Animals and Aquatics

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Welcome to an enchanting episode of Animals and Aquatics and OT, where Gina, your cohost and occupational therapist, takes us on a magical journey to discover the perfect practice location. Join us as we embark on the Unicorn Quest to find your dream therapy practice location!

Gina, a seasoned therapist and lifelong equestrian, shatters the myth that you need to own a horse or a farm to incorporate hippotherapy into your practice. She reveals the secret: partnering with amazing facilities! From barns to pools, parks and gyms, Gina unveils the wonders of collaborating with partner locations.

But how do you find the perfect place? Get ready to ride on the rainbow of considerations! Gina shares insider tips like the importance of distance from your home, the accessibility for your clients (no flying broomsticks required), and the availability of parking (no worries about horse-drawn carriages).

Hold your unicorn horns high as Gina dives into the aquatic realm. Discover the mystical qualities of pools and their surroundings. From the temperature of the water to the mermaid-friendly changing rooms, she unveils the secrets to creating a truly magical therapy experience.

But the adventure doesn't stop there! Gina uncovers the hidden treasures within equestrian facilities. Explore the arena conditions, the quality of the footing (no quicksand for Artax!), and the availability of indoor spaces for your therapeutic escapades. Discover the pegasus-approved mounting platforms and the stalls fit for royalty.

As we journey through this whimsical podcast, Gina unravels the importance of staffing (who needs fairy godmothers when you have an amazing team?) and the administrative details that make your dreams come true.

So grab your wizard hat and your water wings as Gina guides you through the spellbinding world of finding your dream therapy wonderland. Whether you're a therapist or just a lover of all things magical, this episode will leave you spellbound and eager to embark on your own Unicorn Quest!

Don't miss out on this extraordinary adventure – tune in now to unlock the secrets of the perfect practice location! Remember, dreams really do come true in the realm of therapy!

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🎃 Welcome to 'Animals & Aquatics in OT' Halloween Special! 🎃

Host Gina, your spirited guide, is here to take you on a spine-tingling journey through the world of occupational therapy nightmares, all with a playful Halloween twist. In this eerie episode, we'll uncover the secrets of safety, risk management, and liability insurance – and, of course, we'll keep it delightfully entertaining!

Get ready for a ghostly ride as we unveil some spooky scenarios and ghastly tales from the therapy crypt. But don't worry; we'll keep the witches and warlocks at bay with a dash of humor and a pinch of magic.

Join us as we tackle the mysteries of occupational therapy in the most wickedly fun way possible. 🕷️👻🦇🧙‍♀️

So, whether you're listening from your cauldron or your comfy chair, stay tuned for a Halloween special that's sure to cast a spell on your therapy knowledge. Subscribe, share, and don't forget to let us know your favorite part of this hauntingly good episode. 🎃🎙️

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Welcome to "Animals and Aquatics in OT," hosted by Gina – occupational therapist, mom, business owner, and coach. Join Gina on a captivating journey where she blends occupational therapy with intriguing topics. In this special Off-Topic Tuesday episode, Gina explores connections between the Waldorf educational philosophy and sensory integration, delves into the world of gamification in therapy and education, and shares the healing power of nature. Tune in for fresh insights, personal stories, and a unique blend of therapy, nature, and growth. Subscribe, review, and join us for inspiring conversations on animals, aquatics, and occupational therapy.

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In this episode of the Animals & Aquatics podcast, we explore the world of aquatic therapy and discuss the essential elements that would make up the perfect therapy pool. Our host, Ryan, delves into the importance of lighting, contrasting materials, and high contrast designs to aid children.
Discover how the right lighting can create a calming atmosphere, positively impacting therapy sessions. The discussion then moves to the significance of adjustable lighting and its surprising effects on children's relaxation and focus during sessions. Our host shares personal experiences of how decreased lighting helped some kids transition into sessions more smoothly and led to incredible breakthroughs in their therapy.

The ideal therapy pool wouldn't be complete without considering the accessibility aspect. Our host shares the benefits of a sloping beach or lagoon-style entry in the shallow end, making it easy for children of all physical levels to engage in therapy. Additionally, a range of water features, such as mushroom spray fountains and water tables, adds to the therapy pool's versatility and therapeutic potential.

The water temperature is a key factor in ensuring comfort and relaxation. The optimal temperature range of 88 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit is discussed, along with the importance of considering chlorine alternatives like salt or bromine for clients with skin sensitivities.

The middle area of the therapy pool calls for adjustable platforms to customize buoyancy and support levels during various therapy activities. Our host also explores the benefits of having a permanent stairwell and a ladder for different challenging experiences.

Looking towards the future, our host envisions integrating underwater and above-water speakers for therapeutic listening, making therapy sessions more engaging and effective. Additionally, the inclusion of cameras above and below the water would provide real-time monitoring of clients' movements, aiding therapists in fine-tuning their approaches.

Lastly, the show explores the importance of accommodating parents and aides by creating a separate observation room with a large window. This allows them to watch the sessions comfortably while having some downtime to relax or work.

Join us as we explore the potential of creating the ultimate aquatic therapy pool, where every aspect is carefully designed to support children with diverse needs and abilities.

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In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," host Gina delves into the challenges faced by nature-based occupational therapists (OTs) in private practice and introduces the transformative power of human motivation. Gina provides actionable strategies to overcome obstacles and create a thriving practice. Listeners will gain valuable insights into leveraging human motivation techniques for personalized treatment plans, improved patient retention, and enhanced revenue generation.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to the episode and its focus on human motivation for nature-based OTs.
• Explanation of the four phases of successful private practice using the MESS method.
• Discovering the benefits of applying human motivation techniques in nature-based OT practice.
• Recap of personalized treatment plans, improved patient retention, and enhanced revenue generation.
• A powerful conclusion encouraging nature-based OTs to embrace the potential of human motivation and envision change in their practice.

Key Takeaways:

1. OTs can benefit from understanding and leveraging human motivation techniques.
2. The ENGAGE+ method offers a valuable framework to navigate challenges and achieve success in private practice.
3. Domains1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 are instrumental in creating engaging and impactful interventions.
4. Embracing intrinsic motivation helps combat burnout and maintain passion for the profession.
5. Personalized treatment plans, improved patient retention, and enhanced revenue are tangible rewards of applying human motivation in practice.

Resources Mentioned:

• Trailblazer Quest Coaching Program - Contact Gina at E[email protected] or visit Trailblazers Quest coaching program for more information.

About the Host: Gina is a passionate occupational therapist specializing in nature-based interventions and hippotherapy. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping nature-based OTs overcome challenges and create motivating experiences for their clients.

Connect with Us:

• Website: www.animalsandaquatics.com
• Email: E[email protected]
• Follow us on social media for updates, inspiring content, and more!

Join the Community:

• Have questions or want to share your experiences? Join our supportive community of nature-based OTs on Linkedin @EquineAssistedServiceProfessionals.

Subscribe and Share: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to "Animals and Aquatics in OT" where ever you listen to podcasts and share it with fellow nature-based OTs. Help us spread the power of human motivation in occupational therapy!

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional or expert before implementing any strategies discussed in the podcast.

Thank You: Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey of exploring the intersection of nature-based OT and human motivation. Together, let's inspire and ignite change through the power of occupational therapy! Stay tuned for our next adventure.