Doing values-aligned work is supposed to protect you from burnout. But what happens when it doesn't? In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, returning guest Rebecca Rae-Hodgson and I dig into what it actually takes to build a sustainable occupational therapy practice, especially when you're neurodivergent or managing a chronic illness. Rebecca was last on the show for episodes 22 and 23, and since then she's gone through the ACTivate Vitality program herself. She's back to talk about the pivot she's made away from 1:1 client work, and why she's learned that values alignment on its own wasn't enough to keep her from burning out. If you're an OT practice owner who's been feeling stretched too thin despite loving the work you do, this conversation names something you may not have had language for yet.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Why Rebecca found herself burning out even though her work was fully values-aligned
- The difference between values alignment and sustainability, and why you need both
- What it means to bring "needs" into the conversation alongside values
- How Rebecca is restructuring her practice around supervision, mentorship, and organizational training
- Disability accommodations as an act of values-aligned self-support, not an exception to it
- The "90% good enough" mindset and letting go of trying to please everyone
- What it looked like for Rebecca to tell her clients she was ending 1:1 work, and why that felt so hard
- Redefining bravery as recognizing your limits and honoring them
About Rebecca Rae-Hodgson
In Rebecca's own words: "Kia ora, ko Rebecca taku ingoa. I'm an Occupational Therapist/Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau with lived experience of chronic and mental illnesses. I have also more recently discovered that I am Autistic and ADHD. I live in Golden Bay, in a tiny house with my dog (Octavia) and husband. While managing my own mental health and chronic illnesses over the years I have learned many things about myself, what works for me, what doesn't, and the kinds of supports I need to engage in the activities I want to do. I firmly believe in the power of meaningful occupations to improve people's lives. Using my lived experience and occupational therapy skills, I want to support other neurodivergent people with chronic illnesses and mental health challenges to engage in the things they want and need to do."
Update Since Recording
This conversation was recorded in late 2025. Since then, Rebecca has kept building. She's currently at capacity in her mentorship practice and won't be taking on any new clients until mid-2027. Her focus has shifted toward supervision, mentorship, and organizational training.
Resources & Links
Connect With Rebecca
For training inquiries, email is the best way to reach Rebecca. Full details on her current offerings are available at chronicresilienceot.com.
Learn More About ACTivate Vitality
If today's conversation resonated with you, if you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or isolated even though you're technically doing the work you value, I want you to know you're not alone. ACTivate Vitality is open to new clients right now. We're a community of international occupational therapy practice owners who support each other in building sustainable, values-aligned businesses. We've got coaching calls, an online community, an ACT-based framework to build entrepreneurial flexibility, and 1:1 support. It's not about hustling harder. It's about getting clear on what matters to you and what you actually need, and building a practice that serves your life instead of taking it over.
