The Health Coach OT is the essential podcast for occupational therapy practitioners ready to transform their practice and unlock new career paths through proven coaching strategies.
Hosted by Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, NBC-HWC—occupational therapist, scientist, and board-certified health coach—this weekly show reveals how evidence-based coaching techniques can revolutionize your approach to chronic disease management while creating exciting new professional opportunities.
Each episode explores practical coaching strategies that seamlessly integrate with your existing occupational therapy knowledge, from motivational interviewing and behavior change techniques to lifestyle interventions for diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and other chronic diseases. Whether you're working in outpatient clinics, home health, private practice, or wellness centers, discover how coaching skills can enhance client outcomes while opening doors to health coaching certification, private practice expansion, and lucrative new revenue streams.
Perfect for occupational therapy practitioners, physical therapists, and speech language pathologists seeking continuing education, career advancement, and the tools to address root causes of chronic conditions through nutrition, stress management, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Transform your practice. Expand your impact. Unlock your potential.
5 Addressing Sleep in Occupational Therapy: Expert Tips from a Sleep Specialist
Season 1 · Episode 1
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 • Duration 42:56
In this conversation, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz and sleep expert Louise Berger discuss the critical role of sleep in rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. They explore various sleep disorders, the importance of identifying sleep issues in clients, and the effective interventions available, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). The discussion emphasizes the need for occupational therapists to expand their practice to include sleep assessments and interventions, overcoming barriers to address sleep health in their clients.
4 The 15-Minute Finish: Streamlining Documentation & Enhancing Client Outcomes
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Duration 09:48
In this episode of The Health Coach OT, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz shares a game-changing technique for occupational therapists and rehabilitation professionals: The 15-Minute Finish. This practical approach helps therapists complete documentation during sessions while simultaneously improving patient education and increasing home program adherence.
Episode Highlights:
- The Challenge: End-of-day documentation struggles, forgotten session details, and poor client follow-through
- The Solution: A structured 15-minute session conclusion that serves multiple purposes
- Setup Requirements: Positioning documentation systems for shared viewing and planning session timing
- Component 1: Client-led session review (5-7 minutes) that facilitates active recall and authentic documentation
- Component 2: Collaborative home program development (5 minutes) with SMART goals and confidence checks
- Component 3: Setting the stage for effective follow-up at the next session
Benefits:
- For Practitioners: Reduced documentation time, clearer understanding of client perspectives, and more efficient patient education
- For Clients: Increased engagement, better carryover between sessions, improved understanding of treatment purpose, and greater ownership of rehabilitation
3 Decoding 1099 vs W2 Jobs: A Guide for Making Informed Employment Decisions
Monday, April 14, 2025 • Duration 20:15
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Health Coach OT, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz interviews Matthew Shiebler, CPA, about the financial implications of W-2 employment versus 1099 independent contractor status for healthcare professionals. Matthew, with over 25 years of accounting experience and specialization in working with therapy professionals, provides valuable insights into the pros and cons of each employment classification, helping listeners make informed decisions about their career paths.
Key Points Discussed
Fundamental differences between W-2 and 1099 status:
W-2 employees: Employer withholds taxes and matches Social Security and Medicare contributions
1099 contractors: Responsible for paying all taxes themselves, including self-employment tax
W-2 employees qualify for unemployment benefits; 1099 contractors typically don't
Benefits considerations:
W-2 positions often include health insurance and retirement contributions
1099 contractors must arrange their own benefits but have more flexibility in choosing plans
Some retirement options (like SEP IRA or Solo K plans) offer 1099 contractors greater tax advantages
Tax implications:
1099 contractors can deduct business expenses on Schedule C
Recent tax law changes eliminated unreimbursed employee expense deductions for W-2 employees
Cell phones, mileage, and other work expenses may be deductible for 1099 contractors
2 Addressing Health & Wellness in Acute Care
Season 1 · Episode 1
Monday, March 31, 2025 • Duration 24:08
In this conversation, Sonoe Oft, an experienced occupational therapist, shares insights into the complexities of working and addressing health behaviors and chronic disease self management in an acute care setting. She discusses the daily routines of an OT, the challenges of treating chronic health conditions, and the importance of incorporating lifestyle changes into patient care. The conversation also highlights the significance of building rapport with patients, understanding their needs, and the role of self-care for therapists. Sonoe emphasizes the need for continuous education and resources to enhance practice in acute care.
Takeaways
- Lab values can indicate mismanagement of chronic conditions.
- Building rapport with patients is crucial for effective interventions.
- Lifestyle changes should be approached gently and gradually.
- Time constraints in acute care can limit intervention opportunities.
- Documenting lifestyle interventions is essential for continuity of care.
- Coaching techniques can enhance patient engagement in therapy.
- Self-care for therapists is vital for providing quality patient care.
Chapters
01:54 Typical Day in Acute Care
03:25 Populations served in acute care
04:25 Evaluation in Acute Care for Health Behaviors
07:29 Intervention in Acute Care for Lifestyle Factors
11:44 Barriers to Lifestyle Changes in Hospital Settings
13:42 Documenting Health Behavior Interventions in Acute Care
14:29 Length of Care
1 Why I became a health coach
Season 1 · Episode 1
Sunday, March 30, 2025 • Duration 07:17
In this conversation, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz shares her journey from being a frustrated occupational therapist in acute care to becoming a health coach focused on chronic disease management. She discusses the gaps in the healthcare system that she observed, particularly in supporting patients with chronic conditions, and how her experiences led her to pursue further education and training in health coaching. Dr. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of addressing lifestyle factors and providing comprehensive support to patients, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare practices and the needs of individuals managing chronic diseases.
Takeaways
- The healthcare system often addresses symptoms rather than root causes.
- There is a significant gap in support for patients with chronic conditions.
- Health coaching can provide the necessary support for lifestyle changes.
- Education and training in health coaching can enhance occupational therapy practices.
- Many health coaches lack training for medically complex individuals.
- Comprehensive support is essential for managing chronic diseases effectively.
- Occupational therapists can expand their roles through health coaching.
Episode Quotes
"The care we're trained to provide doesn't feel complete."
Chapters
00:00 - About Today's Episode
03:46 - Bridging the Gap: From Research to Practice
05:02 - Transformative Coaching: A New Approach to Health
06:07 - Empowering Change: Supporting Healthcare Providers and Patients
Welcome to the Health Coach OT Podcast
Season 1
Monday, March 24, 2025 • Duration 01:08
What if Occupational therapy, Physical therapy or Speech language pathology practitioners could expand our practice beyond traditional interventions to tackle what's actually making our clients sick? Welcome to The Health Coach OT: Evidence-Based Coaching Tips and Resources for Managing Chronic Disease in Rehabilitation. I'm Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz—occupational therapist, scientist, board-certified health coach, and educator.
Each week, I'll bring you:
• Evidence-based approaches for chronic disease self management
• Coaching techniques that transform clinical expertise into lasting patient outcomes
• The latest evidence on nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors
• An intuitive and inclusive approach that welcomes all people wherever they are on their journey
Whether you're a professional; looking to create new professional opportunities & enhance patient care, or someone living with a chronic condition seeking support—this podcast is for you
Like and subscribe!
6 What is Health Coaching? A primer for occupational therapists
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 • Duration 12:38
In this foundational episode, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz explores the intersection of occupational therapy and health coaching, providing essential knowledge for practitioners ready to transform their approach to chronic disease management. Learn how health coaching can enhance your OT practice and create lasting behavior change with your clients.
Key Topics Covered
- What is Health Coaching?
- Why Health Coaching Matters for OTs
- Health Coaching vs. Traditional OT Approach
- Scope of Practice Considerations
- Evidence Base
- Application Across OT Settings
- Getting Started: Next Steps
- Addressing Common Concerns
Key Takeaways
Health coaching enhances rather than replaces OT clinical skills
Addresses the "why" behind behavioral change, not just the "what"
Focuses on sustainable, long-term habit formation
Leverages OTPs' existing strengths in client-centered, holistic care
Creates opportunities for deeper impact with chronic disease management
Resources & Contact
Host Contact: Jaclyn@healthcoachot.com
Website: www.healthcoachot.com
Ready to expand what's possible in your OT practice? Join the newsletter at healthcoachot.com for weekly tips and updates on upcoming certification programs designed specifically for occupational therapy professionals.
9 Three Health Coaching Career Paths Every OT Practitioner Should Consider
Thursday, September 18, 2025 • Duration 07:26
Tired of being stuck in the traditional occupational therapy system with limited autonomy over your schedule, interventions, and client outcomes? Discover three distinct health coaching career paths that leverage your unique OT background while offering flexibility, remote work opportunities, or the potential to earn more than traditional OT salaries.
In This Episode:
Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz breaks down three health coaching career paths specifically designed for occupational therapy practitioners, each with different benefits, challenges, and income potentials.
What You'll Learn:
Path #1: Employee Health Coach - Work remotely for established companies like insurance providers or health tech startups, with immediate income and flexible scheduling
Path #2: Independent Health Coaching Practice - Build your own business with unlimited income potential and complete autonomy over your practice
Path #3: Integrated Coaching Skills - Enhance your current OT practice with evidence-based coaching techniques for better client outcomes
Key Takeaways:
- Why OTs are naturally suited for health coaching roles due to their training in activity analysis, behavior change, and client-centered care
- How health coaches can work across state lines and provide services both in-person and online
- The advantage of coaching scope allowing broader geographic reach compared to traditional OT practice
- How these paths aren't mutually exclusive - you can combine approaches to build a career that works for your life
8 From Traditional OT to ADHD Coach
Thursday, September 11, 2025 • Duration 17:56
Discover how an OT enhanced her approach to ADHD treatment by shifting from traditional one-hour weekly sessions to comprehensive family coaching that creates lasting change.
In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz interviews Julia Welter, an occupational therapist who made the bold transition from traditional pediatric OT practice to specialized ADHD coaching. Julia shares her journey from archaeology student to ADHD expert, revealing why the traditional therapy model wasn't enough to create the lasting change families desperately needed.
What You'll Learn:
- Why traditional one-hour weekly OT sessions have significant limitations for ADHD treatment
- The key differences between treating the child versus coaching the entire family system
- How to identify performance deficits in children with ADHD beyond the obvious hyperactivity symptoms
- Practical intervention strategies that parents can implement throughout the week
- The strengths-based approach that transforms how we view ADHD
- Essential resources and next steps for OTs interested in ADHD coaching
Guest Bio:
Julia Welter is an occupational therapist with seven years of experience in outpatient pediatric settings. She specializes in working with families navigating ADHD challenges and has developed a coaching approach that empowers parents with the tools and strategies typically reserved for therapy sessions. Her business, Wildly Brilliant Brains, focuses on helping families understand and support the unique ADHD brain.
Connect with Julia:
Instagram: @WildlyBrilliantBrains
Facebook: Wildly Brilliant Brains
7 Coaching in Early Intervention Occpational Therapy
Season 1 · Episode 1
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 • Duration 24:15
Join Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz as she speaks with Dr. Katie Bogan, an early intervention occupational therapist. Katie share more about her life as an early intervention OT, and she discusses coaching techniques that she uses in practice. This episode is perfect for therapists who want to see practical examples of how coaching tools like motivational interviewing, the stages of change model, and permission-based coaching can transform client relationships and outcomes.
Guest Bio
Dr. Katie Bogan is an occupational therapist who found her calling in early intervention as a second career. She specializes in working with families of young children with developmental delays in their homes, daycares, and community settings. Katie is also founder of HelloJoyOT.com, a mentorship network for early intervention occupational therapists.
Key Topics Discussed
- Early Intervention Model
- How early intervention differs from traditional therapy approaches
- Family coaching model vs. direct service delivery
- Working in natural environments (homes, daycares, community)
- Embedding strategies within existing family routines
- Motivational interviewing in early intervention
- Assessing family readiness for change using the transtheoretical model
- Permission-based interventions that respect client autonomy
- Practical examples of coaching language and techniques during therapy visits
- Why coaching skills enhance rather than replace OT clinical expertise
Key Quotes
- "Instead of going in and working directly with a child, I am going in and working with a family while the family works with the child."
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Health Coach OT, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
The Health Coach OT podcast provides evidence-based coaching tips and resources for managing chronic disease in rehabilitation. Host Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz, an occupational therapist, scientist, board-certified health coach, and educator, explores how to expand traditional rehabilitation boundaries to address root causes of chronic disease through evidence-based approaches to nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and visit healthcoachot.com for more resources.
Evaluating offers:
Compare total compensation packages (salary plus benefits for W-2 vs. higher hourly rate for 1099)
Consider the value of employer-provided benefits versus the flexibility of choosing your own
Factor in tax implications and additional expenses when comparing offers
Red flags when considering 1099 positions:
Employers who pay you as a 1099 contractor but treat you like a W-2 employee
Lack of written contracts
Unclear malpractice insurance coverage
Poor reputation for timely payments or regulatory compliance
Practical Tips
Create a spreadsheet to compare the total value of different employment offers
Consider forming an LLC if working as a 1099 contractor to legitimize your business status
Always get contracts in writing and clarify who covers malpractice insurance
Research potential employers by speaking with current contractors before accepting positions
Determine if combining a W-2 position with a 1099 "side hustle" might be the best approach
About the Guest
Matthew Shiebler, CPA, is the owner of Interactive Accountants and has been practicing accounting for over 25 years. His firm specializes in working with healthcare professionals, including occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Matthew has extensive experience helping therapy professionals navigate HIPAA-compliant bookkeeping, identifying valuable tax deductions, and making strategic financial decisions.
Resources Mentioned
For income tax services or more information, contact Matthew Shiebler at info@ia.tax
Connect with The Health Coach OT
Website: www.healthcoachot.com
Instagram: @HealthCoachOT
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights and updates
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review. For free resources, visit www.healthcoachot.com and join our newsletter for weekly insights and updates on integrating coaching into your healthcare practice.
Wayne, N., et al. (2015). Health coaching reduces HbA1c in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Patient Education and Counseling, 98(9), 1123-1129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2015.04.004
Whittemore, R., et al. (2020). A systematic review of the effects of nurse-led diabetes self-management interventions. Patient Education and Counseling, 103(6), 1157-1172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2020.01.014
Angermayr, L., et al. (2018). Multidisciplinary disease management programs in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Cardiology, 266, 226-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.04.010
Graham, F., et al. (2018). Coaching skills training with occupational therapists: A mixed methods pilot study. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 25(5), 362-370. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2017.1409261
Poulsen, A. A., et al. (2019). Coaching approaches in occupational therapy for children with developmental coordination disorder. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 39(4), 384-402. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2018.1541906
Rosenberg, L., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of occupational therapy using coaching versus standard care for children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 176(5), 438-445. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.6845
- Occupational therapy practitioners experiencing burnout in traditional settings
- OTs seeking geographic flexibility and remote work opportunities
Practitioners wanting to enhance their clinical effectiveness with coaching skills
- Allied health professionals interested in expanding beyond traditional interventions
Resources Mentioned:
Health Coach OT website: www.healthcoachot.com
Weekly newsletter with evidence-based coaching tips and updates on our health coaching certificate for occupational therapy practitioners.
Connect with Dr. Jaclyn Schwartz:
Website: healthcoachot.com
Email newsletter for coaching tips and early access to programs
🎯 TAKE ACTION: If this episode inspired you to explore ADHD coaching or expand your approach with neurodivergent families, we want to hear from you!
- Share your biggest takeaway on social media using #HealthCoachOT and tag @healthcoachot & @wildlybrilliantbrains
- Connect with fellow listeners who are also expanding beyond traditional interventions
- Have a question for Dr. Schwartz? Send it to jaclyn@healthcoachot.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode
- Know an OT who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a colleague who works with ADHD families
Stay Connected:
Website: www.healthcoachot.com
Instagram: @healthcoachot
Email: jaclyn@healthcoachot.com
⭐ Love the show? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your reviews help other therapists discover these game-changing approaches to client care.
- "It's very much meeting the family where they are, seeing what tools they have available, what have they already tried, what's working, and then meeting them with strategies that they can use that are reasonable and practical for their family."
- "All the milestones, like you can work on milestones all day long, but at the end of the day, what really matters to human experience is relationships."
Resources Mentioned
Takeaways for OT Practitioners
- Expand Your Toolbox: Learn coaching skills alongside clinical expertise to better serve families
- Think Systems: Consider the whole family system, not just the child with delays
- Cultural Humility: Recognize that Western developmental norms aren't universal truths
- Flexibility is Key: Be prepared to adapt your approach based on family needs and circumstances
- Relationships Matter: Focus on connection and relationships as much as developmental milestones
Resources:
Child of Mine by Ellyn Satter - Recommended approach to feeding babies and toddlers
