
A Full Circle Moment: A Conversation with My First OT Supervisor
The Passion Occupational Therapy PodcastShow Notes
In this very precious episode, I sit down with my first ever supervisor, David, to explore the profound impact he's had on my journey as an occupational therapist. We delve into our experiences, discussing the importance of being proactive in seeking opportunities, the journey from hospital work to housing OT, and the challenges and rewards of being a practice supervisor. Together, we emphasise the therapeutic use of self, the significance of thorough documentation, and the vital role of supervision in professional development. We also reflect on the differences in supervision practices between England and Australia, the importance of mentorship and support for new graduates, and the need for collaboration in healthcare. This episode highlights the essence of finding joy and satisfaction in our work as OTs.
More from The Passion Occupational Therapy Podcast
In this episode of the Passion Occupational Therapy Podcast, Parish sits down with Chris Antartis from Rebel Recruitment, a specialist in allied health recruitment across Australia.
When Storm Menzies broke her dominant hand, she quickly discovered just how inaccessible the beauty world can be. That moment sparked an idea and eventually, ByStorm, a brand reimagining beauty tools through an inclusive and adaptive lens. In this episode, we dive into Storm’s inspiring journey from a background in health sciences to becoming a founder and innovator. She opens up about the challenges of designing adaptive beauty tools, the stigma surrounding assistive products, and her mission to make inclusivity the norm, not the niche. We also explore how occupational therapists can play a powerful role in shaping accessibility, not just in clinical settings, but in industries like beauty, design, and product development.
Ever had a client ask, “Why are we doing this?” and you froze? Or maybe your supervisor challenged a recommendation, and you stumbled over your explanation? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m diving deep into what clinical reasoning really is, why so many struggle with it, and how to build the confidence to explain your decisions with clarity and conviction. We’ll unpack: Why clinical reasoning feels so hard (and what it’s NOT).
For over two years, I’ve been living through a journey I never expected, one that has tested me mentally, emotionally, and physically, and transformed my life in ways I’m still processing.
🧠 Episode Summary: In this episode, Parish is joined by Justin from WheelieWorx as they bust common myths about wheelchairs, from the idea that “all wheelchairs are basically the same” to whether power assist makes users “lazy.” Together, they explore the clinical, functional, and human elements of wheelchair prescription, and how important it is for OTs to develop genuine confidence and clarity in their clinical reasoning. You’ll hear real talk from two OTs with different perspectives and lived experience in the wheelchair space, and why it’s so important we move away from the “tick-a-box” approach to scripting.