In this episode, Kate shares invaluable insights for occupational therapists building or growing their private practice. She emphasizes the importance of protective policies and strategic practices that help prevent burnout while maximizing income.

Kate discusses the power of hiring a business manager (or creating a pseudo-role) to manage policies, client communication, and protect your time during challenging situations like cancellations and difficult client interactions. She explains how this simple step can create a safety net, freeing you to focus on providing high-quality therapy.

She also dives into the role of telehealth and flexible policies—from rescheduling to across-platform communication—that promote consistency and collaboration with families while reducing the risk of burnout. Kate highlights the importance of clear cancellation and no-show policies, protective session policies, and constant communication to build trust and ensure your practice runs smoothly.

Finally, Kate encourages therapists to stand confidently in the value of what they do, emphasizing that building a full-coverage, flexible model not only benefits families but also supports your own well-being and long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Implement policies that protect your time and income during cancellations and challenging sessions
• Use telehealth and collaboration tools to stay connected and consistent
• The importance of a team/support system—whether real or faux—to strengthen your practice
• Prioritize your well-being and value as a practitioner, because your health directly impacts your clients

If you're ready to elevate your practice, Kate invites you to schedule a coaching session—because you don’t have to do this alone. Get the support you need and build a practice that’s sustainable, impactful, and burnout-free.

Remember: Strong policies, a supportive system, and confidence in your value are the keys to success. Let’s grow together!

• Subscribe to our Grow Together Members where we will send you weekly applicable templates to apply to and GROW your practice!
• Get Your All-In-One Hub for marketing with 180x2 -Course hosting, email list, automations, social management and MORE through my affiliate link! CLICK HERE
• If you are ready for 1:1 help, lets get started with a discovery call! Schedule here!
• Protect Your Practice Through My Affiliate Link HERE - USE CODE KATE for $$ off!
• Get my Resources For Private Practice HERE
• Visit Our Therapy Website for Grow Together Therapy!
• Pay Your Therapists with GUSTO (with my affiliate link :) )

Before The Meltdown: Immediate Action Plan

Host: Kate McCommons, OT and Business Coach

Main Topics Covered:

• Why It’s Too Late at Meltdown:
  Meltdowns are signals of nervous system overload, not misbehavior. The brain’s frontal lobe turns off under stress, making learning and regulation nearly impossible during these moments.
• Understanding the Nervous System Buckets:
  • Sensory Bucket: Input from environment (sounds, sights, touch, movement)
  • Autonomy Bucket: Feeling in control, completing tasks, and making choices
• Overflows in these buckets lead to meltdowns. The goal is to keep both “just right” to maintain regulation.
• Prevention Strategies:
  • Create Expectancy: Use routines, clear plans, and visual cues to help children feel safe and in control.
  • Use Declarative Language: Tell children what you are going to do rather than coax or demand.
  • Visual Supports & Labeling: Photos and labels on drawers or tasks can reduce frustration and aid task completion.
  • Closed-Ended Success Tasks: Short, clear activities with a defined start and end to build confidence and prepare the nervous system for transitions.
  • Model Flexibility: Demonstrate how to handle changes or plans not going as expected to normalize the experience.
• Environmental Considerations:
  Understand your child's sensory profile. Some children thrive in noisy environments; others need calm to focus. Aim to tailor the environment to your child's unique sensory needs. Consult an OT for a sensory profile assessment.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Meltdowns are communication, not misbehavior.
  • Prevention is proactive—address the buckets long before overload occurs.
  • Building safety, predictability, and autonomy helps children regulate better.

Final Encouragement:
Parents and therapists are not behind if meltdowns happen. They are part of communication and processing. By combining sensory and task-based strategies, you can support your child's regulation journey.

Join Next Week:
A parent-led approach to self-regulation for caregivers to better support themselves and their children.

Thank you for listening!
Remember, you are a wonderful parent and therapist. We’re all in this together. Have a fantastic day!

Connect with Kate for more insights and support!

• Subscribe to our Grow Together Members where we will send you weekly applicable templates to apply to and GROW your practice!
• Get Your All-In-One Hub for marketing with 180x2 -Course hosting, email list, automations, social management and MORE through my affiliate link! CLICK HERE
• If you are ready for 1:1 help, lets get started with a discovery call! Schedule here!
• Protect Your Practice Through My Affiliate Link HERE
• Get my Resources For Private Practice HERE
• Visit Our Therapy Website for Grow Together Therapy!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Grow Together podcast! Today, I take you on a journey of reflection, relaxation, and real talk about business, culture, and self-care. From my recent family cruise—where I hilariously share my sunburn horror story—to profound insights about creating a sustainable business and the importance of culture, I invite you to pause and reevaluate how we nurture ourselves and our businesses.

Tune in as I discuss my weekend unplugged—no wifi, no emails, just waves, palm trees, and plenty of Shirley Temples. I share how stepping back helped me see that my business can thrive even when I’m taking a well-deserved break, emphasizing that sometimes, ‘lateral’ consistency beats constant growth. I reflect on my personal journey of not losing myself in my role as CEO and how important it is to stay true to who you are in both your personal and professional life.

Through heartfelt stories and insights, I explore the power of culture—both within my business and in life—and how the foundational mindset shapes the environment for success. Inspired by a Netflix documentary about OceanGate, I highlight how a toxic culture can be the undoing of even the most innovative endeavors. My message is clear: whether you're starting a practice, growing an existing one, or pursuing a side hustle, it all begins with how you talk to yourself and the culture you create for those around you.

I want to end on an uplifting note: you are capable of more than you realize. The secret to unstoppable success lies in building a culture rooted in authenticity, care, and community—and it all starts today, with you.

Join me as I encourage us all to take the leap, build that culture, and remember—we’re stronger, happier, and more fulfilled when we grow together.

Connect with Kate:
Instagram: @growwithkate_
Website: thegrowwithkateprogram.com

Stay inspired and keep GROWING!

• Subscribe to our Grow Together Members where we will send you weekly applicable templates to apply to and GROW your practice!
• Get Your All-In-One Hub for marketing with 180x2 -Course hosting, email list, automations, social management and MORE! CLICK HERE
• If you are ready for 1:1 help, lets get started with a discovery call! Schedule here!
• Get my Resources For Private Practice HERE
• Visit Our Therapy Website for Grow Together Therapy!

Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode, Kate explores the concept of interoception—the body’s internal sense that informs us about what’s happening inside. Often overlooked, interoception plays a vital role in emotional regulation, communication, and behavior. Whether you're a parent seeking to better understand your child's actions or a therapist supporting clients with sensory processing differences, understanding and supporting interoception can be transformative.

Join us as Kate shares practical insights, real-world examples, and effective strategies to develop this critical skill, empowering children and adults to better recognize, label, and respond to internal cues.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What is interoception and why it’s fundamental to emotional and behavioral regulation
• How interoception impacts sensations like hunger, thirst, temperature, heartbeat, and emotional states
• Common signs of interoception difficulties and how they can manifest in behavior
• The importance of internal body awareness for self-regulation and social-emotional success
• Practical activities to support the development of interoception in children and adults, including body part identification and body check exercises
• How strengthening interoception enhances empathy, communication, and resilience

Resources & Links:

• Kelly Malher’s Interoception Curriculum
• Body awareness activities and tips to support interoception development
• PARENTS: Schedule a consultation with Kate for personalized guidance on supporting sensory and emotional regulation
• THERAPISTS: Visit Kate’s website for more resources and tips:

Connect with Kate:
[Social media links or website]

Subscribe & Review:
Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe and leave a review to help others discover the importance of interoception in emotional and behavioral health!

• Subscribe to our Grow Together Members where we will send you weekly applicable templates to apply to and GROW your practice!
• Get Your All-In-One Hub for marketing with 180x2 -Course hosting, email list, automations, social management and MORE! CLICK HERE
• If you are ready for 1:1 help, lets get started with a discovery call! Schedule here!
• Get my Resources For Private Practice HERE
• Visit Our Therapy Website for Grow Together Therapy!

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Grow Together podcast, Kate dives into the often-mysterious world of setting your therapy rates and building a profitable, sustainable private practice. Whether you're new to private practice or looking to refine your pricing strategy, this episode provides practical tips to confidently price your services, protect your time, and increase your income—without burning out.

Kate emphasizes the importance of valuing your skills, experience, and niche, while also sharing insights on different pricing models, policies, and mindset shifts necessary for financial success. Learn how to make your practice more profitable, sustainable, and aligned with your goals, all while serving your clients with integrity and excellence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your rates should reflect your value, expertise, and the investment you've made in your education and business
• The importance of researching local market rates and adjusting based on your unique skills and niche
• How to diversify your income with packages, group sessions, and flexible service options
• The critical role of policies, including cancellation and no-show policies, in protecting your time and income
• Strategies for setting clear, confident communication about your fees
• The mindset shift from feeling like a "servant" to valuing your work and worth as a professional
• Tips for reviewing and adjusting your rates over time as your experience and practice grow

Resources & Links:

• Schedule a call
• Join The Business Hub- Optimizing your income by optimizing your time

Connect with Kate:
Grow With Kate Program

Subscribe & Review:
If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps grow the reach of our mission to empower therapists and build sustainable practices.

• Subscribe to our Grow Together Members where we will send you weekly applicable templates to apply to and GROW your practice!
• Get Your All-In-One Hub for marketing with 180x2 -Course hosting, email list, automations, social management and MORE! CLICK HERE
• If you are ready for 1:1 help, lets get started with a discovery call! Schedule here!
• Get my Resources For Private Practice HERE
• Visit Our Therapy Website for Grow Together Therapy!

Episode Title:
Understanding Behavior Through Sensory Motor Regulation: The Power of Motor Planning in Pediatric Therapy

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Kate dives into the often-overlooked connection between sensory integration, behavior regulation, and motor planning in children. If you've ever wondered whether challenging behaviors are really defiance or something deeper, this episode provides valuable insights into how sensory processing and motor planning impact a child's ability to follow directions and engage. Through relatable stories and practical tips, Kate emphasizes the importance of understanding the child's perspective, assessing their capabilities, and using simple strategies like visual aids and task breakdowns. Whether you're a pediatric OT, parent, or caregiver, discover how to better support children and prevent behavior misunderstandings before they escalate.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between behavioral defiance and sensory/motor challenges
• How motor planning affects a child's ability to initiate and complete tasks
• Common signs of sensory motor roadblocks and how to recognize them
• Four reflective questions to analyze and understand a child's behavior
• Practical strategies to support sensory motor regulation, including visual modeling, task breakdowns, and movement prep
• The importance of viewing challenging behaviors as a communication, not defiance
• How to start supporting sensory motor development immediately while waiting for professional intervention

FOR THERAPISTS:

• Join the Grow with Kate community and subscribe to the newsletter for weekly tips on sensory motor regulation
• Schedule a call here to discuss your therapy concerns or career goals to clarify your approach to supporting children

FOR FAMILIES: Our Practice Website

Review & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe so you don’t miss future insights on pediatric therapy, business building, and more!

• Subscribe to our Grow Together Members where we will send you weekly applicable templates to apply to and GROW your practice!
• Get Your All-In-One Hub for marketing with 180x2 -Course hosting, email list, automations, social management and MORE! CLICK HERE
• If you are ready for 1:1 help, lets get started with a discovery call! Schedule here!
• Get my Resources For Private Practice HERE
• Visit Our Therapy Website for Grow Together Therapy!

How to Find Your Niche and Attract Your Ideal Clients as an Occupational Therapist—Without Burnout

In this heartfelt episode, Kate shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed as a generalist to discovering the power of niching down in her private practice. She explains how this shift transformed her approach, helped her avoid burnout, and allowed her to serve clients she truly loves.

Kate dives deep into how choosing a specific who—your ideal clients—rather than just what setting you work in, can change everything. She shares reflection questions to help you identify your perfect clients, craft your marketing message, and build a thriving, purpose-driven practice.

If you’re struggling to find clarity, feeling burnt out, or unsure how to attract the right clients, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you focus, grow, and serve with confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why niching down is the secret to sustainable success in private practice
• How to identify your ideal client and what they really need
• How focusing on your passion and purpose helps craft authentic marketing that attracts the right families and clients

Get started today!
Download the free Private Practice Planner linked in the show notes to clarify your niche and attract your dream clients. Want one-on-one support? Book a coaching session and let’s turn your passion into a purpose-filled, profitable private practice.

Remember: Your unique skills and passions are the keys to a thriving practice—all you need is clarity and focus. Let’s grow together!

• Subscribe to our Grow Together Members where we will send you weekly applicable templates to apply to and GROW your practice!
• Get Your All-In-One Hub for marketing with 180x2 -Course hosting, email list, automations, social management and MORE! CLICK HERE
• If you are ready for 1:1 help, lets get started with a discovery call! Schedule here!
• Get my Resources For Private Practice HERE
• Visit Our Therapy Website for Grow Together Therapy!

In this highly informative episode, we dive deep into pediatric occupational therapy, sensory processing disorder, and neuroscience-informed strategies with expert OT Katie Hamlin-Pacheco. Katie shares her journey from skepticism to mastery, demonstrating how understanding the neuroscience of sensory processing can revolutionize your approach to helping children regulate, feel safe, and reach their full potential.

Learn about innovative techniques such as her science-based dressing protocol, neuroplasticity, sensory regulation, and the application of Polyvagal Theory in clinical practice. Katie emphasizes the importance of sensory integration, sensory health, sensory processing strategies, and creating positive sensory associations. She explains how to support emotional regulation, manage sensory overload, and improve daily routines like dressing using neuroscience and sensory modulation techniques.

Whether you're an occupational therapist, pediatric therapist, parent, or healthcare professional, this episode provides practical, science-backed tips on sensory processing, sensory integration therapy, childhood development, sensory diet, sensory regulation techniques, and neuroplasticity for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), or behavioral challenges.

About Katie Hamlin-Pacheco

Katie Hamlin-Pacheco is a highly regarded pediatric occupational therapist, author, and speaker specializing in sensory processing, neuroscience, and sensory integration therapy. With a deep passion for making complex brain science accessible, she has developed innovative, science-backed strategies that empower both clinicians and parents to support children’s sensory health and emotional regulation.

Katie’s expertise lies in translating neuroscience into practical tools that transform daily routines, such as dressing and transitions, into positive experiences for children. She is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical specialist and holds advanced certifications in neuroscience for mental health professionals. Her groundbreaking work, including a science-based dressing protocol, is transforming how therapists approach sensory challenges and behavior management.

As an author, Katie has shared her expertise through books and courses, helping countless families and clinicians understand the “why” behind children’s behaviors. Her ability to creatively integrate neuroscience, sensory processing, and everyday practice has established her as a thought leader and innovator in pediatric occupational therapy.

Brag Points:

• Creator of the acclaimed science-based dressing protocol, changing the way therapists and parents support dressing skills in children with sensory challenges.
• Recognized expert and speaker in sensory processing disorders and neuroscience, routinely inspiring clinicians worldwide.
• Published author, sharing practical, science-backed strategies to improve sensory regulation and mental health in children.
• Certified in neuroscien

• Subscribe to our Grow Together Members where we will send you weekly applicable templates to apply to and GROW your practice!
• Get Your All-In-One Hub for marketing with 180x2 -Course hosting, email list, automations, social management and MORE! CLICK HERE
• If you are ready for 1:1 help, lets get started with a discovery call! Schedule here!
• Get my Resources For Private Practice HERE
• Visit Our Therapy Website for Grow Together Therapy!