About Jaclyn Schwartz

I am an occupational therapist (OTR/L) and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) with a background in clinical practice, research, and education.

Health Coach OT was created to clarify how coaching skills fit within occupational therapy practice — ethically, practically, and in service of better client outcomes.

My Professional Background

I have practiced occupational therapy across multiple settings, including acute care, early intervention, and outpatient services. Throughout my clinical work, I repeatedly encountered the same tension:

Clients often knew what to do. They understood recommendations, but translating those recommendations into daily life was harder than expected. That gap between knowledge and sustained change is where coaching skills became essential.

In addition to clinical practice, I have served as faculty in occupational therapy education and conducted NIH-funded research focused on medication adherence and health behavior change. My work has resulted in over 30 peer-reviewed publications and national recognition, including the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Roster of Fellows Award.

Why Coaching Skills in OT?

Coaching is not a replacement for occupational therapy. It is not a new professional identity. It is a set of relational and clinical skills that strengthen how occupational therapy supports behavior change, chronic condition management, and long-term follow-through.

In my experience, when coaching skills are integrated thoughtfully:

  • Clients take greater ownership of goals

  • Recommendations are more likely to translate into daily routines

  • Health behaviors are sustained over time

  • Practitioners experience greater clarity and satisfaction in their role

Health Coach OT exists to support this kind of practice.

The Work I Do Here

Through writing, podcasting, and education, I focus on:

  • Clarifying coaching as a clinical skillset within OT

  • Exploring scope and ethical boundaries

  • Translating behavior change science into practical application

  • Supporting practitioners who want to practice with greater collaboration and intention

I teach the Practitioner-to-Coach program in partnership with Aspire OT.

Who This Is For

This work is for occupational therapy practitioners who:

  • Value the profession and want to deepen their practice

  • Are interested in health behavior change and self-management

  • Want clearer structure for supporting follow-through

  • Care about ethical scope and professional identity

If that resonates, you are in the right place.