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