Diaries of a Health Professional

In our previous episode, Thomas's Story, we followed Thomas through his first year as a newly qualified occupational therapist. Now, two years on, we catch up with him to explore how his career has evolved.After securing a Band 5 role in a drug and alcohol detox service, Thomas set out with a clear goal: to develop the occupational therapy role within the service and progress to a Band 6 position. In this episode, he reflects on the journey of establishing and shaping the OT role in this unique setting, while sharing insights into his personal and professional growth over the past two years.A transcript for this episode can be accessed using this link.⁠https://tinyurl.com/2ena8fyp

In this bitesize episode of Diaries of a Health Professional, we’re joined by experienced occupational therapist Lucy Wells for a brief introduction to the neurodevelopmental approach in Occupational Therapy.Lucy breaks down complex concepts into accessible language, exploring how the brain and nervous system develop and adapt across the lifespan. The episode covers key ideas such as neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and sensory processing, highlighting how these underpin everyday functioning and participation in meaningful occupations.We also explore:The impact of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan.The role of the eight senses, including vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive systems.How sensory processing differences can affect behaviour, coordination, and emotional regulation.The importance of maintaining a “calm and alert” state for optimal function (window of tolerance).Why a holistic, person-centred approach is central to occupational therapy practice. Lucy shares practical insights from her clinical experience, demonstrating how understanding the neurodevelopmental approach helps therapists tailor interventions, support regulation, and improve everyday functioning.This episode is perfect for students and practitioners looking for a foundational overview of neurodevelopmental theory and its relevance across all areas of occupational therapy practice.A transcript for this episode can be accessed using this link.⁠https://tinyurl.com/3fu4e6vhReferencesBooks- Mahler, K. 2015. Interoception, the Eighth Sensory System: PracticalSolutions for Improving Self-Regulation, Self-Awareness and Social Standing- Bundy, A.C and Lane, J.S. 2019. Sensory Integration Theory and Practice.Third Edition. - Schaaf, R.C and Mailloux, Z. 2015. Clinician's Guide for ImplementingAyres Sensory Integration, Promoting Participation for Children with Autism. Websites- www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com:Sensory Integration Online Training and Education, which provides onlineresources and webinars.- sensoryproject.org:A sensory integration training and network for sensory integrationpractitioners, offering in-person and online training resources.- www.kelly-mahler.com:A resource for information regarding interoception.

In our previous episode, Stephanie’s Story, we followed Stephanie during her first year as a qualified occupational therapist. Now it’s time to see how Stephanie’s career has progressed – 2 years later. Stephanie spent some time on rotation before securing a static post in a psychiatric intensive care unit. In this episode, she reflects on her roles over the last 2 years and discusses her development as a band 6 occupational therapist working within a mental health setting.A transcript for this episode can be accessed using this link.https://tinyurl.com/586krfdm

Dr Thomas Williams completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy at Cardiff University in 2023. Thomas came across Occupational Therapy for the first time whilst completing his doctorate and decided that this was the career he had been looking for. He finished his doctoral studies whilst also studying Occupational Therapy, and still excelled on the course. Thomas started a band 5 rotational post within a local health board. Soon afterwards, Thomas secured a service development post in a drug and alcohol service. He also joined the RCOT Wales Region Committee as their Equity, Diversity and Belonging Representative – a role that matches his values.  Follow Thomas through his studies, and his first year as an Occupational Therapist.

Saru Macheva graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc in Occupational Therapy in July 2023. She secured a role in a local authority social services team and also joined the RCOT Wales Region Committee as Social Media Lead. Saru studied dietetics, and although she earned her degree in this subject, she did not feel passionate enough to make a career out of it. Saru started working as a Healthcare Assistant, and a service user commented that she would make a good Occupational Therapist. After learning more about the profession, Saru realised she had finally found a career that would fulfil her, and she committed to three years of further study to achieve her dream. In this episode, Saru shares her journey through discovering the profession, and the highs and lows of her first year as a community Occupational Therapist.

Alice O’Reilly graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy from Cardiff University in July 2023. Her career journey up to this point has been varied, with a degree in Fine Art, time spent working in hospitality and even a stint as an estate agent. After several years of working in care, Alice realised that Occupational Therapy was what she wanted to do and she undertook an access to healthcare course in order to apply for her degree. In the final year of her degree, Alice applied for a role as a community Occupational Therapist within social services, choosing to work for a local authority rather than the NHS. This podcast follows Alice’s journey to becoming an Occupational Therapist, and the first year of practice after graduation.

Mother of two and former trampolinist Stephanie Christian, completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy at Cardiff University in August 2023.After originally studying Biology and working in this field for several years, Stephanie trained to be a rebound therapist, combining her love for trampolining and supporting others. This role exposed Stephanie to Occupational Therapists working in the community, and Stephanie realised she had finally found a career that matched her ethos. Studying Occupational Therapy helped Stephanie to build her confidence and she applied for an NHS band 5 rotation. Follow Stephanie’s journey to becoming an Occupational Therapist, and on the first year of her rotation.