Tina Anderson, BSOT.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
Full Spectrum Healing is a private pay practice serving adults and children. Many of our clients are challenged by characteristics of Autism Spectrum, Anxiety, Sensory Processing, Avoidance and Refusal of Food, Pelvic Floor and Incontinence concerns. Some clients who experiencing mental health or physical concerns also find healing and wellness through our home and community-based services.
2. Tell us about yourself.
Throughout my 33 years as an occupational therapist, I enjoyed helping my client families to restore strength, and interdependence to their lives as I practiced in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and home health. I felt restricted by the limits and parameters set out by the insurance companies. Usually, they expected clients to be discharged from services without full recovery, and client education was not a covered service.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
A child who experienced anaphylaxis which resulted in blindness, and ataxia, recovered significantly through working with me for a year. She was motivated by my approach as I incorporated Circus Arts Therapy which restored her strength, balance and coordination. I provided stimulating adventures such as swimming, art and meal preparation. Her confidence grew and she became proficient at navigating through the community with her white cane. As a result, she was included with her peers in play!
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
I can’t reach everyone who needs me, and running a business has its demands. Knowing how unfulfilling traditional therapy practice can be, I am inviting other practitioners: OT, PT, ST, Massage therapists and nutritionists, to join me. I handle all of the administrative details, including marketing, and work to promote each practitioner. Joining me includes opportunities for non traditional earning such as consulting, workshops, and online courses.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
The top three tips I would give anyone looking to start, run, and grow their private practice is to:
- Keep your day job until you can replace your current income with some money to spare.
- Consider PRN and contracting to get a higher rate, and have expenses to reduce your tax burden.
- Get to know your referral sources such as physicians, nurses, etc because they value your expertise and have already seen the value that you bring to their clients.