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
33. How to Start an OT Private Practice Without Burning Out (Emma’s Story of Building Palm Tree OT While Raising Two Under Three)
In this warm, honest, and emotionally rich episode, Mia sits down with Darwin-based occupational therapist and founder of Palm Tree OT, Emma Podsiadly to unpack the deeply personal story behind her heart-led private practice.
Emma is a paediatric OT, mum to two gorgeous young children, and small business owner. She is always optimistic, and the kind of friend (and therapist!) who will cheer you on and go to in to bat for you!
With a background in education and a strong respect for the power of relationships, Emma brings a collaborative and unapologetically passionate approach to supporting children, their families and teachers.
Emma shares her winding path to OT from her early years studies to her to her incredible OT prac in Bali to her move to Darwin that shaped her creativity and grit. We hear how she built a values-aligned business while raising two children under three, and how a gut feeling (and a nudge from her husband) eventually became a thriving practice — one rooted in community, sustainability, and joy.
Together, Mia and Emma explore:
- The early days of launching Palm Tree OT with two young children
- Why private practice felt intimidating — and what shifted that
- The moment Emma realised she could do this differently (and better)
- How she landed 17 client calls in one day — and still kept her boundaries
- What it actually looks like to run a practice around her kids', her family’s and HER needs
- The moment she found herself dancing in the kitchen and what that taught her about impact
- What therapists don’t always talk about (and should): judgment, identity shifts, and choosing your lane
This episode is a love letter to slow growth, to building your business your way, and to the deep power of showing up as yourself — even (especially) when it’s scary.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to start something — or whether you’re allowed to build a business that feels genuinely good — this one is for you.
This is truly SUCH a special and inspiring episode for all therapists and allied health practitioners at all stages of the journey xx
You can find Emma at Palm Tree OT here: https://www.instagram.com/palmtreeot/
You can find details for The Freedom Therapist Club here: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club