Animals and Aquatics
Animals and Aquatics is the podcast for occupational therapy providers who are passionate about a career outside the box. It's where we go behind the scenes and take a deep dive into the world of incorporating animals and aquatics into authentic occupational therapy sessions.We are obsessed with helping you elevate your interventions and get one step closer to starting your dream career.We are a husband and wife, mama and dad to three littles, COTA and OT, and business partners. Each episode, we chat about our weekly sessions and problem solve better outcomes for our clients, review interesting research around nature-based therapy, the benefits of partnering with animals and the healing powers of water. We love to interview industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and advice on the building a dream career.From how to find facilities to partner with (if you don't own a horse or a pool), intervention planning, to fieldwork placements and sites, we'll provide actionable tips & tools, systems & processes, resources & training you need to make your dream a reality.So whether you’re just starting out on your animals and aquatics journey or you’re a seasoned provider, join us today as we talk all things Animals and Aquatics in occupational therapy!
Episodes
60 episodes
Fieldwork Lessons from an Experienced COTA
In this episode, we kick off our back-to-school series by talking with Kim Meaney, a seasoned Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and current master's student in occupational therapy. Kim shares her unique journey from being a...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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13:38
Back to the Basics: Updates from the Animals and Aquatics Podcast
In this catch-up episode, your host Gina returns to the Animals and Aquatics podcast after a summer break, sharing updates on her personal and professional life. The episode dives into three main areas: education in occupational therapy, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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19:02
Burnout Busters and Taking a Break
In this episode, Gina delves into the nuances of prioritizing work and family life in the realm of occupational therapy. With a focus on avoiding burnout, she explores strategies for balancing competing priorities, from client care to per...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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19:47
Turning Passion into Profit: Animals, Aquatics, and OT Side Hustles
Looking to turn your passion for animals, aquatics, and nature-based therapy into a thriving side hustle? Join us on "Animals and Aquatics" as we delve into the essential steps for occupational therapy providers (OTPs) looking to incorpor...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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20:11
Horse Sense: Evaluating Equine Partners for Therapy
In this episode of "Animals & Aquatics in Occupational Therapy," our host explores the intricate process of assessing horses for therapy work. From evaluating conformation and movement to gauging temperament and soundness, every aspec...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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20:23
Learning Curves: The Top 5 Mistakes We Made in Our Occupational Therapy Practice
In this episode of Animals and Aquatics, Gina reflects on the mistakes made in their occupational therapy practice. Joined by her husband, they share insights into common pitfalls such as spreading themselves too thin, failing to set clea...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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19:30
Strengths-Based Programming in Occupational Therapy
In this episode of "Animals & Aquatics," host Gina wraps up Occupational Therapy Month with reflections on the month's journey and plans for what's next. She delves into strengths-based programming, exploring its impact on both client...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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20:36
Building Student Confidence: How the OTPF Enhances Fieldwork Experience
Join host Gina as she delves into the world of occupational therapy education, focusing on the crucial role of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) in student fieldwork experiences. Learn how the OTPF can empower students to...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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20:46
OT Interventions Made Easy: Using OTPF
Welcome to Occupational Therapy Month! This week our podcast episode all about occupational therapy interventions! We'll be discussing practical tips and strategies for success, including how to use the Occupational Therapy Practice...
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24:03
OTPF in Action: Crafting Your Occupational Therapy Evaluation Framework
In this episode of Animals and Aquatics, Gina delves into the intricacies of utilizing the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) in the evaluation process. She highlights the significance of understanding the OTPF's components an...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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21:28
Hippotherapy and Everyday Living: Enhancing ADLs
In this episode, Gina celebrates April as Occupational Therapy Month by delving into the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) and its application in the unique area of hippotherapy. She explores how hippotherapy promotes t...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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20:52
From Flyers to Facebook: Lessons in Therapy Marketing
In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," host Gina explores effective marketing strategies for unique private practices incorporating hippotherapy or aquatics. Reflecting on recent conferences attended and the significance of mark...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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22:35
The Continuing Education Buffet: A Therapist's Perspective
Join Gina and Ryan, an OT couple, in their podcast "Animals and Aquatics" as they delve into the world of continuing education. From workshops to conferences, they explore the importance of expanding one's horizons and stepping outside of...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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21:32
Aquatic OT or Adaptive Swim Lessons?
Swim Skills or Therapy? Understanding the Differences In this episode of "Animals and Aquatic," host Ryan, a certified occupational therapy assistant, delves into the similarities and differences between aquatic occupationa...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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8:36
Making Waves at Conferences: A Guide for Occupational Therapists in Animal and Aquatic Therapy
In this episode of the Animals and Aquatics in OT podcast, host Gina delves into the world of professional conferences in occupational therapy. She shares her insights on the importance of attending conferences, strategies for maximizing ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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21:31
The Occupation-Based Phase: Navigating the Transition into Practice
In this episode of the Animals and Aquatics podcast, host Gina delves into the occupation-based phase of occupational therapy (OT) practice in niche areas like animal-assisted and aquatic interventions. With a focus on practical insigh...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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23:08
Purposeful Preparation: Steps for Success in Animal-Assisted and Aquatic Therapy
Join Gina on Animals and Aquatics as she explores purposeful steps for occupational therapists and assistants interested in animal-assisted and aquatic therapy. From establishing legal foundations to crafting exceptional client experience...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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26:40
From Preparation to Purpose: Getting Started in Unique OT Niches
In this episode of Animals & Aquatics in OT, co-host Gina delves into the theme of "Getting Started" in unique OT niches like hippotherapy, aquatics therapy, or nature-based therapy. She emphasizes the importance of preparation in thr...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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27:51
Connecting with OTs: Season Two Invitations and Insight
Welcome to the new season of "Animals and Aquatics in Occupational Therapy" with hosts Gina and Ryan. They own a private practice in New Jersey and are passionate about helping OTs and OTAs incorporate animals or aquatics in their therapy...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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12:08
Buoyant Beginnings: Looking Back on Season 1
In this special season finale, we embark on a journey through the depths of our inaugural season, celebrating the "Buoyant Beginnings" of "Animals & Aquatics in OT." Join us as we dive into the highlights, memorable moments, and the incredi...
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20:19
From Goals to Gratitude: A Thanksgiving special with Gina and Ryan
In this special Thanksgiving episode, Gina and Ryan, co-hosts of "Animals and Aquatics in OT," take time to reflect on the year and express their gratitude. They share their journey of starting an aquatic therapy program with a sensory focus an...
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19:05
Efficient and Effective Session Planning
In this episode, we explore the art of session planning for Occupational Therapists working in unique settings such as animals and aquatics. Gina, an experienced OT, shares her journey and progression in session planning, emphasizing the ...
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13:33
Strategies for Thriving in Seasonal Changes as an OT Working with Animals & Aquatics
In this episode of "Animals and Aquatics," your host Gina, a mom, wife, occupational therapist, private practice owner, entrepreneur, and OT educator, delves into the crucial topic of seasonal planning for occupational therapists working ...
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20:49
Creeping Shadows of Risk: OT's Nightmare Scenarios
🎃 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 twi...
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9:36
Pumpkin Quest with the Headless Horseman: OT Magic Interventions Unveiled
In this special Halloween-themed episode, join Gina, an experienced OT and host of Animals and Aquatics, as she shares three creative Halloween intervention ideas for occupational therapists. From crafting nature-based Halloween masks to ...
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17:19