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Taylor Wilmot, AMFT brings in to this dialog a lens developed as an active student in non-traditional learning environments cultivated since 2007. She offers a lens as emerging practice mental health counselor with an educational background that focused on developing skills to support multicultural approaches to counseling.
It's normal to feel emotions like grief, anger, and confusion when our worldview is challenged by something new. In order to support ourselves and others through this process, we should allow space for feeling without judgment, try to recognize and validate our emotions, and seek towards expression and exploration.
1. Josie and Taylor both went to an interdisciplinary college and are now working as therapists in different fields.
2. They discuss the challenges and benefits of learning in an educational community that is intentionally non-hierarchical.
3. They are exploring how different modes of learning can be used to benefit the inclusion, well-being, and empowerment of diverse humans.
Josie and Taylor discuss the challenges of creating a safe space for emotional expression in an online learning environment. They note that it is important to be aware of the difference between emotions and information and that emotional reactions are not necessarily acts of violence. They also suggest that it is important to be prepared for the possibility that people may show up in a state of hyperarousal and that it is important to have grace for those who are in that state.
The scapegoating dynamic can lead to a blind spot in terms of understanding the full problem and potential solutions. It can also create a sense of division within a group.
It can be helpful to think about your own culture and how it might be different from the dominant culture when you are trying to learn about and be sensitive to other cultures. It is also important to be curious and humble when asking questions about other cultures.
This conversation between Josie and Taylor is about the importance of approaching education with an openness to all different types of perspectives, and the role that educators can play in de-institutionalizing some of the harmful beliefs that are perpetuated in society. They discuss how everyone has a role to play in creating a more just and equitable world, and how we can all learn from each other by engaging in dialogue and critical inquiry.
Supplementary Learning Referenced in Guest Interview (20EP)
Supplementary Learning Referenced in Guest Interview (20EP)
Information on Hyperarousal and Zone of Tolerance
https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-to-help-your-clients-understand-their-window-of-tolerance/
Information on Victim-Rescuer-Perpetrator Triangle
https://www.heatherhayes.com/overcoming-the-drama-triangle/
Information on Scapegoating
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/07/19/scapegoating-causes-reasons/
Self-Reflection Excercise: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZIhR1t8qlkfEXn077fSJ8qSeeNGPgu3RxvfhSaqPIOo/copy

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Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
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Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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Trailblazing OTs: Neurodivergence, Mentorship, and Building Inclusive Communities

Description: In this thought-provoking and insightful podcast episode, Dr. Bill Wong, a trailblazing occupational therapist (OT), and the host Josie Jarvis engage in a candid conversation about the intersection of neurodivergence and OT. They dive into the importance of mentorship and the role it plays in supporting and empowering neurodivergent OTs and students. Dr. Wong shares his personal journey and experiences with Autism while engaged in OT leadership, shedding light on the need for representation and diverse perspectives within the OT field.

Key Points:

• Neurodivergence and OT: Dr. Bill Wong discusses his experiences as an OT with Autism highlighting the importance of representation and diverse perspectives within the profession. Josie explores how these intersections connect with her experiences of neurodivergence with ADHD and NVLD as well.
• The Power of Mentorship: Both guests emphasize the significance of seeking mentorship as a sign of strength rather than weakness. They explore how mentors can empower neurodivergent OTs and help them navigate challenges in their careers
• Breaking Traditional Boundaries: The discussion explores the need for strategic disruption in the OT profession to foster growth and inclusivity. Both guests challenge the status quo and advocate for a more diverse and open-minded approach to OT practice and leadership.
• Embracing Passion Projects: Dr. Wong shares his experience with organizing TEDx events and how passion projects can provide a creative outlet for OTs to explore and utilize their talents and skills beyond traditional practice.
• Low-Cost Alternatives for Conferences: The conversation delves into the high costs of attending conferences and explores the potential for low-cost alternatives and inclusive approaches to knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Building Inclusive Communities: Both guests stress the importance of building communities that welcome and support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including ethnicity, disability, and socioeconomic status.
• Amplifying Voices: The podcast advocates for partnering with other disability communities to amplify their voices and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in various spaces, including OT practice and academia.

Join this inspiring conversation as they challenge the norms, celebrate diversity, and encourage the next generation of OTs to embrace their unique strengths and talents. Whether you're an OT, a student, or simply interested in promoting inclusivity and mentorship in healthcare professions, this podcast episode is a must-listen!

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Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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***Trigger Warning: Discussion of Suicidal Ideation, Gender-Based Violence and Harassment, and explicit language***
Continuing our exploration of the evolution of the Contemporary Arts and Crafts Movement we are joined today by Matthew Boudreaux the creator of Mx. Domestic where we explore navigating experiences of Gender-Based Occupational Deprivation and how creative expression and community building can be a way to engage in healing towards occupational wellbeing, participation, inclusion, empowerment, liberation, and ultimately systemic change.
Mx. Domestic is a multitalented non-binary, queer, and neurodivergent sewist who is a leader in increasing diversity in representation and inclusion of communities that tend to be underserved by the conventional crafting communities that tend to prioritize and center the needs and experiences of a narrow demographic of well resourced, heterosexual, cis-gendered, and often Christian white females. While Matthew wanted to learn how to sew from his Mother as a young child, this ambition was not supported because of Matthew's perceived gender identity and restrictive Western gender role expectations. Luckily Matthew did not let his mother's discouragement hold him back. Matthew credits crafting and fiber arts and his soul pull toward using fiber arts as a symbolic occupation to engage in honoring the development of his daughter. Matthew overcoming his own experience of occupational deprivation ultimately helped to build an inclusive community that has fundamentally changed the culture of how crafting is now being marketed nationally and he has partnered with others to create safe spaces for a wider diversity of communities to gain the healing benefits of crafting and creative expression. Please consider supporting Mx. Domestic's ongoing work and I hope you enjoy this meaty conversation!
https://mxdomestic.com/
What is Occupational Deprivation:
“A reduction in the amount and diversity of opportunities for occupational performance and occupational engagement for an extended period of time. It impacts negatively on health and well-being and may have serious consequences if prolonged. It is generally seen as caused by factors outside the control of the individual such as social structures or stigma, religious practices, political differences, poverty, or geography. There is debate as to whether factors such as illness and injury can cause occupational deprivation given that they are internal to the individual. Nonetheless, they are beyond the control of the individual and can have similar consequences, namely, reduced opportunities for diverse occupational performance and occupational engagement”
(Molineux, 2017)
Molineux, M. (2017). A dictionary of occupational science and occupational therapy (Oxford Quick Reference). OUP Oxford.
WOTA is currently giving away 7 free Epic online CEUs and 10 special offers from small OT businesses through August 31st! (Including my training on orientation to OS and the OTPF4) Annual Membership for Students is only $35!
Access Here: https://wota.org/virtual-summer-con-2023/?fbclid=IwAR24DNUeI

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://beacon.by/evolved-living/occupational-science-101-guide-podcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/Kary Gillenwaters, OTR/L:
Blog: https://solidagovc.com/blogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=life%20well%20occupiedBooks Referenced on Addictive Patterning/Systems:
The Addictive Organization
Daily Reminders for Living a New Paradigm
The Mindful Family Guidebook: Reconnect with Spirit, Nature, and the People You Love
See Me as a Person

Video/Podcast Transcript in English
Episode Corrections:

• OT for the Advancement of Minnesota Mental Health Services (OTAMMHS) was co-developed between clinician Beth Kessler, OTR/L, and academic/clinician Kristine Haertl, PhD, ACE, OTR/L, FAOTA with the Minnesota Community as a joint effort to expand access and impact of Mental Health focused OT.

• Upon greater reflection, we regret framing the conversation on encouraging OT autonomy and exploration through the metaphor of "offering greater leash" as this framing still upholds an imbalanced power dynamic and we both wish to encourage the development and encouragement of OT practice that is empowering for all outside of hierarchical power dynamics where ever we live, work, play, and grow.

Key Insights:

• Occupational Science is at the core of OT practice and is used by many other disciplines

• It is important to be aware of the power imbalance that can exist in the relationship between OTs and OTA's and to ensure that all voices are heard in policy decision-making

• Occupational Science can be a powerful tool to help with creative understanding and problem-solving

• OTs in Minnesota have a longer and more focused history on mental health

• OT clinicians need to build relationships with OS researchers in order to better understand how to bring their clinical insights into the academic world

• OTA's and OTR's should be seen as having equal value in the OT community and it is important to crea

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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This episode of the Engaging Occupational Science Podcast explores the AOTA 2025 Vision and the complexities that emerge in attempting to realize this vision in the United States context during a time of escalating national tensions and the spread of trans-exclusionary laws that are seeking to target and oppress members of the gender expansive and queer communities throughout the United States.

Please sign COTAD’s 2024 AOTA Conference petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/urgent-concerns-and-call-for-action-aota-inspire-2024-conference?recruiter=1309629281&recruited_by_id=777815f0-0272-11ee-bfd4-bdda0c0943a5&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=copylink

Panel Guests:

Andi Brown, MS-OTR/L and Writer

Andi Brown is a trans writer, artist, and occupational therapist. He is passionate about disability rights and the transformative power of story. He is a writer and intersectional OT researcher who conducted autoethnographic research on identity disruption and occupational identity disruption following traumatic brain injury. He is a fantastic example of an OTP who engages with and helps develop our knowledge of occupational science through practice and lived experience expertise. Andi currently works in Boston with LGBT+ youth in the foster care system. Previously, he completed a fellowship at CSU working with college students with mental health challenges, founded a pain management clinic in Oregon State Hospital, and coordinated OT services in an acute psychiatric unit in Oklahoma.

Susan L. Yebra, OTD, OTR/L, CLT

Susan L. Yebra a pelvic floor occupational therapist who is focused on improving the inclusion of gender in occupation, specifically gender-affirming surgical techniques + impact on function, to include context, sequencing, and roles associated with gender affirmation. She is a current member of the AOTA and Holistic Occupational Therapy Association. She has presented at numerous state and national conferences, has been featured on podcasts is currently working on her first submission to the open journal of occupational therapy.

Website: https://susanyebraotd.wixsite.com/susan-yebra

Capstone Course for OTPs: Lower-Body Gender-Affirming Surgery:

The Occupational Therapy Roadmap

Knowledge Dissemination and Collaboration Facebook Group:

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit