Ep. 49: Neurodivergent OTs Discuss Creating a Practice That Actually Works for You With Guest, Breanna James

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:

• Breanna's website: authenticlivingot.com
• Contact Breanna: [e-mail]
• Free Play (book mentioned by Breanna)

Comment with your favourite comfort shows. Here are ours:

• Schitt's Creek
• Grey's Anatomy
• Friends
• 30 Rock
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