<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Vivacity Occupational Therapy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Vivacity Occupational Therapy works to help individuals regain and enhance the meaning and engagement in everyday life activities. ]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2026 16:03:29 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.vivacityot.com/fr/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Journaling adventures]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you were told to journal as a child, what did you think it was for? Releasing angst? Creating a sound inner voice? Documenting the events that took place? For those who journal, intentions can vary greatly. For some, it becomes an essential part of building executive functioning into everyday life. What is executive functioning? It is the ability to organize, plan, make higher-level decisions, and problem-solve. These functions can be impaired by injury, trauma, stress, outside...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/journaling-adventures</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6abb9ced337cdcefe62ee51a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:27:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5f907578d17c47eb9e6b6bcf18327f7b.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[De-influencing sourdough bread making for those with chronic illness]]></title><description><![CDATA[Going online for tips on how to start and succeed at sourdough bread-making can make for a confusing start. There is contradictory advice, pros that have all the gadgets, the pressure to monetize into small or large-scale business operations, and the pressure to get good results. I noticed that I didn't have the tools that were said to be required by many online baking gurus. So I set out on my journey, doubting their necessity, and was ready for failure or success. To be clear, I have been...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/de-influencing-sourdough-bread-making-for-those-with-chronic-illness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a44f75ef5f40624272c8ef0</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:05:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_86487c17314a4e11bee35d25c6195d3d~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding a voice]]></title><description><![CDATA[For those who have been victims of childhood sexual abuse, there can be so many obstacles to creating an authentic life. The life paths taken in childhood may have set these individuals up for vulnerability or silence. If they spoke out and received resources, being removed from an abusive household could have led them to placement in the foster care system. This system has problems of abuse of its own. If they ran away and tried to make it alone, they could have faced homelessness and...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/finding-a-voice</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0c58e344b6af4699f6f430</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 13:28:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b17ab55fd47440d9a62b1c6b77e190d8~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Recognizing child sexual abuse (CSA)]]></title><description><![CDATA[For many survivors of CSA, the past few months have been a challenge. For them, the events that took place around the Epstein files appear familiar, almost normal. The kinds of activities were taking place replicate those that were taking place in their own childhood. That's why many are starting to ask questions about what exactly took place when they fell asleep, when they felt their memories were foggy or had nightmares of certain things taking place that they denied actually happened. The...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/recognizing-child-sexual-abuse-csa</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e620c80c8d230c9e95183c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:08:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_4249e16d09eb4d29b928950ccffe51de~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[First aid kit essentials]]></title><description><![CDATA[My imagination was sparked this week during my CPR training. I have done many recertifications and even was a swim and lifesaving instructor for a time. This one hit me with a few realizations. My preparedness is sub-standard. In my home and in my work. We may only think about essential PPE and a basic first aid kit. But true preparedness is a lifestyle. Here is a link to the Red Cross First-Aid kit: https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/first-aid-tips-and-resources/first-aid-tip...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/first-aid-kit-essentials</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ccf7bc22ab00dd262a3266</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:00:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b8a6e221b51648e59b9ddeded4779589~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Insurance scams and fraud red flags]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you plan to work with an insurance agent or broker, there are red flags to watch for that can cost you a lot if you don't pay attention. I have used the mnemonic "LUCCCE" (pronounced "lucky") because I was lucky to notice these red flags myself. An insurance agent can easily claim that you committed the fraud they themselves created. Here are the red flags: Lying: - Beware of any encouragement to be deceptive. This could mean not stating that you smoke. If your agent or partner encourages...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/insurance-scam-and-fraud-red-flags</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b2d6c5f0e950e3b38883af</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:31:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_ce73e89ac9c149ed8b80650458ed26fc~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Becoming an archivist]]></title><description><![CDATA[There is a popular belief that it is important to address clutter reduction and aspire to minimalism. For someone with memory loss, this can be very disorienting. Visual cues in the form of trinkets, souvenirs, clippings, and the like can serve as anchors to our past and tell us a story about who we are. We must not discount the power of a little visual clutter for someone who keeps deep sentimental value in retaining these objects. There is a balance that needs to be achieved between...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/becoming-an-archivist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699c33800a8ee989ed692c3c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:36:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/53bcc4b9cef445e18fa94b4a2e554741.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Help the new OT thrive]]></title><description><![CDATA[I have mentored a few students and new staff members through the course of my life in homecare. Meetings with my students and staff went smoothly when we both knew what to expect. The case examples we discussed were excellent, but could be tough to come up with on the spot. I developed a four-point subject mnemonic to help us along. I referred to it as the BODY of our work.  B: Boundaries are a key component of our feelings of safety as we go along our therapeutic process with our clients....]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/help-the-new-ot-thrive</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69972e67aab309115cb45d65</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:55:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_83f0623286b749e58394fec97070d458~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[My on-the-road tool-kit]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I began in home care, I had my fair share of oh-no! moments. Whether it was not having enough water, the need to run to the bathroom unexpectedly between clients, or the stuff I forgot that I should not have. I learned a lot over the course of 12 years on the road. I want to share with you the things I have done to ensure my sanity while I work. Here are the bring-along items and reminders I maintain for my work on the road: A good cooler: I definitely looked into having a cooler that...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/my-on-the-road-tool-kit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69972043b8ed19d283732ed9</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:08:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_93506c801c304feaa8ee045a830437c6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial autonomy]]></title><description><![CDATA[As an Occupational Therapist, we have a role to play in evaluating and rehabilitating instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). What are IADLs? These are tasks that enable us to live independently, such as home management tasks like cooking, cleaning, doing groceries, and shopping. It is also our ability to cope with decision-making in our financial affairs. This is a key area of independence that can change if our cognitive abilities are affected by an accident, mental health issues,...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/financial-autonomy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6981fa58b3cad227932d4f90</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:06:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/599cfc36e9e64341811ef890e64f1c32.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Writing, narratives, and journaling]]></title><description><![CDATA[I have finished editing the first draft of my first book. It is an incredible accomplishment that I am immensely proud of. I have opportunities that lie before me. There are challenges ahead of me and, surely, a few roadblocks. But the experience has been better than I could have ever imagined. In writing, I have done what I never thought possible. I have pieced together a narrative that is my own life. A narrative that I can truly call my own. Life changes and trauma can fragment our sense...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/writing-narratives-and-journaling</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695d16821db7a4026347ebec</guid><pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:33:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_a993cd95d498465d9e9dac12e9de988b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Adverse Childhood Experiences and estrangement]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the media, we are seeing extensive coverage of what is being characterized as a new phenomenon of parental and family estrangement. There are many reasons why someone chooses to pursue estrangement. It requires an active decision-making process and is not passive. Some may see it as avoidance. It involves establishing and holding firm boundaries. It can mean dismantling a social network that may have supported that person throughout their lives. It can create extreme vulnerability and...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/adverse-childhood-experiences-and-estrangement</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695bac32ef35928416af34a4</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:44:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ae7def_869c6791f3554b3f803ca038893c31aa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A call for sober reflection on addiction    ]]></title><description><![CDATA[To fellow health professionals, Over the course of working in community care, I have seen the ravages of addiction. The substance itself damages the body, mind, and spirit when misused or accompanied by adverse experiences. There are negative impacts on the family and the social environment. Often, these impacts are felt through events that transpired while under the influence of a substance or while experiencing withdrawal from those substances. Financial resources are also drained by...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/a-call-for-sober-reflection-on-addiction</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692080740acaec313276efc2</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:16:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_13587d485f6e4af6be7837fd927ac32b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Anhedonia--a poorly understood symptom ]]></title><description><![CDATA[In my experience with individuals battling mental health issues, I have noticed a symptom that often goes undiscussed. The issue is poorly managed by medications alone. Perhaps this is why we hear less about it. And it may not be adequately addressed by talk-therapy approaches alone. Anhedonia is the decreased ability to feel pleasure. Experiencing pleasure is a vital component of engaging in our interests, hobbies, and maintaining curiosity. We can also lose out on pleasure with basic...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/anhedonia-a-poorly-understood-symptom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6901f7994a10d0d3d6460baa</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:44:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_5f0b85ce1c9b4940b256ffea2abcf5a9~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fair compensation for Occupational Therapy students]]></title><description><![CDATA[I wanted to share my enthusiasm for the campaign started by the Canadian Association for Occupational Therapists to advocate for compensation for students during their placements. These placements last several weeks and by the last placement, most activities they perform have to be at the level of a competent entry-level Occupational Therapist. It begs the question of why this work would be unpaid and, in fact, require that students continue to pay the post-secondary institution to do work...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/fair-compensation-for-students</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6900c2e4c0ed11aae3ee5d7d</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:24:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_6bb94769a28949e79fc66f7d963856c6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Miscarriage and grief]]></title><description><![CDATA[These articles highlight the need for expectant mom's to grieve pregnancy loss. This takes time. It should be done without fear of losing employment. Ontario has recognized miscarriage as a disability. You should ask your employer whether you have access to dedicated leave in the event of a miscarriage. Your human resources department should have a policy. Here are links to the articles:  https://petermcsherry.ca/miscarriage-considered-disability/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-wate...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/miscarriage-and-grief</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f77af12aa3cc1b5969d9cc</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:24:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/607152bc37474437828fc852f3f251b9.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When the climate crisis becomes personal]]></title><description><![CDATA[I came across this article today and wanted to share it to explore the impact the climate crisis is having on our collective mental health. See the article at: https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/article/how-common-is-severe-climate-change-anxiety-in-canada-study-offers-a-glimpse/ I have been blessed to spend many years living in a rural environment surrounded by nature. I moved from Toronto to Bancroft, Ontario when I was 10 years old. I grew accustomed to being surrounded by...]]></description><link>https://www.vivacityot.com/post/when-the-climate-crisis-becomes-personal</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f757249d40838a00c90f9c</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:16:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_796357345978687257484d~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Viviana McAllister</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>