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November 25, 2025
Hosted by Aspire OT
7:00 - 8:30 pm Central Time/8:00 - 9:30 pm Eastern Time
Register using the Aspire OT Member Guide/TNOTA Member access to Aspire OT below!
NOTE: You must be logged into your TNOTA Account in order to access the "TNOTA Member Access to Aspire OT" link below.
Aspire OT TNOTA Member Guide
Speaker: Stephen Nawotniak OTR/L has a Self-Designed Masters from Buffalo State University, a Masters in Occupational Therapy from Utica University, and is a New York State Certified Peer Specialist. Starting in August, 2000 Steve set out on an 8-month, non-motorized Trek of service where he hiked, biked, sailed and canoed from Buffalo, NY to Key West, FL. He gave presentations to over 1000 youth on the values of volunteerism and education and completed over 230 hours of community service along the way.
Two years later, in August 2002, Steve was hospitalized for a week with a major depressive episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. From that point forward, Steve has spent his life learning how to live with his condition on the journey from hospitalized patient to licensed healthcare professional. Steve has spoken internationally on occupational therapy and mental health. He has also published the books "Handbook for Healthy Living with a Mood Disorder" and "Bipolar Life Hacks: Keys to Loving Life with a Bipolar Disorder" and "Mubu the Morph" to share the skills and tools he uses daily to live, what he calls, a desired quality of life. Steve lives and works in Buffalo, NY.
DISCLOSURES
Financial: Stephen is compensated as an Aspire OT instructor. He also is the owner of Compass Recovery Coaching.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe two techniques OT practitioners can use as part of Therapeutic Use of Self during OT assessment and treatment.
- Identify two ways The Acceptance Ladder can be used in treatment.
- Identify 3 components of Trauma-Informed Care.
Course Description:
Illness and injury not only affect an individual's physical functioning but may also have a significant impact on their mental health. Occupational therapy practitioners are distinctly qualified to address health and wellness from the mind-body-spirit perspective. Treatment interventions for anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions should be provided alongside typical physical rehabilitation interventions to maximize recovery.
This course will provide practical strategies that can be utilized by occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and students to address the mental health needs of clients typically seen in acute care, in-patient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, home health and outpatient settings.