Animals and Aquatics

 In this episode of the Animals and Aquatics in OT podcast, host Gina delves into the world of professional conferences in occupational therapy. She shares her insights on the importance of attending conferences, strategies for maximizing the conference experience, and tips for balancing conference attendance with other professional commitments. Gina also discusses funding options for conference attendance, self-care strategies for managing conference intensity, and tips for presenting at conferences. Whether you're a seasoned conference attendee or considering your first conference, this episode offers valuable advice for occupational therapist providers incorporating animal and aquatic therapy in their OT practice.  Be sure to connect with Gina at the AHA conference, AOTA conference or at EponaAcademyCommunity@gmail.com 

In this episode of the Animals and Aquatics podcast, host Gina delves into the occupation-based phase of occupational therapy (OT) practice in niche areas like animal-assisted and aquatic interventions. With a focus on practical insights and expert advice, Gina discusses the three key priorities during this phase: testing systems, establishing work-life boundaries, and creating a career pathway.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to navigate the unique challenges of niche OT practice, including avoiding common mistakes such as trying to do all the things, recreating past systems, and starting too big or too long. Gina shares personal anecdotes and professional tips to help OT practitioners maximize client experience, achieve work-life balance, and build a successful career pathway in their chosen niche.

Tune in to this episode for actionable strategies and inspiration to elevate your occupational therapy practice in niche areas like animal-assisted therapy, nature-based therapy, and hippotherapy. Whether you're a seasoned OT or just starting out, this podcast provides invaluable guidance for success in niche practice areas. Don't miss out on this empowering discussion!

 Join Gina on Animals and Aquatics as she explores purposeful steps for occupational therapists and assistants interested in animal-assisted and aquatic therapy. From establishing legal foundations to crafting exceptional client experiences, Gina provides practical advice for navigating the unique challenges of these specialty areas in occupational therapy. Whether you're considering starting your own practice or integrating these therapies into an existing setting, this episode offers valuable insights to guide your journey. Tune in for expert tips on legal requirements, business strategies, client communication, and skills development, and take the next step towards a fulfilling career in animal-assisted and aquatic therapy. 

 In this episode of Animals & Aquatics in OT, co-host Gina delves into the theme of "Getting Started" in unique OT niches like hippotherapy, aquatics therapy, or nature-based therapy. She emphasizes the importance of preparation in three key areas: work, business, and legal considerations. Preparatory activities in OT serve as warm-ups, stimulating sensory systems and muscle groups to prepare clients for functional activities. Gina breaks down the preparation process, discussing the significance of skill development, adaptability, networking, market research, business planning, financial considerations, and legal compliance. She highlights the need for specialized training, market analysis, and relationship building to successfully transition into these niches. Gina concludes by inviting listeners to join her in the "Nail Your Unique OT Niche" series for further exploration and guidance. 

 Welcome to the new season of "Animals and Aquatics in Occupational Therapy" with hosts Gina and Ryan. They own a private practice in New Jersey and are passionate about helping OTs and OTAs incorporate animals or aquatics in their therapy journey. The hosts share their experiences, challenges, and valuable insights to build a supportive community for fellow practitioners. Season two promises more series, engaging interviews, invitations to connect, and a special freebie on finding your unique OT niche. Get ready for a season full of learning, reflection, and practical advice.
Freebie for Nail you Niche

In this special season finale, we embark on a journey through the depths of our inaugural season, celebrating the "Buoyant Beginnings" of "Animals & Aquatics in OT." Join us as we dive into the highlights, memorable moments, and the incredible guests who have graced our show.

We'll take you behind the scenes to explore the challenges, laughs, and learning experiences that have shaped our podcast's first year. Discover the stories behind the stories as we reflect on the surprises, growth, and extraordinary connections that emerged throughout this adventure.

As we close this chapter, we also peer into the future with a teaser of what's to come in season 2. Get ready for more deep dives, oceanic discoveries, and captivating conversations with experts in the field.

So, tune in, and let's make a splash together as we celebrate our "Buoyant Beginnings" and look forward to the exciting horizons that await us in the next season of "Animals & Aquatics in OT."

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us!

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Gina and Ryan, co-hosts of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," take time to reflect on the year and express their gratitude. They share their journey of starting an aquatic therapy program with a sensory focus and the challenges they faced in finding the right practice location. The hosts also discuss the expansion of their program into adaptive swimming, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on families in their community. They delve into the importance of working on their business and in their business, including the benefits of weekly business meetings.

Furthermore, they highlight the value of working with students and interns, emphasizing the fresh perspective they bring. The hosts share their experiences in private practice and the lessons learned from the struggles. They express gratitude for the ability to be with their children and for the flexibility their profession provides. Gina and Ryan encourage listeners to pursue their passions and make changes if needed, reminding them that life is short. The episode wraps up with a message of hope.

 In this episode, we explore the art of session planning for Occupational Therapists working in unique settings such as animals and aquatics. Gina, an experienced OT, shares her journey and progression in session planning, emphasizing the importance of adapting interventions to the specific environment. She introduces the concept of "intervention themes" that streamline session planning, making it engaging and dynamic without sacrificing the therapist's well-being. Learn how to maximize the unique value of your setting and create transformative experiences for your clients. 

 In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics," your host Gina, a mom, wife, occupational therapist, private practice owner, entrepreneur, and OT educator, delves into the crucial topic of seasonal planning for occupational therapists working with animals and aquatics. She highlights the importance of adapting to the changing seasons, particularly in a four-season climate, and shares strategies for planning client care, maximizing the benefits of each season, and aligning personal and professional schedules. The concept of backward planning is explored, ensuring that therapists can meet their goals and provide a seamless experience for their clients. Listen in for her insights and practical tips on thriving in the world of Occupational Therapy. 

🎃 Welcome to 'Animals & Aquatics in OT' Halloween Special! 🎃

Host Gina, your spirited guide, is here to take you on a spine-tingling journey through the world of occupational therapy nightmares, all with a playful Halloween twist. In this eerie episode, we'll uncover the secrets of safety, risk management, and liability insurance – and, of course, we'll keep it delightfully entertaining!

Get ready for a ghostly ride as we unveil some spooky scenarios and ghastly tales from the therapy crypt. But don't worry; we'll keep the witches and warlocks at bay with a dash of humor and a pinch of magic.

Join us as we tackle the mysteries of occupational therapy in the most wickedly fun way possible. 🕷️👻🦇🧙‍♀️

So, whether you're listening from your cauldron or your comfy chair, stay tuned for a Halloween special that's sure to cast a spell on your therapy knowledge. Subscribe, share, and don't forget to let us know your favorite part of this hauntingly good episode. 🎃🎙️ 

 In this special Halloween-themed episode, join Gina, an experienced OT and host of Animals and Aquatics, as she shares three creative Halloween intervention ideas for occupational therapists. From crafting nature-based Halloween masks to trick-or-treating on horseback in sessions incorporating hippotherapy, and even bobbing for pumpkins in aquatic therapy, Gina's unique approach promises to add a touch of therapeutic magic to this spooky season. 

 In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics," hosts Ryan and Gina explore the concept of growth in non-traditional occupational therapy (OT) practices. They use the analogy of a tree to illustrate the stages of development from a clinician's roots in traditional OT to branching out into non-traditional settings. The hosts emphasize the importance of strong foundational knowledge in OT theory and interventions before embarking on non-traditional paths. They discuss the gradual expansion of practice, starting small, and finding ways to incorporate unique practice elements, all while recognizing the cyclical nature of growth in these settings. Overall, this episode offers insights into the journey of growth for OTs interested in animals and aquatics in OT practice.

 In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in Occupational Therapy," hosts Gina and Ryan discuss the challenges faced by occupational therapists working in non-traditional settings. They address three main stressors: practice location, finding clients and marketing, and managing interventions. Gina and Ryan share their experiences and offer valuable insights and strategies for navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of community connections, ongoing marketing efforts, and adapting interventions to meet clients' needs. They conclude by highlighting the growth that can come from overcoming these challenges. 

In this engaging podcast episode, we delve into the world of Occupational Therapy (OT) and its unique application in the realm of mental health, particularly with horses. Our guest, an experienced OT practitioner, shares valuable insights into her journey, including her dissertation focused on horses and mental health.

Discover the surprising ways in which therapy goats and horses are integrated into OT sessions to support clients dealing with anxiety and other mental health challenges. Explore three distinct pathways for incorporating horse interactions into therapy sessions: movement, partnership, and action.

Join us on this insightful journey as we explore the transformative potential of horses in the field of OT and their role in promoting mental well-being.

 In this episode, Gina explores the fascinating world of occupational therapy partnering with horses and its role in promoting mental health. She introduces the "Horse CARE Protocol," a 10-week program inspired by Dr. Amy Banks' book, "Four Ways to Click," which focuses on strengthening relationships and neural pathways. Gina delves into the various aspects of this protocol, including neuroscience, self-care, rhythms, and acceptance. She highlights the unique connection between humans and horses, emphasizing the importance of social connections for mental wellbeing. As the episode concludes, Gina invites listeners to stay tuned for the upcoming interview in the "Horses and Mental Health" series and encourages engagement with the podcast. 

 In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in Occupational Therapy," co-host Gina delves into the fascinating world of  occupational therapy and horses in mental health. She outlines three essential steps that occupational therapists should consider when incorporating horses into their sessions. These steps involve focusing on the problems caused by symptoms, understanding why clients choose occupational therapy, and selecting the most suitable pathway—movement, connection, or action—to partner with horses for therapeutic purposes. Join us as we explore the unique role of occupational therapy in mental health and the profound impact of horses in the process. 

 In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," host Gina introduces a new mini-series focused on horses in occupational therapy and mental health. Gina discusses her background in teaching mental health and psychosocial OT practice and mentions that she is currently working with clients and families with mental health diagnoses. She announces an upcoming interview on horse's mental health and occupational therapy, as well as a Lunch and Learn webinar by the American Hippotherapy Association. Gina emphasizes the importance of taking an OT perspective when combining mental health and horses into occupational therapy, encouraging practitioners to be confident in their practice and understanding their comfort zones. She explains how occupational therapists can draw from existing frames of reference and treatment groups when incorporating horses into mental health interventions. Gina provides examples of how occupational therapy interventions can be categorized as universal, targeted, or intensive based on the level of risk and diagnosis. She highlights the value of running groups and using interactive vaulting (gymnastics on horseback) to enhance social interactions and outcomes. 

 Join us for an insightful post-interview discussion with Liz, who has just completed her level one fieldwork experience. Liz shares her thoughts on her initial expectations versus the reality of her experience. She reflects on her concerns, excitements, and insights as she ventured into the world of nature-based and aquatic therapy. Listen in as Liz discusses the surprises, challenges, and growth she experienced throughout her journey. 

 In this heartwarming episode, Gina and Ryan, a husband-and-wife team, open up about their lives as parents of three kids while running a thriving Occupational Therapy practice. They share their insights into the intricate dance of managing their roles as co-founders, Occupational Therapist (OTR), and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), all while maintaining a harmonious family life. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind their successful juggling act and the joys they find in both their family and professional pursuits. 

Welcome to "Animals and Aquatics in OT," hosted by Gina – occupational therapist, mom, business owner, and coach. Join Gina on a captivating journey where she blends occupational therapy with intriguing topics. In this special Off-Topic Tuesday episode, Gina explores connections between the Waldorf educational philosophy and sensory integration, delves into the world of gamification in therapy and education, and shares the healing power of nature. Tune in for fresh insights, personal stories, and a unique blend of therapy, nature, and growth. Subscribe, review, and join us for inspiring conversations on animals, aquatics, and occupational therapy.