This week on The BRAVE OT Podcast: So many neurodivergent OTs like us have spent our careers trying to squeeze ourselves into systems that weren't designed for how our brains work, for our sensory needs, or for how our values need to align deeply with our work. It is a brave move to one day say "I'm going to create something that actually works for me."
Join me as I talk with Breanna James, an OT from Alaska who's been part of my ACTivate Vitality program and community for almost a year. Breanna specializes in supporting neurodivergent adults, and what I love about this conversation is how she talks about creating her private practice as her own accommodation - a way to work that honors both her neurodivergent brain and her values around authentic, client-centered care.
You'll hear how she moved from traditional settings that didn't quite fit into building something that works for her life as a parent, as a business owner, and as someone who needs flexibility and play in her work. We dive into why neurodivergent adults desperately need our OT services, how to bring play and creativity back into the mundane parts of business, and why you don't need another certification to start helping the people who need you most.
This conversation is for any OT who's been feeling like they need to practice differently, who's struggling with the loneliness of solo practice, or who's wondering if they're qualified enough to work with adult populations. If you've ever felt like you're trying to squeeze yourself into a mold that wasn't made for you, this episode will give you permission to create something that actually fits.
Key Topics We Discuss:
- Creating private practice as your own accommodation for neurodivergent needs
- Permission to practice OT authentically without fitting traditional molds
- The power of community and connection for solo practitioners
- Bringing playfulness back into business and clinical work
- Why neurodivergent adults need OT services (beyond coaches or counselors)
- Moving from burnout to sustainable, values-driven practice
- Using AI tools to support clinical work
- Breaking free from the "shoulds" and finding what actually works
- Building teams and having vulnerable leadership conversations
Who This Episode Is For:
- OTs feeling stuck in traditional employment settings
- Solo practitioners experiencing loneliness and isolation
- Neurodivergent OTs seeking accommodations in their work
- Anyone questioning whether they're qualified to work with adult populations
- OTs interested in supporting neurodivergent adults
Links Mentioned:
Comment with your favourite comfort shows. Here are ours:
- Schitt's Creek
- Grey's Anatomy
- Friends
- 30 Rock
- True Crime Shows and Podcasts
Keep the conversation going in the The BRAVE OT Facebook group.
Download the 2025 ACTivate Vitality Analysis Report to see what we are talking about. We are currently accepting new OT business owners into the program so we'd love to hear from you. Book a Clarity Call today.
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As a listener of The BRAVE OT Podcast, we invite you to check out our favourite EMR, Jane.app and use the code VITALITY on your new Jane account for a one month grace period.
Questions OTs Are Asking:
- How can I create a private practice that works for my neurodivergent brain?
- What support is available for OT business owners?
- How can I improve my mindset as a business owner?
- How do I overcome loneliness as a solo practitioner?
- What's the difference between OT and coaching for neurodivergent adults?
- How do I bring more play and creativity into my business?
- Can occupational therapists help adults with executive functioning?
- Do I need special certifications to work with autistic adults?
- How do I start working with neurodivergent adults as an OT?
- What does occupational therapy look like for adults with ADHD?
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