<![CDATA[Health Coach OT]]>https://www.healthcoachot.comhttps://www.healthcoachot.com/img/substack.pngHealth Coach OThttps://www.healthcoachot.comSubstackMon, 02 Nov 2026 10:16:08 GMT<![CDATA[Why More Strategies Don’t Always Lead to Change in Occupational Therapy]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/why-more-strategies-dont-always-leadhttps://www.healthcoachot.com/p/why-more-strategies-dont-always-leadSun, 01 Nov 2026 15:17:35 GMTOccupational therapy practitioners are trained to see complexity. For example, when a child presents with challenges, we quickly recognize the sensory component, the executive functioning demands, the environmental mismatches, and the communication patterns. With experience, it becomes fairly easy to generate multiple possible directions for intervention.

Families often want that clarity from us. They have waited for the evaluation, are paying a co-pay, and are tired from all the things. It makes sense that they would hope the occupational therapist can offer the perfect strategy to make it all better.

I understand that hope because I live on both sides of it. I am an occupational therapist and also a parent of a neurodivergent child who receives occupational therapy services. When we first started pediatric occupational therapy, I assumed that once we had the right strategies in place, things would settle down quickly. But alas, this is not how change unfolded in our home.

Things are significantly better now, but progress required repetition, practice, and steady adjustment. It required choosing a few strategies and staying with them long enough to see what actually shifted. Improvement did not come from accumulating more information. It came from implementing a small number of ideas consistently.

Recently I read a post from a pediatric outpatient OT working with neurodivergent children. The parents were overwhelmed and burned out, and sometimes sessions were only once a week for 30-minutes. The therapist wanted to create more handouts and more educational resources to support families outside of session. The instinct is understandable. When time is limited and needs are high, it feels responsible to provide more parent education, more sensory strategies, and more structure for the home environment. We do not want to waste the small window we have. But in many cases, the problem is not a lack of education. It is a mismatch between intervention dose and family capacity.

Capacity and Burnout in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

When a parent is burned out, cognitive bandwidth is reduced, emotional regulation is thinner, and working memory is compromised. This is not a motivation issue or noncompliance, but it is a capacity constraint. In that context, adding more strategies to a home program can increase cognitive load rather than improve follow-through.

Occupational therapy home program adherence depends as much on capacity as it does on clinical reasoning. Even well-designed, evidence-informed recommendations will not be implemented consistently if families do not have the bandwidth to carry them out.

The Limits of a 30-Minute Occupational Therapy Session

In a thirty-minute pediatric occupational therapy session once a week, we cannot meaningfully address regulation, sensory processing, executive function, communication style, parenting approaches, and a comprehensive home program. When we attempt to cover all of it, our effort becomes diffuse and progress in any one area is limited.

It can feel as though offering multiple suggestions demonstrates expertise. We want families to leave with value. We want to address the full complexity we see. But comprehensive care is not the same as effective care.

Prioritization as Clinical Skill in Occupational Therapy

What tends to move outcomes forward is a small, manageable change paired with a clear action plan. Instead of redesigning an entire routine, we might focus on one transition that consistently escalates. Instead of providing several sensory tools, we might identify one predictable regulation strategy and define when it will be used. Instead of overhauling communication patterns, we might practice one specific response in one specific context.

This approach does not lower standards. It aligns intervention with readiness.If a family has not been able to follow through on multiple handouts, adding another will not change the pattern. If they experience one clear success, they are far more likely to build momentum from there.

Precision in Occupational Therapy Intervention

In constrained systems, prioritization becomes a core clinical skill in occupational therapy. The question shifts from teaching everything we know to identifying the smallest change that would meaningfully reduce friction this week.

Doing less in this context is not about minimalism. It is about precision. It requires restraint and strong clinical reasoning to decide which concerns can wait and which target is most likely to create forward movement.

Before expanding a home program or introducing additional strategies, it may be worth asking whether the current plan truly matches the family’s capacity. In many cases, tightening the focus produces more durable change than expanding the list.

I invite you to reflect on how much education you are delivering in a typical session and whether the amount matches what the client can realistically implement right now. Is there room to narrow the focus so that follow-through becomes more likely? Precision often requires restraint, because sometimes the most skilled decision in an occupational therapy session is choosing what not to address.

]]><![CDATA[NBHWC for Occupational Therapy Practitioners: Do You Need Board Certification in Health & Wellness Coaching?]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/nbhwc-for-occupational-therapy-practitionershttps://www.healthcoachot.com/p/nbhwc-for-occupational-therapy-practitionersSun, 01 Nov 2026 14:51:58 GMTIf you are an occupational therapy practitioner exploring health and wellness coaching, you have likely come across the acronym NBHWC.

You may be wondering:

  • What is NBHWC?

  • Is it required?

  • Does it change your scope of practice?

  • Does it actually matter for occupational therapy practitioners?

This article breaks down what NBHWC is, how it compares to ICF, and how to think about certification as an OT or OTA.

What Is NBHWC?

NBHWC stands for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching.

It is a nonprofit credentialing organization that partners with the National Board of Medical Examiners to offer a national board certification exam for health and wellness coaches.

When someone:

  1. Completes an NBHWC-approved training program

  2. Logs required coaching hours

  3. Applies for and passes the board exam

They earn the credential:

NBC-HWC (National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach)

This is a certification, not a license.

How Is NBHWC Similar to NBCOT?

For occupational therapy practitioners, a helpful comparison is National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Both organizations:

  • Are nonprofit credentialing bodies

  • Establish national standards

  • Require an exam

  • Require ongoing continuing education

Just like NBCOT:

  • NBHWC does not grant a license

  • Certification does not override state law

  • Certification does not expand scope of practice

Licensure always remains state-based.

What Does Board Certification in Health Coaching Require?

To earn the NBC-HWC credential, candidates must:

  • Complete an NBHWC-approved training program

  • Accumulate at least 50 coaching sessions

  • Apply and sit for the board exam

  • Pass the exam

  • Maintain certification through continuing education

The standards for training programs are outlined in the NBHWC Program Approval Handbook, which describes program approval as a rigorous process aligned with defined competencies.

Programs must include a minimum of 75 instructional hours covering all coaching competencies, including practical skills assessment and faculty requirements.

Board certification establishes a baseline standard of competence. It does not automatically make someone a better clinician.

Coaching Is Not a Regulated Profession

Health and wellness coaching is not state regulated.

That means:

  • Anyone can call themselves a coach

  • Training quality varies widely

  • Standards are inconsistent across programs

The NBHWC credential is currently the most widely recognized certification for health-focused coaching.

Importantly, the field has a growing evidence base. The 2023 Compendium of Health and Wellness Coaching includes over 480 articles and more than 140 randomized controlled trials supporting health and wellness coaching across chronic disease management, prevention, and whole-person care.

This matters when occupational therapy practitioners are considering credibility in healthcare-adjacent environments.

NBHWC vs ICF: What’s the Difference?

Two of the most recognized coaching credentials are offered by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and the International Coaching Federation (ICF). They are not interchangeable, and they were built for different professional contexts.

NBHWC is health and wellness specific.
It was developed for coaches working in healthcare and healthcare-adjacent environments. The certification requires completion of an approved training program, documented coaching hours, and passing a board exam administered in partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners. The emphasis is on health behavior change, chronic disease management, and working alongside other healthcare professionals.

ICF, in contrast, is a broad coaching credential.
It is widely recognized in executive coaching, leadership coaching, and life coaching spaces. ICF credentials (ACC, PCC, MCC) are based on coaching hours, mentor coaching, and assessment of coaching competencies. The framework is not health-specific and does not include a healthcare board exam.

For occupational therapy practitioners, the distinction matters.

If you are integrating coaching skills into clinical OT practice, neither credential is required for you to use collaborative goal setting, motivational interviewing, or action planning within scope.

If you are working in a health system as a health coach, or positioning yourself specifically in lifestyle medicine or chronic disease self-management, NBHWC is typically more aligned with those roles.

If you are moving into executive, leadership, or non-health coaching spaces, ICF may be more relevant.

Neither credential replaces your occupational therapy license. Neither expands your scope. They signal different types of training and are recognized in different professional environments.

The decision is less about which is “better” and more about where and how you intend to practice..

Does NBHWC Expand OT Scope?

No. Certification does not expand scope. It demonstrates additional competency.

If you are practicing as an occupational therapy practitioner:

  • You cannot “take off your OT hat” to bypass licensure rules

  • State boards look at what you are doing, not how you market yourself

  • Scope is determined by licensure law and practice standards

Certification does not override that.

When Might NBHWC Matter for OTs and OTAs?

1. If You Are Integrating Coaching Into Traditional OT Practice

You may not need additional certification.

Occupational therapy education already includes:

  • Motivational interviewing

  • Collaborative goal setting

  • Action planning

  • Health behavior support

Coaching can be used as an intervention strategy within OT.

2. If You Are Offering Private Coaching Outside of Insurance

Certification may help:

  • Clarify professional boundaries

  • Demonstrate standardized training

  • Increase credibility

Because coaching is not regulated, clients may look for additional credentials for assurance about knowledge and skills.

3. If You Are Moving Fully Into a Health Coaching Role

Board certification becomes more relevant when:

  • You are employed as a health coach

  • You are working in population health or chronic disease programs

  • You are practicing independently as a coach

In these roles, credentialing often functions as a minimum standard and are often required by employers.

Coaching Does Not Replace Occupational Therapy

Coaching and occupational therapy are not interchangeable. They serve different functions, even when they overlap in spirit.

Occupational therapy is an evaluative and intervention-based healthcare service. It involves assessment, analysis, clinical reasoning, and skilled intervention directed toward improving occupational performance.

Coaching is a relational, autonomy-supportive method that helps someone clarify goals, identify barriers, and generate their own solutions.

Those approaches can complement each other. They are not substitutes.

Here is a more concrete example.

Imagine a child who is struggling with handwriting.

As an occupational therapy practitioner, you might:

  • Assess fine motor control, visual-motor integration, posture, and grasp

  • Analyze letter formation patterns

  • Provide structured instruction on how to form specific letters

  • Recommend adaptations such as pencil grips or paper positioning

  • Design a targeted practice plan based on motor learning principles

That is occupational therapy. It involves evaluation, specific feedback, and clinical decision-making. A child may not independently discover how to correctly form the letter “H.” They need direct instruction and skilled analysis.

Now shift to a different part of the session.

After addressing the mechanics of handwriting, you sit down with the parent and child and ask:

  • Why does handwriting matter to you right now?

  • What would feel different if this improved?

  • When during the week could practice realistically happen?

  • What has worked before when building a new routine?

Instead of prescribing exactly how and when practice must occur, you guide the family to identify a plan that fits their actual life. You help them anticipate obstacles. You check in the following week to reflect on what worked and what did not.

That is coaching skill embedded within occupational therapy.

You did not stop being an OT.
You did not remove your license.
You did not change scope.

You shifted your stance.

If you are analyzing motor patterns, prescribing interventions, or addressing functional limitations in a way that requires occupational therapy training, you are practicing occupational therapy.

Coaching can support implementation, adherence, motivation, and self-efficacy. It can deepen client engagement. It can strengthen carryover between sessions.

It does not replace evaluation, diagnosis, or skilled intervention.

For occupational therapy practitioners, the important distinction is not which identity you prefer. It is whether your actions align with your licensure obligations.

Coaching is a method. Occupational therapy is a licensed healthcare profession. They can coexist, but are not the same thing.

The Real Question

The question is not: “Does NBHWC matter?”

The better question is: “Does NBHWC matter for the role I want to practice in?”

Consider:

  • Are you staying fully within OT?

  • Are you building a parallel coaching service?

  • Are you pursuing employment as a health coach?

  • Do you want formalized credibility in healthcare settings?

Your answer determines whether certification is necessary, helpful, or optional.

Final Thoughts for Occupational Therapy Practitioners

Board certification in health and wellness coaching:

  • Does not expand scope

  • Does not replace licensure

  • Does not automatically improve clinical skill

It does:

  • Establish a standardized competency baseline

  • Signal training aligned with national standards

  • Increase credibility in health coaching roles

For occupational therapy practitioners who want to practice differently while remaining grounded in scope, clarity matters more than credentials alone.

Certification is one piece of a larger professional decision.

]]><![CDATA[10 Why Carryover Determines Occupational Therapy Outcomes (And How Coaching Skills Help)]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/10-why-carryover-determines-occupational-8cchttps://www.healthcoachot.com/p/10-why-carryover-determines-occupational-8ccSat, 14 Feb 2026 14:15:07 GMTMost occupational therapy outcomes are decided outside the session. In this episode, I explore why carryover — what clients actually do in daily life — matters more than in-session performance, and how coaching skills support real-life change in OT practice.

Occupational therapy practitioners are trained to design effective sessions. But clients spend far more time navigating real routines, real barriers, and real environments without us. If an intervention doesn’t carry over into daily life, it doesn’t produce meaningful outcomes.

Using the example of missed home exercise programs (HEPs), I discuss why “noncompliance” is often just information. When a client says they didn’t follow through, that moment reveals habits, readiness, context, and feasibility. Coaching-informed occupational therapy helps us slow down, ask better questions, and adjust interventions based on real life.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why carryover determines occupational therapy outcomes

- How productivity-driven systems prioritize visible performance

- Why missed home programs are data, not failure

- Where coaching skills naturally live in OT practice

- Why coaching conversations can feel uncomfortable

- How coaching strengthens therapeutic use of self

This episode is for occupational therapy practitioners who want to support behavior change and participation without leaving OT scope.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

02:30 – Carryover vs in-session performance

05:00 – The missed home exercise program moment

08:30 – “Noncompliance” as information

10:30 – Coaching conversations in OT

12:00 – Productivity systems and discomfort

13:24 – Closing reflections

📥 Resources

Download the OT Coaching Intervention Framework & Subscribe to the weekly newsletter: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1667608/160601731305047244/share

🔎 Hashtags

#OccupationalTherapy

#OTPractice

#OccupationalTherapyCoaching

#BehaviorChange

#HealthCoachOT

]]><![CDATA[9 Three Health Coaching Career Paths Every OT Practitioner Should Consider]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/9-three-health-coaching-career-paths-6cchttps://www.healthcoachot.com/p/9-three-health-coaching-career-paths-6ccThu, 18 Sep 2025 13:00:39 GMTTired of being stuck in the traditional occupational therapy system with limited autonomy over your schedule, interventions, and client outcomes? Discover three distinct health coaching career paths that leverage your unique OT background while offering flexibility, remote work opportunities, or the potential to earn more than traditional OT salaries.

In This Episode:

Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz breaks down three health coaching career paths specifically designed for occupational therapy practitioners, each with different benefits, challenges, and income potentials.

What You'll Learn:

Path #1: Employee Health Coach - Work remotely for established companies like insurance providers or health tech startups, with immediate income and flexible scheduling

Path #2: Independent Health Coaching Practice - Build your own business with unlimited income potential and complete autonomy over your practice

Path #3: Integrated Coaching Skills - Enhance your current OT practice with evidence-based coaching techniques for better client outcomes

Key Takeaways:

- Why OTs are naturally suited for health coaching roles due to their training in activity analysis, behavior change, and client-centered care

- How health coaches can work across state lines and provide services both in-person and online

- The advantage of coaching scope allowing broader geographic reach compared to traditional OT practice

- How these paths aren't mutually exclusive - you can combine approaches to build a career that works for your life

Who This Episode Is For:

- Occupational therapy practitioners experiencing burnout in traditional settings

- OTs seeking geographic flexibility and remote work opportunities

Practitioners wanting to enhance their clinical effectiveness with coaching skills

- Allied health professionals interested in expanding beyond traditional interventions

Resources Mentioned:

Health Coach OT website: www.healthcoachot.com

Weekly newsletter with evidence-based coaching tips and updates on our health coaching certificate for occupational therapy practitioners.

Connect with Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz:

Website: healthcoachot.com

Email newsletter for coaching tips and early access to programs

]]><![CDATA[8 From Traditional OT to ADHD Coach]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/8-from-traditional-ot-to-adhd-coach-fdfhttps://www.healthcoachot.com/p/8-from-traditional-ot-to-adhd-coach-fdfThu, 11 Sep 2025 13:59:23 GMTDiscover how an OT enhanced her approach to ADHD treatment by shifting from traditional one-hour weekly sessions to comprehensive family coaching that creates lasting change.

In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz interviews Julia Welter, an occupational therapist who made the bold transition from traditional pediatric OT practice to specialized ADHD coaching. Julia shares her journey from archaeology student to ADHD expert, revealing why the traditional therapy model wasn't enough to create the lasting change families desperately needed.

What You'll Learn:

- Why traditional one-hour weekly OT sessions have significant limitations for ADHD treatment

- The key differences between treating the child versus coaching the entire family system

- How to identify performance deficits in children with ADHD beyond the obvious hyperactivity symptoms

- Practical intervention strategies that parents can implement throughout the week

- The strengths-based approach that transforms how we view ADHD

- Essential resources and next steps for OTs interested in ADHD coaching

Guest Bio:

Julia Welter is an occupational therapist with seven years of experience in outpatient pediatric settings. She specializes in working with families navigating ADHD challenges and has developed a coaching approach that empowers parents with the tools and strategies typically reserved for therapy sessions. Her business, Wildly Brilliant Brains, focuses on helping families understand and support the unique ADHD brain.

Connect with Julia:

Instagram: @WildlyBrilliantBrains

Facebook: Wildly Brilliant Brains

🎯 TAKE ACTION: If this episode inspired you to explore ADHD coaching or expand your approach with neurodivergent families, we want to hear from you!

- Share your biggest takeaway on social media using #HealthCoachOT and tag @healthcoachot & @wildlybrilliantbrains

- Connect with fellow listeners who are also expanding beyond traditional interventions

- Have a question for Dr. Schwartz? Send it to jaclyn@healthcoachot.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode

- Know an OT who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a colleague who works with ADHD families

Stay Connected:

Website: www.healthcoachot.com

Instagram: @healthcoachot

Email: jaclyn@healthcoachot.com

⭐ Love the show? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your reviews help other therapists discover these game-changing approaches to client care.

]]><![CDATA[7 Coaching in Early Intervention Occpational Therapy]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/7-coaching-in-early-intervention-c82https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/7-coaching-in-early-intervention-c82Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:00:44 GMTJoin Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz as she speaks with Dr. Katie Bogan, an early intervention occupational therapist. Katie share more about her life as an early intervention OT, and she discusses coaching techniques that she uses in practice. This episode is perfect for therapists who want to see practical examples of how coaching tools like motivational interviewing, the stages of change model, and permission-based coaching can transform client relationships and outcomes.

Guest Bio

Dr. Katie Bogan is an occupational therapist who found her calling in early intervention as a second career. She specializes in working with families of young children with developmental delays in their homes, daycares, and community settings. Katie is also founder of HelloJoyOT.com, a mentorship network for early intervention occupational therapists.

Key Topics Discussed

- Early Intervention Model

- How early intervention differs from traditional therapy approaches

- Family coaching model vs. direct service delivery

- Working in natural environments (homes, daycares, community)

- Embedding strategies within existing family routines

- Motivational interviewing in early intervention

- Assessing family readiness for change using the transtheoretical model

- Permission-based interventions that respect client autonomy

- Practical examples of coaching language and techniques during therapy visits

- Why coaching skills enhance rather than replace OT clinical expertise

Key Quotes

- "Instead of going in and working directly with a child, I am going in and working with a family while the family works with the child."

- "It's very much meeting the family where they are, seeing what tools they have available, what have they already tried, what's working, and then meeting them with strategies that they can use that are reasonable and practical for their family."

- "All the milestones, like you can work on milestones all day long, but at the end of the day, what really matters to human experience is relationships."

Resources Mentioned

Takeaways for OT Practitioners

- Expand Your Toolbox: Learn coaching skills alongside clinical expertise to better serve families

- Think Systems: Consider the whole family system, not just the child with delays

- Cultural Humility: Recognize that Western developmental norms aren't universal truths

- Flexibility is Key: Be prepared to adapt your approach based on family needs and circumstances

- Relationships Matter: Focus on connection and relationships as much as developmental milestones

Resources:

Child of Mine by Ellyn Satter - Recommended approach to feeding babies and toddlers

Zero to Three - https://www.zerotothree.org/

HelloJoyOT.com - https://hellojoyot.com/

Connect with Katie

Website: www.HelloJoyOT.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellojoyot/

Email: Katie@HelloJoyOT.com

Connect with Jaclyn

Website: www.HealthCoachOT.com

Email: jaclyn@healthcoachot.com

]]><![CDATA[6 What is Health Coaching? A primer for occupational therapists]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/6-what-is-health-coaching-a-primer-763https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/6-what-is-health-coaching-a-primer-763Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:34:51 GMTIn this foundational episode, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz explores the intersection of occupational therapy and health coaching, providing essential knowledge for practitioners ready to transform their approach to chronic disease management. Learn how health coaching can enhance your OT practice and create lasting behavior change with your clients.

Key Topics Covered

- What is Health Coaching?

- Why Health Coaching Matters for OTs

- Health Coaching vs. Traditional OT Approach

- Scope of Practice Considerations

- Evidence Base

- Application Across OT Settings

- Getting Started: Next Steps

- Addressing Common Concerns

Key Takeaways

Health coaching enhances rather than replaces OT clinical skills

Addresses the "why" behind behavioral change, not just the "what"

Focuses on sustainable, long-term habit formation

Leverages OTPs' existing strengths in client-centered, holistic care

Creates opportunities for deeper impact with chronic disease management

Resources & Contact

Host Contact: Jaclyn@healthcoachot.com

Website: www.healthcoachot.com

Ready to expand what's possible in your OT practice? Join the newsletter at healthcoachot.com for weekly tips and updates on upcoming certification programs designed specifically for occupational therapy professionals.

References and Resources

Wayne, N., et al. (2015). Health coaching reduces HbA1c in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Patient Education and Counseling, 98(9), 1123-1129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2015.04.004

Whittemore, R., et al. (2020). A systematic review of the effects of nurse-led diabetes self-management interventions. Patient Education and Counseling, 103(6), 1157-1172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2020.01.014

Angermayr, L., et al. (2018). Multidisciplinary disease management programs in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Cardiology, 266, 226-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.04.010

Graham, F., et al. (2018). Coaching skills training with occupational therapists: A mixed methods pilot study. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 25(5), 362-370. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2017.1409261

Poulsen, A. A., et al. (2019). Coaching approaches in occupational therapy for children with developmental coordination disorder. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 39(4), 384-402. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2018.1541906

Rosenberg, L., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of occupational therapy using coaching versus standard care for children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 176(5), 438-445. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.6845

National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching: https://nbhwc.org

]]><![CDATA[5 Addressing Sleep in Occupational Therapy: Expert Tips from a Sleep Specialist]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/5-addressing-sleep-in-occupational-8adhttps://www.healthcoachot.com/p/5-addressing-sleep-in-occupational-8adWed, 07 May 2025 19:25:36 GMTIn this conversation, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz and sleep expert Louise Berger discuss the critical role of sleep in rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. They explore various sleep disorders, the importance of identifying sleep issues in clients, and the effective interventions available, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). The discussion emphasizes the need for occupational therapists to expand their practice to include sleep assessments and interventions, overcoming barriers to address sleep health in their clients.

Connect with Louise on LinkedIn

Takeaways

- Sleep is essential for physical and psychological health.

- Occupational therapists can play a vital role in sleep interventions.

- Insomnia is often misunderstood and requires specific criteria for diagnosis.

- The Three P's model helps understand the development of insomnia.

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is highly effective for treatment.

- Sleep hygiene is just one aspect of managing sleep disorders.

- Identifying sleep issues starts with simple questions about sleep habits.

- Sleep disorders can have significant societal and economic impacts.

- Taking the fear out of sleep can improve outcomes for clients.

- Starting small with sleep interventions can lead to significant improvements.

00:00 - The Importance of Sleep

07:02 - Sleep Terminology

13:31 - The 3 P Model of Insomnia

17:21 - Evaluating for Sleep Disorders

22:57 - Sleepiness vs Tiredness

25:36 - Interventions for Sleep Improvement

27:28 - CBT for Insomnia

29:32 - Sleep Interventions in General Medical Settings

30:26 - Intervention - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

31:10 - Intervention - Removing Fear

33:28 - Intervention - Sleep Diaries

36:42 - Intervention - Don't Chase Sleep

39:54 - Overcoming Barriers to Address Sleep in Clinical Practice

42:13 - Resources for Continuing Education

45:17 - Finding Louise Online

Keywords

#sleep, #rehabilitation, #occupational therapy #insomnia, #sleepdisorders #sleepbetter #healthcoaching #chronicdisease

]]><![CDATA[4 The 15-Minute Finish: Streamlining Documentation & Enhancing Client Outcomes]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/4-the-15-minute-finish-streamlining-6fchttps://www.healthcoachot.com/p/4-the-15-minute-finish-streamlining-6fcWed, 23 Apr 2025 17:27:38 GMTIn this episode of The Health Coach OT, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz shares a game-changing technique for occupational therapists and rehabilitation professionals: The 15-Minute Finish. This practical approach helps therapists complete documentation during sessions while simultaneously improving patient education and increasing home program adherence.

Episode Highlights:

- The Challenge: End-of-day documentation struggles, forgotten session details, and poor client follow-through

- The Solution: A structured 15-minute session conclusion that serves multiple purposes

- Setup Requirements: Positioning documentation systems for shared viewing and planning session timing

- Component 1: Client-led session review (5-7 minutes) that facilitates active recall and authentic documentation

- Component 2: Collaborative home program development (5 minutes) with SMART goals and confidence checks

- Component 3: Setting the stage for effective follow-up at the next session

Benefits:

- For Practitioners: Reduced documentation time, clearer understanding of client perspectives, and more efficient patient education

- For Clients: Increased engagement, better carryover between sessions, improved understanding of treatment purpose, and greater ownership of rehabilitation

Resources:

Download a free comprehensive guide with scripts, examples, and a printable cheat sheet at https://www.healthcoachot.com/15min

Connect with Jaclyn

Email: jaclyn@healthcoachot.com

Instagram: @healthcoachOT

About The Health Coach OT:

The Health Coach OT podcast provides evidence-based coaching tips and resources for managing chronic disease in rehabilitation. Host Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz, an occupational therapist, scientist, board-certified health coach, and educator, explores how to expand traditional rehabilitation boundaries to address root causes of chronic disease through evidence-based approaches to nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and visit healthcoachot.com for more resources.

]]><![CDATA[3 Decoding 1099 vs W2 Jobs: A Guide for Making Informed Employment Decisions]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/3-decoding-1099-vs-w2-jobs-a-guide-603https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/3-decoding-1099-vs-w2-jobs-a-guide-603Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:21:10 GMTEpisode Summary

In this episode of The Health Coach OT, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz interviews Matthew Shiebler, CPA, about the financial implications of W-2 employment versus 1099 independent contractor status for healthcare professionals. Matthew, with over 25 years of accounting experience and specialization in working with therapy professionals, provides valuable insights into the pros and cons of each employment classification, helping listeners make informed decisions about their career paths.

Key Points Discussed

Fundamental differences between W-2 and 1099 status:

W-2 employees: Employer withholds taxes and matches Social Security and Medicare contributions

1099 contractors: Responsible for paying all taxes themselves, including self-employment tax

W-2 employees qualify for unemployment benefits; 1099 contractors typically don't

Benefits considerations:

W-2 positions often include health insurance and retirement contributions

1099 contractors must arrange their own benefits but have more flexibility in choosing plans

Some retirement options (like SEP IRA or Solo K plans) offer 1099 contractors greater tax advantages

Tax implications:

1099 contractors can deduct business expenses on Schedule C

Recent tax law changes eliminated unreimbursed employee expense deductions for W-2 employees

Cell phones, mileage, and other work expenses may be deductible for 1099 contractors

Evaluating offers:

Compare total compensation packages (salary plus benefits for W-2 vs. higher hourly rate for 1099)

Consider the value of employer-provided benefits versus the flexibility of choosing your own

Factor in tax implications and additional expenses when comparing offers

Red flags when considering 1099 positions:

Employers who pay you as a 1099 contractor but treat you like a W-2 employee

Lack of written contracts

Unclear malpractice insurance coverage

Poor reputation for timely payments or regulatory compliance

Practical Tips

Create a spreadsheet to compare the total value of different employment offers

Consider forming an LLC if working as a 1099 contractor to legitimize your business status

Always get contracts in writing and clarify who covers malpractice insurance

Research potential employers by speaking with current contractors before accepting positions

Determine if combining a W-2 position with a 1099 "side hustle" might be the best approach

About the Guest

Matthew Shiebler, CPA, is the owner of Interactive Accountants and has been practicing accounting for over 25 years. His firm specializes in working with healthcare professionals, including occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Matthew has extensive experience helping therapy professionals navigate HIPAA-compliant bookkeeping, identifying valuable tax deductions, and making strategic financial decisions.

Resources Mentioned

For income tax services or more information, contact Matthew Shiebler at info@ia.tax

Connect with The Health Coach OT

Website: www.healthcoachot.com

Instagram: @HealthCoachOT

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights and updates

If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review. For free resources, visit www.healthcoachot.com and join our newsletter for weekly insights and updates on integrating coaching into your healthcare practice.

#OccupationalTherapy #physicaltherapy #speechlanguagepathology #healthcoaching #taxes #1099 #w2 #accounting #cpa #jobsearch

]]><![CDATA[2 Addressing Health & Wellness in Acute Care]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/2-addressing-health-and-wellness-147https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/2-addressing-health-and-wellness-147Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:49:08 GMTIn this conversation, Sonoe Oft, an experienced occupational therapist, shares insights into the complexities of working and addressing health behaviors and chronic disease self management in an acute care setting. She discusses the daily routines of an OT, the challenges of treating chronic health conditions, and the importance of incorporating lifestyle changes into patient care. The conversation also highlights the significance of building rapport with patients, understanding their needs, and the role of self-care for therapists. Sonoe emphasizes the need for continuous education and resources to enhance practice in acute care.

Takeaways

- Lab values can indicate mismanagement of chronic conditions.

- Building rapport with patients is crucial for effective interventions.

- Lifestyle changes should be approached gently and gradually.

- Time constraints in acute care can limit intervention opportunities.

- Documenting lifestyle interventions is essential for continuity of care.

- Coaching techniques can enhance patient engagement in therapy.

- Self-care for therapists is vital for providing quality patient care.

Chapters

01:54 Typical Day in Acute Care

03:25 Populations served in acute care

04:25 Evaluation in Acute Care for Health Behaviors

07:29 Intervention in Acute Care for Lifestyle Factors

11:44 Barriers to Lifestyle Changes in Hospital Settings

13:42 Documenting Health Behavior Interventions in Acute Care

14:29 Length of Care

16:41 Incorporating Health Coaching Techniques

17:26 One small thing to implement today

19:10 Resources for continued learning

22:18 How to connect with Sonoe

Keywords

occupational therapy, acute care, chronic health conditions, lifestyle changes, patient evaluation, healthcare education, therapy interventions, patient mindset, coaching techniques, healthcare resources

]]><![CDATA[1 Why I became a health coach]]>https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/1-why-i-became-a-health-coach-170https://www.healthcoachot.com/p/1-why-i-became-a-health-coach-170Sun, 30 Mar 2025 15:24:48 GMTIn this conversation, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz shares her journey from being a frustrated occupational therapist in acute care to becoming a health coach focused on chronic disease management. She discusses the gaps in the healthcare system that she observed, particularly in supporting patients with chronic conditions, and how her experiences led her to pursue further education and training in health coaching. Dr. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of addressing lifestyle factors and providing comprehensive support to patients, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare practices and the needs of individuals managing chronic diseases.

Takeaways

- The healthcare system often addresses symptoms rather than root causes.

- There is a significant gap in support for patients with chronic conditions.

- Health coaching can provide the necessary support for lifestyle changes.

- Education and training in health coaching can enhance occupational therapy practices.

- Many health coaches lack training for medically complex individuals.

- Comprehensive support is essential for managing chronic diseases effectively.

- Occupational therapists can expand their roles through health coaching.

Episode Quotes

"The care we're trained to provide doesn't feel complete."

Chapters

00:00 - About Today's Episode

03:46 - Bridging the Gap: From Research to Practice

05:02 - Transformative Coaching: A New Approach to Health

06:07 - Empowering Change: Supporting Healthcare Providers and Patients

06:49 - Introduction to Evidence-Based Coaching

06:49 - Resources for Managing Chronic Disease

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