this conversation resonated with you and you’d like support through supervision, business mentoring, or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you.