Season 6 Episode 2: Finding Your Niche, Managing Burnout and Building Sustainable Practice as a Paediatric OT

This week I am joined by C, a paediatric OT working in a subcontracting role, and we talk about what happens when you love the clinical work but the systems around it are slowly wearing you down. In this episode we discuss: Finding your clinical niche and why specialising can be a protective factor Moral burnout and the difference between caseload overwhelm and systems overwhelm Navigating anticipated NDIS changes with your existing clients Becoming the primary anchor for complex families and what to do about it The "extra extra" - above-and-beyond work that isn't contracted or contained Written communication load and how to manage it with a neurodivergent caseload Termly planning as an energy management tool Professional development pathways toward mental health OT endorsement Key takeaways: Specialising aligns your PD, supervision, and clinical reasoning - it is protective, not limiting Moral burnout has a different source to caseload burnout - naming it matters A priority pyramid helps you define your role within a client's care team intentionally Responsiveness becomes a liability when it is the reason families value you A brief acknowledgement response is often enough - not every email needs a full reply Termly planning does not need explicit goals - it can be your own internal orientation for each family The OTA mental health OT training builds boundary frameworks, not just clinical content Mentioned in this episode: Michelle Bihary - moral burnout: michellebiharyhealth.com OTA Mental Health Foundations training: otaus.com.au/cpd-and-events/cpd/mental-health-foundations Client Snapshot Tool: theotcoach.au/otcoachlibrary If this episode resonated and you would like support through supervision, business mentoring, or reflective practice, visit www.theotcoach.au to explore how The OT Coach Australia can support you. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.