The Freedom Therapist
Each week we’ll go deep on all things business, self, energy and freedom. There's growth, giggles AND tears, as we lean into the best version of our business - and selves too. We’ll also get to chat with some incredibly inspiring women who will generously share their stories on finding that magic. If you’re looking for deep conversations, no gatekeeping, practical advice all with a little bit of chaos, you’re in the right place.
I'm your host Mia Poklepovich, a previously burnt out mental health occupational therapist and business owner, who found her way to fall back in love with business and life all over again. This podcast was created to be your safe space to learn AND unlearn all the things about scaling your business, without losing yourself in the process. Each week will be talking about ALL the things. And feeling ALL the feels. Because business is a wild ride, at all stages. So if you need an extra dose of inspo, a soft landing or just a moment to unwind you are SO welcome here.
Give yourself permission to take some space for you, and let’s be besties. I can’t wait!
The Freedom Therapist
44. Building a Therapy Business That Fits Your Life with Emily Mackaway from My Family OT
What happens when you realize you don’t have to run your practice the way everyone else is telling you to?
Today on the Freedom Therapist podcast I’m joined by Emily Mackaway — occupational therapist, mum of two, and founder of My Family OT.
Emily’s story is one of reimagining what’s possible: from burning out in systems that didn’t work for her brain or her family, to slowly crafting a business that fits around school pick-ups, big emotions after the school day, and her own neurodivergent needs.
In this episode we dive into:
- Emily’s winding path into OT (and why she swore she’d never follow in her mum’s footsteps).
- What it was like juggling paediatrics, adults, palliative care, and neuro rehab — and the burnout that followed.
- Why she refuses to see kids unless parents are also on board, and how that shifted the heart of her practice.
- The pressure so many therapists feel to “do it all,” and how Emily found the courage to scale back into the work that actually lights her up.
- Building a business that bends around family life, rather than the other way around.
- The role of time, trial and error, and even a little jealousy in finally claiming her lane.
If you’ve ever felt like you should be able to see everyone, do everything, or grow your practice in a certain way — Emily’s story will feel like a deep exhale.
Connect with Emily
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.family.ot/
My Family OT: https://www.myfamilyot.com.au/
We also spoke about THIS device to help with iPhone distractions! https://getbrick.app/