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What really makes a great occupational therapy practitioner? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the key qualities that set exceptional OTs apart—beyond just clinical skills.
We’ll chat about:
The importance of lifelong learning and continuing education
Why collaboration with other professionals is a game-changer
How building rapport with a wide variety of clients and families is a must
The value of teaching and sharing your knowledge
And why sometimes, doingless can actually meanmore in this profession
Plus, we wrap up the episode by answering a fantastic listener question:
“How do you integrate reflex work in a school setting when there’s no carryover?”
We share some practical tips and strategies to help support reflex integration even with limited consistency.
Whether you're a seasoned OT or just starting out, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to grow in your practice.
Check out all of the links below!
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form ->https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
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April is both Occupational Therapy Month and Autism Acceptance Month—a perfect time to reflect on what makes an OT practitioner not just good, but truly great. Whether you’re a seasoned OT professional, a new graduate, or a passionate COTA striving for excellence, developing these five essential traits can transform your practice and the outcomes for your clients.
Let’s explore the top qualities of a successful occupational therapist, backed by real-world examples and practical advice you can apply today.
A great OT is always learning—not just checking the CEU box but genuinely growing.
The field of pediatric occupational therapy evolves rapidly, especially in areas like sensory processing disorder and retained primitive reflexes.
Clients deserve support rooted in current, evidence-based practice.
Join professional OT Facebook groups or online forums.
Subscribe to continuing education courses like Harkla’s on primitive reflex integration.
Listen to OT podcasts or webinars—likeAll Things Sensory by Harkla.
OT Tip: Take notes during CEU courses and apply new strategies immediately to increase retention and effectiveness.
Collaboration between therapists and other professionals elevates outcomes.
Consult with speech-language pathologists for Gestalt language processors.
Refer to functional medicine practitioners or chiropractors when clients need holistic support.
Work hand-in-hand with teachers and aides in school-based OT programs.
You don’t have to know everything—you just need to know who to go to.
If you're not connecting, you're not progressing. Rapport is the foundation of successful therapy.
Children are more likely to engage when they feel safe and heard.
Families and caregivers are more likely to follow through with home programs when they trust you.
Incorporate a client’s interests into sessions (e.g., dinosaurs, dance, Legos).
Regularly check in with parents, even in brief notes or post-session chats.
For school-based OTs, foster strong connections with classroom teachers and aides.
Remember: Empathy builds trust. Trust builds results.
A hallmark of great OT practitioners is their eagerness to mentor and teach.
Take time to train OT students instead of just delegating tasks.
Share tips and tools with coworkers in meetings or informal conversations.
Post insights or case studies in professional forums or social groups.
You don’t need a huge platform—just the willingness to lift others up.
Yes, it's possible to care deeply and still set boundaries. Sustainability is crucial for quality care.
No time for bathroom breaks between clients.
You’re mentally checked out by client #8 of the day.
Progress notes feel like a chore, not a reflection of clinical insights.
Advocate for built-in breaks between sessions.
Choose quality over quantity—seeing fewer clients can often lead to better outcomes.
Know your capacity and respect it.
A thriving OT is a more effective OT.
A listener recently asked:“How do you integrate primitive reflex exercises in schools when there’s no home carryover?”
Here’s how:
Send home printed visuals or routines with the child’s backpack.
Collaborate with teachers to embed movement breaks during class transitions.
Offer mini in-services to staff to explain the “why” behind reflex integration.
Even once-a-week exercises during OT sessions make a difference.
Reflex integration requires consistency, but perfection isn't required for progress.
If you're reading this, you're probably already on the path to excellence, but a gentle reminder never hurts. Take a moment this month to reflect, refine, and recommit to your growth.
Quick Recap:
Never stop learning.
Collaborate across disciplines.
Build relationships first.
Share what you know.
Choose sustainability to serve the long-term.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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