2) Making Plans That Work: Part 1

3) Parallel Universe Time

4) OTs Doing It Differently

5) Workshops and Events

6) Endnote

1) Welcome to February…I mused in January but didn’t write a full newsletter! If you missed my OCCassional Musing you can read it on the website OTCoach

There are still [...]]]> ) Welcome

2) Making Plans That Work: Part 1

3) Parallel Universe Time

4) OTs Doing It Differently

5) Workshops and Events

6) Endnote

1) Welcome to February…I mused in January but didn’t write a full newsletter! If you missed my OCCassional Musing you can read it on the website OTCoach

There are still a couple of places left on our Ready…Fire…Aim workshop on the 21st Feb in Slough. We are getting great feedback about this day, so if you can come along, please do.

January was a fab month and we had a great day at COT running the Mentoring, Coaching and Supervision workshop. Lots of OTs came and if you want to come to the next one, future dates are being planned.

Talking about plans, I have spent alot of time in recent weeks, reviewing 2011, taking stock of all I had achieved and all I was pleased with. I can really recommend doing the same – sit down and spend a quiet half an hour writing in your journal. Even if you think you didn’t get far, you will be surprised. I also spent some time being quite realistic with myself as to the reasons why some plans hadn’t worked, what I could do about it and how that might help others. Here is my offering to you…a play in two parts:

2) Making it happen…Part 1

“With grace, willingness and ease, dance with your intentions, watching them emerge. Looking back you will see how the dots joined themselves up beautifully, with little help” LM$ M$e

Careful sharing

I over share, I always have. I start telling people about my wildly enthusiastic plans, truly believing this would help me to make them happen and stick to them. I do believe in accountability which is why working with a coach helps, but you have to choose carefully who you share your plans.

Some people will listen with apparent interest, then start talking about themselves again.

Some people will interrupt frequently and try and give advice…whether you want it or not.

Some people will listen with their own agenda loud in their ears and don’t want you to succeed.

Some people will listen and then start a systematic criticism of your plans and vision.

Some people will just listen and then give a unconvincing supportive “oh that’s nice”

Some people will just tell you out and out that it just won’t work.

Some, just a few, will listen with interest and be supportive.

Sorry if that sounds negative but creative plans are delicate seedlings. How would those sort of reactions affect your motivation and plans?

Well for me, I immediately start doubting my plans and aspirations, which is helpful to a point. It makes sure we keep a grip on reality and can moderate any wildly unrealistic parts of our plans. I also get a very quick sensing whether I want to share with this person again; friendships have been made or broken by these conversations. Mostly I feel my spirit dampened and really start doubting my ideas and plans. I am a great fan of Chris Guillebeau, shares how we should listen to everyone and then take no notice of their advice. (Obviously that doesn’t include this advice…..keep reading:)

Share with a limited group of people who are encouraging, supportive and ask you helpful questions. Have a complimentary session with a coach to see if it would help (and it usually does).

Small is the new big
I used to be a fan of Big Hairy Audacious Goals with outlandish aims in what, it transpired, were unrealistic time spans. Getting used to the very slow nature of the world, has been a life long lesson. Reducing our expectations is very helpful, but setting small goals, taking small action, asking yourself small questions, is vastly undervalued.

When you are making plans, whether its to write a book, get back to work, lose weight or start a college course, start small. Small…really small, isn’t scary. Small doesn’t take much effort, time or money. Small can be so small that doing it is really easy. Let me give you an example. I paint…not as much as I would like and one of my constant moans is lack of time and opportunity. My mother, with whom I am great friends, often says to me, “Just set aside a hour a day Jen” but an hour is too much. An hour is not small.

My solution these days is too just wander into my studio and say to myself “What can I do right now for then next 5 or 10 minutes? (often whilst I am waiting for something else to happen, like my daughter using the bathroom). It works surprisingly well. Sometimes I just grab a pencil or biro and do a small sketch. Sometimes I might browse through a magazine and cut and stick some pictures of interest.

Small Step King Bob Maurer, gives another great example. He will often suggest to people who want to increase their fitness, but have never exercised before, that they just walk in front of the TV during the adverts for 1 minute to start with. Just 1 minute. YES! I can do that. Giving ourselves permission to do something very small, clears the way for doing it with very little resistance and often means we do a lot more! Once settled into my studio, convinced I am only there for 5 minutes or so, I find that an hour passes and suddenly a little voice says “are you going to tuck me in or not!”

I started doing small things, for the first time in my life about 2 years ago. It didn’t come naturally, trust me. We tend to value big steps, big statements and obvious achievement. But one thing I didn’t expect was that small steps seem to result in surprisingly large things happening: 5 minutes googling will find a new job; a short phone call results in a meeting or new opportunity; the smallest sketch turns into the greatest idea for a painting.

So small is the new big and it is so much easier than you expect. Make sure your plans include some really small steps.

Part 2 next time..

3) Parallel Universe Time (PUT it in your diary)

Working with Kaisen Muse Creativity Coaching taught me so much and one of the most powerful tools is Parallel Universe Time. During a coaching call, the coach and client agree to “hang up” for 10 -15 mins or more and go off and do something, make a start or small step or something tangible related to their goal. This might include spending 15 mins sketching out a painting, writing 2 lines of a poem, doing 10 mins viola playing (badly), tidying your desk, finding a telephone number and actually calling someone, starting your business plans, starting a mind map. All small things, done during a coaching call, whilst your coach also does something.

At a set time, you recommence the call together and usually find that you have both done much more than you expected. I know this is not rocket science…..but give it a try, especially if you are finding resistance in starting a new project or plan.

Would you be interested in a regular, free group coaching call, for 30 mins at the same time each week, where we can work together, experience parallel time and use it to move some things forward? If so, please drop me an email jen@otcoach.com

Once this group is up and running, you can sign up and join at any time, but we need a few to get it going:)

4) OTs Doing it Differently: Karen Davies

Karen Davies is an Occupational Therapist, with a special interest in helping people to return to some kind of occupation. She has worked mostly in mental health. She has also worked with unemployed people, helping them to regain confidence and find a place in their community where they can use their skills.

The Condition Management Programme project, where she had been working, was closed and 60 health professionals had to find alternative employment. Karen used some of her redundancy money and went to train in the USA with Richard Bolles, author of ‘What Color Is Your Parachute?’, and now has the backing of Richard Bolles to present his materials.

Karen now runs ‘Parachute’ training courses where professionals or life coaches come to a training day to understand the method, so that they can use it with their clients. She also offers group and individual work with clients who are looking to find their vocation to change career or find a job.

The ‘Parachute’ approach helps people to find their vocation, by a series of exercises to enable people to identify their skills, values and beliefs. This enables them to know themselves better and hone their vocational aspirations. The approach focuses on the left brain and enabling people to consider the possibilities they might not have previously considered. This, Bolles believes, is essential before embarking on the job hunt.

The approach Karen uses is person centred, and enabling, and creative. She is able to use her skills of motivational interviewing and solution focussed therapy. Karen keeps up her registration and continuing professional development by working as a locum OT in the NHS, most recently working in a Brain Injury service and mental health teams.

Discovering Vocation website: Discovering Vocation email: karendavies@discoveringvocation.co.uk phone: 07779935067

Do you have a story to tell? Are you an OT doing it differently?? You don’t need to be in independent practice..maybe you are doing it differently in your current job and have some great stories about new ways of working or a service development you have made. Please email and let us know: jen@otcoach.com

5) Workshops, Courses, Events

Ready Fire Aim!

21st February, Slough £119 Price includes all resources, refreshments and light lunch

Whether you thinking about starting a business or enterprise or having been doing so for a while, this workshop will ensure that your business reflects your vision, passion and values. Recruit the power of your Right Brain in this vibrant workshop OTCoach

Warning: this workshop could seriously improve your business.

NLP for OTs

25th April, Bristol £80 (book both days together for £150)

NLP has become of increasing interest in recent years, across many areas of life, including coaching and personal development. Many OT’s have started to train in NLP as they recognised how it could enhance their work with clients and enhance their own lives. Helen Tyler, an experienced NLP practioner and Occupational Therapist will lead this exciting day. The day will combine practical experience of some NLP techniques which can be used easily with OT clients, alongside theoretical learning and group discussion. It is suitable for OT practitioners of all levels and experience and is essential for anyone considering a formal training in NLP. Integrating NLP in OT practice will be at the heart of this day. Visit OTCoach

Coaching Skills for OTs

24th April, Bristol £80 (book both days for £150)

Coaching is a powerful approach to working with individuals and groups. It enables people to work towards what they want rather than what they don’t want. It is being fast recognised as the “missing link” in helping people to change health beliefs, raise self efficacy and develop sustainable plans. This day is aimed at OTs who want to explore coaching and consider using it as part of their professional “tool kit”. It aims to provide some practical tools, hands-on practice and personal experience of coaching. It will show how coaching not only benefits our clients, but also supports our own personal and business development.

Visit OTCoach

PAINLESS PRACTICE

This excellent company runs many courses for independent health practitioners and therapists.

Patient Experience Workshop 29th Feb Stockton-on-Tees

The Seven Pillars of a Painless Practice 7th March London

Visit their website for further details Painless Practice

If you have a course or workshop of interest that you would like listed, please email us: jen@otcoach.com

6) End note:

Books ordered from Amazon: 5
Books ordered elsewhere: 49 (not all for me:)
Videos filmed and DVD made: 1 (watch this space)
Cats in front of log burning stove :2
Contented OTCoach:1

Do you need help starting a new OT business or entreprise? Maybe you already work independently but would benefit from working with a coach to move your business forward, develop marketing plans and new services?

Are you an OT working in the NHS or Social Care and are struggling to find enjoyment and passion in your work?

Call or email us today for a free consultation and see how OTCoach could help you:jen@otcoach.com 07772267004

Since I love OT and I love coaching, I am always so happy to write this eZine!  Last month I visited Health Creation who are based in Bath and had a lovely chat with Rose Daniels, founder.  She was very [...]]]> Welcome to Growing Potential – the eZine for OTs interested in all things coaching.

Since I love OT and I love coaching, I am always so happy to write this eZine!  Last month I visited Health Creation who are based in Bath and had a lovely chat with Rose Daniels, founder.  She was very excited about her new Diploma in Integrative Medicine as it is now open to OTs (see below).

During November I also attended 2 women’s conferences – they are always so inspiring and you meet such lovely people. Being a celebrity stalker, I collared Lynne Franks for a quick chat. Lynne is a fashion and media/PR guru, about who the great comedy Absolutely Fabulous was based.  She also established the Seed network for women entrepreneurs.

I am also busy working on a new Digital Product which will be on the website soon…it has taken much longer to orchestrate than I could ever imagine!   I am also preparing for the mentoring day at COT on 17th January…any one coming..it should be great fun and lots of learning for allJ Details below.

Last week I had a video made – which was quite a terrifying experience! I wisely invested in a couple of sessions with Claire Jaggard, Media Coach – well worth the money or else it would have been a hideous result. I’ll tell you more once it has been edited and uploaded!

If you have read your OTN this month, you will see a short piece I have written on the personal challenges and changes we face as OTs…I hope you enjoy it.

Health Creation,  Co-Creating Health or Crafting Wellbeing?

I have been following Health Creation for many years. It was founded by Rosy Daniels, former medical director at Penny Brohn Cancer Care. Rosy has also been the cornerstone of the Diploma in Integrative Medicine at Bath Spa University – well worth a look if you are considering some post grad training as they now include OTs J

I purchased my own personal Health Creation Programme about 4 years ago when I was unwell and it is a fabulous resource. Along side the manual and workbooks you also get 4 sessions of Health Creation Coaching – a must if you want support to make sustainable wellbeing changes.   Having worked with “Wellbeing Coaching” in various roles over the last few years, there is a wealth of varying opinion and differing approaches being used from CBT based coaching to motivational interviewing through to more diverse models such as Health Creation which includes the following principles: food, exercise, detox, stress, relationships, emotions, being true to yourself, energy, spiritual connection, your space, your communities and the natural world.

Over the years, the notion of creating health or more importantly co-creating, has been one of my main areas of interest. The notion of co-creation acknowledges that we do not operate in a vacuum – our lives, our wellbeing is the sum of many parts of our lives and the people in it  (incidentally, I found out about the NHS Co-creating Health initiative from a local OT who was visiting my art exhibition last year!)  Embedded in this approach is all the learning from the Expert Patient Programme combined with Health Coaching, something the NHS keeps having a play with, but seems to abandon as they realise the resources involved to make it a success.  Having a “short, sharp focussed 3 sessions” with a CBT therapist or other professional, just doesn’t cut the mustard. Long term changes require an understanding of the individual’s social situation, beliefs, values, health beliefs, approach to life, approach to learning etc.  We know that changing behaviour takes a long time and needs sustained support.  There also have to be very tangible benefits to making changes whilst raising awareness of the benefits of not changing. The power of this cannot be underestimated.

I was so excited to hear about the 7 pilot sites which were set up for Co-Creating Health, but I have struggled to find out how the pilots are going and what the results are …… does anyone know? I just hope it hasn’t suffered the same fate of many other brilliant pilots which produce great results, but where the Health Economics evaluation shows it’s a costly option.

I like to think about it “Crafting Wellbeing”, as it is a true weaving together of many facets of someone’s life to create a whole. It’s not just about giving up smoking or losing weight.  Wellbeing, as we know, is mix of healthy, purposeful living, healthy relationships and environment … “not merely the absence of disease” !  One of the most powerful things that I learnt during my own personal health coaching, and still have to re-learn regularly, is that we need to acknowledge and really embrace our own “self” in our wellbeing quest.  Once I gave up the fights which I knew I couldn’t sustain, let alone win, it became much easier.  Striving for balance just doesn’t work for me, so trying to pace, is a no no. I am an erratic exerciser – that’s just the way it is.  I will never be well and happy if I choose the easy option – annoying but true.

These are key things which have allowed me to understand and craft my wellbeing in recent years.  I wonder what works for you?  How do you craft your wellbeing?

Workshops, Courses, Event

Ready Fire Aim!
Whether you thinking about starting a business or enterprise or having been doing so for a while, this workshop will ensure that your business reflects your vision, passion and values. Recruit the power of your Right Brain in this vibrant workshop.

Following the success of this workshop, we have had lots of enquires to run it again. So here’s the plan:   7th February, Leicester £99 early bird before 10th Dec, £119 after.

21^st February, Slough £99 early bird, before 1st Jan, £119 after.

Price includes all resources, refreshments and light lunch

Warning: this workshop could seriously improve your business.

NLP for OTs We postponed Octobers workshop on NLP in OT, but would really like to re-schedule. Please email with interest so we can plan a new date

Mentoring, coaching and supervision: skills for OTs

16^th January COT London Cost £50 (for COT mentors) £75 for BAOT members, £100 non-members

This programme will include: an exploration of the nature of mentoring and coaching within OT; practical exercises using tools to improve mentoring skills; practical advice regarding mentoring relationships.  This day will provide delegates with skills for use in clinical practice for service users, skills for use with staff and students and skills to benefit your organisation. This day will also support those joining the COT mentoring scheme.

Contact Clare Leggett 0207450233345  email : cotcs.event@cot.co.uk

Social Enterprise and Beyond

1^st May COT London £120 BAOT members, £160 non members.

Are you considering setting up your own business? Are you interested in the opportunities Social Enterprise may offer? Starting a new enterprise or continuing to build an existing one, requires a mix of vision and self belief alongside good business sense. How do we tap into creative thinking, the core of innovation? What are the elements of business planning which will form the basis of a successful enterprise? Jen Gash (that’s me!), occupational therapist, coach and entrepreneur and Wray Irwin, Social Entrepreneur in residence, will help answer those questions providing you with plenty of ideas and food for thought.

Benefits from attending the day:

• Consider how we use our diverse skills to create innovative business ideas

• Participate in business planning activities and consider how to market your ideas

• Hear from others who have set up their own Social Enterprise

After attending delegates will be able to:

• Understand the elements of business planning and develop their own business plan

• Consider if Social Enterprise is the appropriate model for their business

Contact katalin.rado@cot.co.uk for bookings and information.

If you have a course or workshop of interest that you would like listed, please email us: jen@otcoach.com

Book Review

“Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind”  Nancy Kline 1999 Pub Cassell

This is a gem of a book. I read it early on in my coaching journey and still quote from it frequently. Kline has developed a model of human interaction called a “Thinking Environment” based on the following 10 components: Attention, Incisive Questions, Equality, Appreciation, Ease, Encouragement, Feelings, Information, Place and Diversity (sorry about the inappropriate capitalisation it just looked better!)  Within these listening is at the core:

““Attention, the act of listening with palatable respect and fascination, is the key to a Thinking Environment. Listening of this calibre is enzymatic. When you are listening to someone, much of the quality of what you are hearing is your effect on them. Giving good attention to people makes them more intelligent. Poor attention makes them stumble over their words and seem stupid. Your attention, your listening is that important.”

Kline makes an interesting point about professional listeners (OTs included) who generally listen poorly as talking is equated with being professional! That’s one to ponder on and notice when you are with your clients next!  What is the quality of your listening?

Great book. Do read it. It’s a keeper.

End note

1)      Number of days spent in new office at the Bhive Bristol  – 3 so farJ

2)      Number of days internet down this week – 5 (sob)

3)      Number of kittens being considered for Christmas – 2

4)      Number of books bought this month… a modest – 2

5)      Number of PV solar panals installed – 10 (hurrah)

6)      Number of wood burning stoves installed after being in the garage for 4 years -1 (huzzah)

1) Welcome

2) Challenges in OT

3) OTs Doing It Differently

4) Workshops and Events

5) Endnote

1) Welcome to Novembers offering. October saw the South West Regional BAOT day at Taunton. I met lots of lovely OTs and after listening to Greg Stafford , Public Affairs Officer, [...]]]> Welcome to the OT Coach Ezine,

1) Welcome

2) Challenges in OT

3) OTs Doing It Differently

4) Workshops and Events

5) Endnote

1) Welcome to Novembers offering. October saw the South West Regional BAOT day at Taunton. I met lots of lovely OTs and after listening to Greg Stafford , Public Affairs Officer, I hurried home and emailed 4 Lords in the House of Lords about the Health Bill (Gold star Jen). I listened with interest about UWEs Widening Occupation Weeks, in which their first year students do various voluntary work placments. It really did remind me of the need to “practice what we preach” and really embrace and experience what we recommend to our clients. We give great advice as OTs but I for one know that I struggle to take it!

Later that week, I went to HQ and met with Sharon Tuppeny, Practice Team, to talk about Enterprise and Innovation in OT. In May 2012, there will be a day conference on this, so watch this space! I decided to spend the rest of the day in the COT Library which was well worth the time: I caught up with some recent texts in OT and journal articles: I do find that it is quite difficult gaining access to resources when you work independently.

Did any of you link in to the OT 24 hour Virtual Exchange on World OT day? It was so good, but my favourite was listening to Alice Hortop, the laughter OT. If you missed the exchange, the recordings are available online at www.ot4ot.com.

2) Challenges and changes in OT: Expectation and Uncertainty

In October, I sent a brief eZine requesting your thoughts on the challenges that you currently face in your OT journey. I had some lovely replies, but please keep sending your thoughts. Here is part of an email sent by an OT:

“As an OT myself who graduated over 3 years ago now with high expectations to slot straight into work that I enjoyed and was wonderfully beneficial to others, I would say that on reflection the journey has been rather different!! However, I am increasingly enjoying the challenge of promoting what I do in my freelance work in that I’ve made a commitment to myself to really carve out the type of OT role that I’d like to assume. This has led me down the course of Art Sessions…which has helped me really think ‘out of the box’ and about asking the questions such as, Who do I really want to work with? What are my skills that I can offer? Where is the funding for what I do? All very essential in reality but potentially lost in the mainstream world of OT!…long may OTs continue to grow, discover and share together”

As I read these words, I felt that many of us could relate to this: coming out of any training or programme full of expectations, but rarely having those expectations fulfilled in the way we expect and certainly not in the time scale we were expecting. Holding onto the passion and vision through times which are challenging is so very important, but so is taking steps in the direction you feel is right. What I love about this particular OT’s approach is that rather than leaping into any job, she has chosen to stick with her values and vision, and work in a way that is true to her self. I know this is not easy! Mortgages, rent, the small issue of food, can all push us towards security and certainty. But often it is our impatience and adherence to a time scale and rigid outcome, both of which we are unable to control, that leads us away from our pathway. Life is unpredictable and uncontrollable and most successful people put their success down to being able to deal with a high level of uncertainty. Take a look at this blog post : http://www.copyblogger.com/insecurity/

I read a lovely quote recently which goes “If it all goes well, you get a great experience, if it doesn’t you get a great story” what a great way to reframe things!

Supportive networks, long term, peer support relationships, face to face and virtual relationships keep us going both in good and difficult times. I have made it a “policy” to have coffee with a local peer, often someone who could be considered a competitor, at least once a week. Sharing local knowledge, resources and giving advice cannot be underestimated. So whether you are a new grad or long since qualified, find people locally to collaborate with. Practice what we preach to our clients and develop your own strong social support systems. I met a lovely OT, Zoe Cocksedge, who coordinates a local CPD group for all types of OTs in Cornwall. They all enjoy the support, ideas, friendship, as well as the opportunity to pass on business and develop projects together. What a great way to navigate the uncertainty of changing times.

Please keep writing in with your challenges, thoughts and current issues.

3) OTs Doing it Differently
From university to independent practice – in at the deep end: Rachel Jenkins

Armed with my first class Bsc(Hons) in occupational therapy I thought the job market would open up before me without too much effort. How wrong I was. Firstly there were no jobs. Secondly, my grade counted for little when competing against people with years of experience. As a mature student I have had my share of job interviews over the years but it still shocked me that I couldn’t even get to interview stage for posts I was applying for. However, my university (UWE) had anticipated the need for us to be more creative with our skill set and prepared us to carve our own careers outside of the NHS. But where to start?

I decided to concentrate on charities that I had an interest in and write some speculative applications. After trawling the internet I came across a new charity called Bluebell Nurses, based in Bristol. They support mums with anti/postnatal depression. This was a subject close to my heart as I had experienced postnatal depression with both of my children. I emailed the charity asking if they were looking to use occupational therapists as part of their work. Not expecting to get a reply I then forgot about the email until I received a reply – 2 months later. They were interested in meeting me for a “chat” and to investigate possibilities for my role.

The Bluebell Nurses were about to embark on a group support programme in conjunction with the Teenage Parents Project(TPP) in Withywood. Ironically, I had identified the TPP as a potential new opening for occupational therapy services as part of a final year unit on role emerging fields. Armed with my research notes from this unit I was able to meet with Bluebell Nurses and present a clear picture of how I could support young mums with postnatal depression. Due to the training in presentation skills that my course had provided I was able to convince them that not only could I contribute to the content of the programme but I could also lead the group.

So here I am today – literally thrown in at the deep end. I am running the programme on a sessional fee basis and the feedback so far has been positive. Although I am currently working in isolation from other occupational therapists I have made contact with professionals in a similar field with a view to arranging supervision and possibly mentoring. It’s not how I imagined my first job to be but the freedom and flexibility to design and implement a programme without the red tape and hierarchy associated with the NHS has felt wonderful. I am learning to ask when I need help but also put my trust in my own abilities. My training has provided me with the skills to reflect, analyse and critically appraise what I am doing so I have never felt out of my depth. It is refreshing to have my occupational viewpoint respected and although the work is only part time at present, the charity is new and interest in the service is increasing daily – so who knows where it will lead?

4) Workshops, Courses, Events

Ready Fire Aim!
Whether you thinking about starting a business or enterprise or having been doing so for a while, this workshop will ensure that your business reflects your vision, passion and values. Recruit the power of your Right Brain in this vibrant workshop www.otcoach.com/workshops/
Following the success of this workshop, we have had lots of enquires to run it again. So here’s the plan: 7th February, Leicester £99 early bird before 10th Dec, £119 after Late February, Slough £99 early bird, before 1st Jan, £119 after Price includes all resources, refreshments and light lunch

Warning: this workshop could seriously improve your business.

NLP for OTs We postponed Octobers workshop on NLP in OT, but would really like to re-schedule. Please email with interest so we can plan a new date

Improving the Quality Your Time is of the Essence: Workshop 15th November http://www.improvingthequality.com/index.htm

Harrisons Training For current course dates including “Wellbeing in Dementia, an Occupational Approach” http://www.harrisontraining.co.uk/current_course_dates.asp

If you have a course or workshop of interest that you would like listed, please email us: jen@otcoach.com

5) End note: Books ordered and not yet read: 5 (not too bad!)
Books read: 3 halves 
New website written…with just me on it: 1
Number of Krispy Kreme donuts eaten from a string on Halloween: 4
Days spent working in coffee shop: 8
Businesses that I am really liking: www.thebirthingshirtcompany.com

Do you need help starting a new OT business or entreprise? Maybe you already work independently but would benefit from working with a coach to move your business forward, develop marketing plans and new services?
Are you an OT working in the NHS or Social Care and are struggling to find enjoyment and passion in your work?
Call or email us today for a free consultation and see how OTCoach could help you: 07772267004 jen@otcoach.com

1)News

2)Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

3)Workshops and courses

1)News

September was such a busy month, with many of us seeing this as a time of year to set goals for the year ahead and start work for the autumn.  We held our first Ready, [...]]]> Welcome to Growing pOTential the newsletter from OT Coach

1)News

2)Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

3)Workshops and courses

1)News

September was such a busy month, with many of us seeing this as a time of year to set goals for the year ahead and start work for the autumn.  We held our first Ready, Fire, Aim workshop in September. This went so well. See the online posting for a nice photo and some more information http://www.otcoach.com/ezine-october-2011/. We are keen to run the workshop again so please get in touch if you are interested.
We have had some lovely emails regarding the challenges and joys you face as OTs in the world today. Please keep them coming as we are planning to respond to them in future newsletters. Email jen@otcoach.com to tell us your story.

2) Reflections on ACT as a tool for OTs

My first real encounter with ACT, was on a 6 week ‘Positive Acceptance’ Course 3 years ago, when I was myself, going through a very challenging chapter in my life.

ACT stands for Acceptance Commitment Therapy. Classed as Third wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, it differs by incorporating mindfulness and ‘self compassion’.  The most important lesson for me, was to make space for what I was feeling, rather than fight it. Fighting activates the ‘struggle switch’, driving depression and anxiety further in, so that we end up feeling depressed about being depressed.

Believing that the world should be a certain way and we should not suffer, is unfortunately, in part responsible for the struggle. Author and expert in ACT, Russ Harris refers to this as the ‘Happiness Trap’ – the book is a great primer, as well as a tool for clients.

Reality, there are some things we just cannot control – ‘bad’ things do happen. At some point in our lives, we will all face loss of someone important to us and the associated personal pain that accompanies this,  Our sadness, may well be the ‘mirror’ for the happiness we have had and are grateful for  – accompanying this, can be fears that life or we will never be the same again/love again/be able to cope or that part of us, has gone with that person. Facing change is challenging -  it is all around us, all the time, part of life.

ACT refers to this increasing ‘struggle’ as ‘fusion’.  ACT does not require that we get rid of our thoughts, as in ‘thought stopping’ or ‘disputation’ in C.B.T, but rather we accept our thoughts by making space for them, (expansion) Simple, yet powerful tools enables us to then gain some distance and become an observer, recognising that thoughts are ‘streams of words’ and just that ! This is called ‘defusion’.  Whereas, in C.B.T, a thought is framed as ‘helpful’ or ‘unhelpful’, there is no dysfunctional label, per se -  just the question  of whether behaviour is  workable in the context of ‘value guided living’ – a way of being that we choose, rather than an end goal. So, Act is more concerned with the behavioural function of thoughts, rather than their form – does the behaviour create a rich, satisfying, fulfilling life ?.

Commitment refers to the very active nature of the approach, In Coaching, we would ask the client are they ‘ready, willing and able’ to enter the coaching relationship? – With ACT, the process starts with the mindfulness of simply ‘being’, before ‘doing’ and ‘having’. Commitment refers to being ‘willing’ to hold/make space for discomfort, as part of the journey towards taking ‘workable’ actions to create or return to a richer, more satisfying or fulfilling life.

Part of  beauty of ACT, lies in the simplicity of techniques you can use with your client when you introduce ACT – often physical exercises that illustrate the metaphors of ‘struggle’ and what happens to your awareness, when you are against the wall.  . Saying to yourself, I’m noticing that I’m thinking ‘x’, noticing that you are noticing, naming your stories, when my mind goes wandering, eg Oh, it’s the perfect love story !  oh, there is it again, the ‘bad parent story’ is part of being an ‘observer’ and thus defusion. This negates experiential avoidance.

I remember the first mindfulness session I attended a few years ago. I found myself saying, well surely, this is the same as relaxation? Mindfulness creates the awareness of bodily sensation and what is happening now, rather than progressive relaxation, that aims to elicit the difference between tension and relaxation.

For the developing ACT practitioner, the approach needs to be fully embraced and authentic on a personal level. It fits beautifully with a social model of  Recovery, which requires collaboration and a shift of focus, from ‘fixing’ , to enabling people to lead richer, more fulfilling lives according to their own values. For those with an enduring mental health challenge, they will inevitably continue to experience thoughts that are uncomfortable, at times -  cure is not the goal. ACT takes us away from  a medical model that can pathologise  (in order to predict, provide evidence base for treatment) and creates a level playing field that is freer from harsh judgements about ourselves and others – it brings us to what it is to be deeply human – our compassionate self. This fits beautifully with the Recovery agenda – reality for many people who suffer depression and /or anxiety, , thoughts will spring back and when they do, it can feel that we are experiencing the pain afresh. ACT, through developing acceptance strategies, self compassion and greater mindfulness, creates greater psychological flexibility and thereby, sets us up to be more resilient.

On a personal note, I increasingly notice what I am grateful for, from simple pleasures such as a bubble bath, to the ability to embrace discomfort as part of natural living and feel the relief of ‘bouncing back’, because I have made space for, rather than avoided what wasn’t workable. And, in so doing, I have come to the reassuring realisation that life is full of a myriad of experience, not ‘good’ or ‘bad’, just REAL !!

Wendy Allonby (wendy@allonby.fslife.co.uk

3)  Workshops and Courses

Coaching Skills for Health Professionals

1st March 2012, East Midlands Hosted by Therapy Learning

This popular one day workshop is aimed at health professionals, but always well represented by OTs. Feedback in the past has included:
“a really good, positive day”
“Very good course. Thought provoking, informing, well presented”

More details to follow…

Ready, Fire Aim

On 27th September, an intrepid and lively group of OTs met at the Vassell Centre in Bristol for this new workshop aimed at OTs wanting to craft their business vision and recruit right brain techniques in their business planning. Read more and see some photos here.  Here’s what one participant had to say about the day:

“Whether you are considering making a large step into the world of the unknown in

your career or just need the space to re-evaluate where you are. This course teaches

you in a practical and creative way to explore you and the meaning occupations that

drive your actions, past, present and future”

Fire!

This vibrant and busy day, brought OTs from all over the UK, together for a day of personal enquiry, visioning for their future businesses and coaching to move their vision forward.  Everyone worked hard but there was a goodly measure of laughter and cake.

Participants left the day with their right brain business plans well under way, and all felt that they had really enjoyed working alongside OTs with a similar passion and purpose.

Following the success of the workshop, we plan to run it in the Midlands and near London, early in 2012.  If you are interested, please drop us an email at jen@otcoach.com so we can firm up plans.

  ]]> http://www.otcoach.com/ezine-october-2011/feed/ 0 http://www.otcoach.com/occupational-therapy-and-the-opportunity-of-social-enterprise/ http://www.otcoach.com/occupational-therapy-and-the-opportunity-of-social-enterprise/#comments Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:23:15 +0000 admin http://www.otcoach.com/?p=207 I find it very difficult not to become evangelical when writing about OT, coaching and the potential the OT profession currently has.  In my ezine I try and keep personal opinion out (probably unsuccessfully but hey ho!), and in formal publications its even more important to be “neutral”.

But I don’t feel that keeping [...]]]> I find it very difficult not to become evangelical when writing about OT, coaching and the potential the OT profession currently has.  In my ezine I try and keep personal opinion out (probably unsuccessfully but hey ho!), and in formal publications its even more important to be “neutral”.

But I don’t feel that keeping neutral serves us in terms of passion, ideas and creative thought!

I am always constantly amazed at how highly skilled, professional and competant Occupational Therapists are. We have an exceptional knowledge base…one that no other profession can boast. We know about the stuff of being human and how to make life the best it can be: we don’t just work with one aspect of life or one approach. Its not just health or injury related industries, that are looking at ways they can improve their businesses and the lives of people in them.  Interpreting our skills and philosophy in a transferable way is key to creating new opportunites. The world is finally waking up to the value of engagement, participation and occupation and creativity.

I often have a rant when I see or met people involved in enterprises which seem completely at home in the OT arena. Two such examples are the Upstream project in Devon and the Lightbox project in Bristol.  I was working in Devon when the Upstream Project was started and couldn’t fathom why such a project didn’t have an OT at its core. The project was about engaging people who are isolated socially and rurally (elderly or disabled) by using activities, especially creative activities.  The Lightbox project is run by psychologists using Positive Psychology and Creativity to promote mental wellbeing: duh! completly the heart of OT.  I have many other examples but would just be ranting and I don’t want to dimish the fabulous nature of these projects, I am just sad that our profession appeared to “miss out” on something which we have been doing for over 150 years…….

But today…I recieved some joyful news from an OT who is doing a Phd looking at OT’s in Social Enterprise.  It was like being given  a cup of nectar.

Anna Stickley (Anna.Stickley@northampton.ac.uk) is in contact with over 20 enterprising OTs who have set up a Social Enterprise including:

- using sports in the community with clients with MH, D&A probs to promote wellbeing and engagement

- use of Animation Therapy, headed by an OT

- Sensational Kids, a well established SE

We also talked about the opportunity of independent OT’s joining together to form Social Enterprises to offer services back to the NHS or other statutory bodies, like some midwivery services currently do.

This is what adapation, creativity, vision and self belief in our profession is about.  We don’t have to get scared by the fears that seem to abound like “the NHS is being dismantled…its awful” “there are no OT jobs out there” etc. Fear freezes us and dissolves creative thought and passion in an instant.

We create opportunites by embracing the challenges out there and looking at offering what we have in a different way: adaptation…we do it with our clients all the time.

I will be writing more about this over the coming months, but if you have an idea and want to work differently, this is your time.  Be courageous, be creative, be resourceful.

Jen

Time needed to read: 3m 57s

Inside this issue:

1) Welcome 2) Walking the Tightrope: Metaphors in OT and Coaching 3) OTs doing it differently….. 4) Workshops, courses and events 5) End Note

1) Welcome to this months eZine. Hope you enjoy this month’s offering. I’ve [...]]]> Growing pOTential: the eZine from OTCoach July 2011

Time needed to read: 3m 57s

Inside this issue:

1) Welcome
2) Walking the Tightrope: Metaphors in OT and Coaching
3) OTs doing it differently…..
4) Workshops, courses and events
5) End Note

1) Welcome to this months eZine. Hope you enjoy this month’s offering. I’ve just returned from the wet and wild Isle of Man. Always reminds me of how resourceful we all can be in the midst of travel chaos. I am really looking forward to visiting Penny Brohn Cancer Care in Bristol next week to talk about OT and the KAWA model in relation to personal challenges in life.

Bookings are coming in for the Ready, Fire, Aim workshop in September. This is a great day for all those thinking about working differently with their OT skills and embrace diverse working. Details below about an NLP day for OTs…all exciting.   We are trying to make our workshops as accessible as possible (financially!) so please support us..

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2) Walking the tightrope
I have always been fascinated by the use of metaphor in enabling relationships and its power to access internal wisdom at times where language in inadequate or unhelpful.

In coaching, a metaphor often emerges quite naturally  and there are also specific techniques including an approach called Clean Language which helps a client to elicit a metaphor and explore it in relation to there goal/topic (www.cleanlanguage.co.uk)  Client’s and patients across my work, OT or coaching, will often talk of “the light at the end of the tunnel” or “its like being in fog” or “I can’t see the wood for the trees” when referring to their process.  In OT the KAWA model provides a clear framework for which the metaphor of a river,  is used  to help clients understand their life and challenges. (www.kawamodel.com)

Lately I have been exploring the metaphor of the tight rope walker to coach myself through  a  challenge and enable me to engage in helpful activities….the core link between Occupational Therapy and coaching…in my humble opinion!

The challenge is related to my business and the metaphor arose when I was reading an article on Risk Taking in business.  We can approach Risk in many ways including: a thorough risk assessment, weighing all the risks up ad infinitum, assessing, containing, controlling, reducing and only moving forward when you are convinced you are safe….. or a “leap of faith” where you jump and don’t know whether you will be “safe” or whether a pathway will appear.  I have taken a lot of leaps in my time, but they involve a lot of courage and I often get scared and start flapping in mid-air and just make it back to the “edge”, where I can beat myself up at leisure!

Another way could be to approach it like a tightrope walker…where there are risks but there is a recipe for success (bear with me on this one).  If I am walking the tightrope, trying to get from A to B, what do I need to be, do or have in order to give me the best chance of success?
-the tightrope walker has a firm outcome…she can see if before she steps off the platform, she keeps her eyes on it all the time, not being distracted by noises, people etc -she has practised rope walking both physically and through mental rehearsal -there is a net, assembled beforehand, but she has no intention to use it -she may have a pole to help her balance, but importantly, she sinks into her body core to be balanced, grounded in her body -she takes small, considered steps, maintaining forward momentum as stopping too long causes her to wobble -her eyes remained focussed on the end point, the result

So what does this mean for me, my business and how does it help?

Outcome. What to focus my eyes on. The end of the tightrope.  For me, I have to constantly remind myself of what I want, where I want to be, the outcome I desire.  I have an appalling memory…really bad and use vision boards and other right brain and left brain techniques to give me reminders…..I also use my own coaching to remind me!  This isn’t about being rigid and overly attached to the outcome, but it’s an overall sense inside of what I know I want to be doing and my life to be like.

Rehearsal. We practice all the time, by our daily actions, habits and routines. I have also been using mental rehearsal as we might call it in OT/Physio or “Mind Sculpture”. Mind Sculpture draws on the evidence we now have from the Neuro-Sciences (that we have known for many years) that you can change and strengthen neural pathways through thought and actual practice: big discussion needed here..too long for this piece!

Understanding distraction. Projects, courses, people, or nice ideas. If I decide to let myself be distracted whilst walking the tightrope, I can do so by bending my knees, taking one foot off the rope and dipping one toe into the distraction. This has to be done carefully and only for a short time or I’ll fall off the rope, but I can’t move forward toward my goals whilst doing so. So there is choice: enjoy the distraction or detour, but know that I am choosing to do so, OR I can keep moving forward. I have choice.

Trusting. Knowing that a net is there, without spending too much time and energy on creating it, at the expense of moving forward. I could spend most of my time making the net safer, smaller holes, tighter, ensuring the net works should I need it, but  does that just makes my fear of failure even greater?

Being centred. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Sinking so that my centre of gravity is lowered and helps me maintain balance.  Making sure I really know where my feet are! Being mindful. Noticing when my balance starts to go. Noticing what is sending me off balance.

Small steps.  Having being almost completely converted into the way of small steps, ala Dr Bob Maurer and Jill Badonsky (www.kaizenmuse.com) I now know that small steps often results in disproportionately large movement, and can take place without stress or fears getting in the way.

What does this mean for OT and coaching? The metaphor is generated by me. I understand it. It increases my sense of empowerment. It provides me with meaning and it also provides an action plan. It helps me to engage in helpful daily activities whilst understanding and managing the risks.  When I struggle it reminds me what I need to do to keep going or what to do differently….Enabling Occupation.

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3)OTs doing it differently: Hanife De Feo

I count myself as one of the growing number of OTs, disappointed with how the profession has developed in recent years due to political and financial constraints yet still having a yearning to reconnect to the creative force that inspired my original desire to train and practice as an Occupational Therapist in the first place.

I am ancient, with many years working in mental health, HIV and Aids, Palliative care, and most currently part time with adults in Social Services (physical disabilities).  My early years in mental health particularly introduced me to psychotherapy and psychoanalysis both of which strongly influenced my OT way of working.
However what has strongly underpinned my practice then and now, as a Human Being and as an Occupational Therapist, has been the meditation and energy work with my teacher over the last 25 years.   This guidance and expression has enabled me to stay connected to my voice, strengthen my sense of integrity and ethics and is central to how I am as a person.  This is at the core of my practice.
My vision is to work with promoting health and balance within the individual.  Based on what I am continuing to learn through my teacher, it appears that the place to start from is the place that you find yourself to be in at that precise moment in time.  It is important to acknowledge whatever strengths or limitations you have and to be as honest as possible from that place.   It is not about quick easy fixes or gimmicks.  The focus is on self development.

Within my current OT work place, it is not easy to practice in the way that I would like although I do the best that I can.  I am hoping that I will be able to develop and strengthen my personal vision in a meaningful way over the next few years.  I see OT coaching and OT mentoring as naturally supporting this particular style and are areas that I am looking forward to developing and using.
Currently I offer Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy to parents with young children with life threatening conditions.  The aim of this is to support parents in learning self-management life skills through this hands on body therapy.   I am attempting to build this particular practice as it is a wonderful way of having direct contact with clients which enables them to develop deeper levels of relaxation and stillness.
My dream over the next few years is to develop Craniosacral Therapy, OT coaching, relaxation/energy work and meditation as tools to enable individuals to find their own inner strength, health and sense of self-worth within this particular society.
If you want to have a chat please contact me on 07804889754 www.ethicalspacetherapy.co.uk
Hanife De Feo
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4)Workshops, courses, events.

“Work Smart: your time is of the essence” Friday 22nd July, Awele Odeh

What you will get out of this workshop.A System to:keep on top of your key priorities; Minimise recurring work stresses; Optimise your efficiency; Feel that sense of work satisfaction more often!
contact: Awele@ImprovingtheQuality.com

“Ready, Aim, Fire”  September 27th   Bristol   £99 (B4 1st August £89)  OTCoach
- businees planning to ensure you build a business which reflect your values, interests and who you really are
- creative approaches for those who want to use the resources of their right brain aswell as their left brain
- ensuring you don’t end up with a business which is just as stressful/challenging, as the situation you want to move away from -working with your strengthes and natural talents

This workshop has been in the melting pot for some time and this work needs to be at the heart of developing a sustainable happy business.

For further details: jen@otcoach.com or visit the OTCoach website www.otcoach.com  or call 07772267004

“NLP for OT’s” 20th October Bristol £99 (EB £89)   OTCoach
Helen Tyler, an experienced NLP practioner and Occupational Therapist will lead this exciting day. The day will combine practical experience of some NLP techniques which can be used easily with OT clients, alongside theoretical learning and group discussion.   It is suitable for OT practitioners of all levels and experience and is essential for anyone considering a formal training in  NLP.  Integrating NLP in OT practice will be at the heart of this day. http://www.otcoach.com/workshops or email jen@otcoach.com for more details

“Mentoring Skills for OTs”  November COT London (details to follow)

The value of mentoring and coaching relationships within the Occupational Therapy profession is becoming known and the value it can also add to clinical supervision is now being recognised. Prompted by the launch of the new COT Mentoring scheme, this day has been developed to provide hands on practical skills and guidance for both new mentors and those who are more experienced.

Therapy Learning
COPD and Chronic Lung Disease Conference June 24 Newbury The Client Experience (3 days 21 July – Sept) www.therapylearning.co.uk

Harrison Training
Mindfulness for Pain Management MH6 London November 2011 www.harrisontraining.co.uk/current_course_dates.asp
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5)Endnote
- books ordered 2
- books read 1/4…therefore no book review this month!
- soggy chickens
- combat plan for school holidays completed
- new website starting to take shape…

In this eZine: 1)News 2)Workshops, courses and training 3)Mentoring, Coaching or CoachMentoring??? 4)OT’s Doing it Differently 5)Book Review: “Steering by Starlight”

1) Welcome to this months offerings.  Planning for our new workshop “Ready, Fire, Aim” (yes that is the right order) is well under way and bookings are [...]]]> Growing pOTential: the eZine from OTCoach

In this eZine:
1)News
2)Workshops, courses and training
3)Mentoring, Coaching or CoachMentoring???
4)OT’s Doing it Differently
5)Book Review: “Steering by Starlight”

1) Welcome to this months offerings.  Planning for our new workshop “Ready, Fire, Aim” (yes that is the right order) is well under way and bookings are coming in so if you are intrigued and want to know more, see below. We are also planning an NLP for OT day with Occupositive so watch this space.

COT have started to develop their mentoring scheme and you can visit the new COT/BAOT website for further details: http://www.cot.co.uk/mentorship/volunteer-new-cot-mentorship-scheme

We would really like other OTs or OTCoach’s to contribute to this newsletter so if you have a story to tell, book you have reviewed or want to flag up an event that is related to OTCoaching, then please let us know.  We want to keep the ideas fresh and flowing so please contact me.

Apologies for incorrectly putting Harrisions Associates and then Harrison Training in last months eZine. It should have just been Harrison Training.
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2)
“Ready, Aim, Fire”  September 27th (note date change)   Bristol   99 (EB  89)  OTCoach
- businees planning to ensure you build a business which reflect your values, interests and who you really are
- creative approaches for those who want to use the resources of their right brain aswell as their left brain
- ensuring you don’t end up with a business which is just as stressful/challenging, as the situation you want to move away from
-working with your strengthes and natural talents

This workshop has been in the melting pot for some time and this work needs to be at the heart of developing a sustainable happy business.

Bookings are flying in so if you want to come along you need to let us know. For further details: jen@otcoach.com or visit the OTCoach website www.otcoach.com  or call 07772267004

Therapy Learning
COPD and Chronic Lung Disease Conference June 24 Newbury
The Patient Experience (3 days July – Sept)
www.therapylearning.co.uk

Harrison Training
Vocational Rehabilitation VR1, VR2, VR3 Bristol July 2011
Mindfulness for Pain Management MH6 London November 2011
www.harrisontraining.co.uk/current_course_dates.asp
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3)Mentoring or Coaching or Coach Mentoring?????
What’s the difference between coaching and mentoring? This question is often asked and often coaches and mentors alike will debate this quite energetically.  I used to refer to the differences that the NHS Leadership Centre came up with in 2004 (Source: Jarvis(2004:20)  They make the delination that a mentoring relationship can last a longer period of time whereas a coaching relationship generally has a set duration. Coaching is more structure and scheduled on a regular basis, whereas mentoring can be more informal and take place as and when needed by the mentee. Coaching doesn’t require prior direct experience of the clients role/needs, whereas a mentor is usually a more experienced and qualified person than the mentee and can pass on knowledge, experience etc. In coaching the agenda is focued on issues of development and work whereas mentors focus on career and personal development. All which seems quite clear, except that many people disagree with this deliniation.

A while ago I attended the Annual Coaching Research Conference at Oxford Brookes. This is a fabulous event and many of the UKs leading coaches were in attendance. Sadly they all disagreed on the definitions of “coaching” and “mentoring”. Many, many coaches I know would say that they have clients they have worked with for many years. Many coaches I know operate on an “as needed” basis and don’t expect regular, structured meetings with their clients and they certainly aren’t “goal driven” or performance obsessed. Most coaches place personal development at the core of their approach. The issue of giving a client direct knowledge and experience is an interesting discussion in its self.  There are some coaching approaches such as “clean coaching” where the coach stays out of the clients process completely. But in “co-active coaching” the relationship is designed and over time the coach and client work in such a way where the coach may “offer” a peice of their own learning or knowledge, but gives the client an option to decline it.

I personally found Julia Foster-Turner illustration of the “Constellations of developmental relationships” most helpful (2006 “Coaching and Mentoring in Health and Social Care”)  Here she includes various developmental relationships  including “Coach-mentoring” at work, “group and individual supervision” “co-coaching with clinical peers”. (Great book if you haven’t read it please do)

To top it off the EMCC and Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring use the term coach-mentoring which it defines as: “To help and support people to manage their learning in order to maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be”

Personally at OTCoach, we are coaches, OTs and mentors but the name Occupatonaltherapycoachmentor, seemed a little long winded.  Coach may be in the title but mentoring does occur, with lovely long term relationships developing and sharing of specific knowledge and learning, but we are able to use very non-directive coaching such as clean coaching if needed.  Please let us know your thoughts on this discussion  jen@otcoach.com

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4)OT’s doing it differently: Awele Odeh

My name is Awele Odeh and I’m based in East London/ Essex border. I’ve worked as an OT for 11 yrs. In 2007 I decided that I needed to rejeuvenate my passion for OT (we’ve all felt this way, I know), so I invested in a new set of skills and I studied to become an NLP Master Practitioner.
This then developed into further study and I completed my diploma in Psychotherapy in April 2010.(I really enjoyed learning- and learning so much about myself too)

These skills blend in and contribute so much to my role as an OT in mental health!
(I feel so far removed from the OT I was before when I was losing morale and felt depleted.) I certainly feel rejeuvenated in my work and personal life now; because I move in different circles and have completely broadened my horizons.

Currently I am workling part-time in private practice as a Psychotherapist and a Coach (these roles share many similarities but can also be very different). I am also developing my skills as a trainer and doing team development sessions.

If you’d like a chat or to know more about the above or what I can offer you or your team please get in touch:
Awele@ImprovingtheQuality.com  www.ImprovingtheQuality.com
Mob: 07985 440014  Tel: 020 85920703
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5) Book Review:
Steering by Starlight by Martha Beck (2008)
I am reading this book really slowly to appreciate how much I am learning from this book and to give me time to integrate the learning:)  It was on the recommended reading list for my Creativity Coaching Course (www.kaizenmuse.com) and being the keenie I am, I one-clicked it on Amazon and have not regreted buying it.

The subtitle is “How to fufill your destiny no matter what” which struck me as a bit happy, hyper coachy but the book is the result of years of learning as practice by Martha Beck as a coach and is by no means clappy coachy. This is a coaching book, but it is so much more.  I have identified my inner Lizard, which refers to the reptilian brain, source of many fears, initiator of sabotage and destroyer of dreams. I have also learned about how to identify what activities/pursuits are “right” for me by sensing in my body whether they make me feel shackled or free.

One of my favourite parts was early on (and I admit I have not finished the last chapter!) when I learned about Living your Life Backwards and the importance of clarifying the outcome you really want. This was great as I had just had a session of NLP with Helen Tyler www.occupositive.com called “Well formed outcome” which set me up for the rest of this book.

If you feel your clients seem to not be motivated or make lasting changes, this is a great book and not expensive either:)
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6)End note:
- books ordered this month so far – only 1
- I now have a sink in my kitchen but no electricity
- had fantastic Coaching Supervision session this week with my supervisor, Jo Birch www.jobirch.com

“Bringing Courage and Creativity Back to OT”

1)Welcome

2)Corralling your cohorts

3)OTs Doing it Differently: Greg Kelly

4)Events

5)Book Review

6) End note

1)Welcome

As ever it’s been a busy month. Our house still resembles a building site, but it is enclosed and warm! Our chickens [...]]]> Growing Potential: the eZine from OTCoach.    March 2011

“Bringing Courage and Creativity Back to OT”

1)Welcome

2)Corralling your cohorts

3)OTs Doing it Differently: Greg Kelly

4)Events

5)Book Review

6) End note

1)Welcome

As ever it’s been a busy month. Our house still resembles a building site, but it is enclosed and warm! Our chickens have started laying, which is completely over exciting.   This has been a “technology month” I have learnt how to make a website and also change my own one! Joined a Wiki (see below), attended several Webinars and finally changed my mobile phone (that’s not going too well as its very complicated!). I have added an “end note” to the eZine today, so that I don’t ramble on too much; feel free to ignore itJ

2)Corralling your cohorts

This is the term, that Jennifer Lee from Artizen Coaching and author of the” Right Brain Business Plan” www.rightbrainbusinessplan.com gives to the supportive, resonant people you gather around you in your journey. I should point out that I was directed to Jennifers video telesummit which has been on every day for the last 2 weeks, which tracks her book and helps people who are quite right brained, to develop a business plan.   It struck me that I should revisit mine but the printed word document I produced several years ago, which lurks in a dark draw,  was not really enticing me.  Having peaked at her website and tuning in for the summit, I was really excited. I saw a business plan, with feathers, paint and collage, all made from a baby’s hard card book!!!   I’ll tell you more about the “RBBP” as the months progress but one chapter is called “corralling your cohorts”. I didn’t really ‘get’ that title, as they are not words I would often use but she has a very good point.

This was also brought home to me this morning by Bob Maurer (Kaisen  Way) as he described at length the main feature of successful people. He was involved in research into this and at the heart of success stories, are the support people received from others.

So Jennifer includes the following in her list of Creative Cohorts:

-people who can nurture and cuddle youJ

-strategic alliances

-inner circle of advisers

-mentors

-outside services

-hired team

So I have been thinking about the lovely people who help me at present:

Mentor: Robbie (for my painting)  Coaching supervisor: Jo

Hired help: Ann-Marie (admin,  graphics, and all round common sense) Joel: website

Nuturers:  Jeff, Mum, Wendy and Judith (Best people ever) Cuddles: Jilly and Janey

Strategic alliances: Therapy Learning (Viv and Trish) MS Research Unit,  Thornbury Arts

Inner circle of advisers: Sophie (painting and social media) Marie (for my wellbeing!)

What fascinated me about this process, which is very incomplete (I could add at least another 10 names) is how many people contribute, directly or indirectly to a project or business. None of use live in a vaccum. I do need solace to work, especially when writing and painting but moving things forward needs people.  I remember reading the “E myth” years ago which clearly illustrates what happens when we try to do everything in our business or department. You lose sight of your passion, take on too much and don’t work to your strengths so much.

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words”  Unknown

So here’s to alliances, networking, advisers, cuddlers and of course coaches and mentors.   Be well. Jen

3) OTs doing it differently: Greg Kelly

Greg is a Reader in the School of Health Sciences and Ulster University. Greg came to mind following an article he wrote in BJOT last October “From Artist to Writer to Reader and back again: the odessy of an occupational artist”  This article sung to me and I emailed Greg to say how much I enjoyed the article and how much I could relate to his journey.

I am particularly fascinated by the journey’s that OTs take. I know many that were artists and came to OT due to the creative heritage we have.  Hearing how OTs often take themselves into unknown territory and work in non traditional roles, reminds me what a brave bunch we are and what amazing transferable skills we have that can be using in very different settings: business, project management, education, charities.

Greg emailed me back, telling me about a online Storytelling project he was setting up for students. Based on the notion of a Quest, such as the Heros’ journey, where OTs tell the story of their personal journeys.  Within this, the different roles we take and those we encounter can be explored. Currently the key character, Dorothy, is on her quest to find the true meaning of Occupation and seek out the Wizard of OS (Occupational Science). Greg has created a Wiki for this ongoing piece of work.

I plan to contribute my own “story” to this project” but just love how Greg seems to have combined his passion for story telling, cartoons and occupational therapy in this amazing project.  If you want to know more, Greg is happy to be emailed and is keen to receive stories from other OTs about their personal journey:    gp.kelly@ulster.ac.uk

4)Events

Coaching and Mentoring day 11^th April: Coventry University

BAOT West Midlands   Email raewynpeth@talktalk.net for more details

5)Book review:

I have taken the liberty of reviewing  “Eat, Pray, Love” a novel, based on the true life experiences of Elizabeth Gilbert. Many of you may have read this or seen the film. I can recommend reading it first as much richness was lost in the film.  This is a short review as I don’t want to spoil if for you but really want you to treat yourself and read this book, preferably whilst eating breakfast in bed or lying on the beach!

Why review this?…..well firstly I read far too many heavy texts so when one of my “nuturers” sent my this book, I lapped it up as it was easy to read and soothing for my soul.

This book is relevant to coaching in many ways, especially as we see the heroine move from a dark place to listening to her inner voice and making big life changes.  In her moments of despair whilst navigating a divorce, she decides to take a year off and spend 4 months in Italy, India and Indonesia (Bali). In Italy she “eats” mindfully, enjoying every bite of every meal it seems and learns to speak Italian. In India she stays at an Ashram and learns to meditate, often for many, many hours a day.  In Bali, she helps a wise man/healer preserve his heritage and learns great lessons from him and helps a traditional medicine woman to find a home.  Without giving away the ending, she learns to forgive herself and heal the wounds from her marriage breakup and find new purpose and love for life….. that’s why this is a great coaching book.

6)End note (in an attempt to keep the rest of the eZine professional)

Number of books purchased this month – 6 (oh dear!)

Random things done this month – Attended Green Party Conference in Cardiff,   Levellers and Wonderstuff gig in Bristol,  Fish Pedicure!!!!