We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Breanna/Kristen Lynch/Brokamp. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Breanna/Kristen below.
Alright, Breanna/Kristen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
We began as colleagues, learning and growing as occupational therapists within a very niche area of practice, which is trauma-informed care. As we learned, we became increasingly passionate about this area of practice and engaged in facilitating professional development for occupational therapy practitioners and other healthcare disciplines on a local, state, and national level. During this time of personal growth, we grew a tremendous friendship and comfort with one another knowing we were embarking on similar life and career paths. This led to the first draft of a business plan and grounding mission and vision all the way back in the spring of 2019! This served as a vision-board or manifestation of what could be accomplished in the future. It wasn’t until early 2022 that we leapt into the reality of owning our own practice. We have always been, and remain today, steadfast in our hopes and dreams for our practice. We stay grounded in the belief that there is enough room for us in the vast and ever-changing healthcare arena, and that everything is always happening for us. The most important and helpful challenges we have faced is really related to shifting to be more business-minded and seeking out other professional to help us where we lack specific knowledge and know-how. We like to view this as an opportunity to continue to learn and expand ourselves.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
We are Breanna Lynch, OTR/L and Kristen Brokamp, OTR/L- Owners and Occupational Therapists at Holding Space Collaborative, LLC. As occupational therapists we always strive to support clients in participating in activities that bring meaning to their lives. At Holding Space Collaborative we focus on how the brain-body connection impacts how we experience the world around us. We are guided by a quote written by Cleo Wade which states, “I think what most people are looking for is just someone to say, “ok, I am in this with you.” To say that to someone when they don’t know what is right or how they feel about themself, their life, or even you is a true act of courage, It is the bravery of being there unconditionally.”
The idea of holding space for someone is a long-standing tenant of many spiritual and psychosocial practices. It is rooted in the ability to be fully present with another, without judgment. Holding Space Collaborative aspires to engage individuals, groups, and communities in participation which pursues growth and understanding through occupation.
With extensive background in sensory integration, mental health treatment, trauma-responsive care and family systems approach, we seek to meet client’s where they are at (both literally and metaphorically). We work with clients in their natural environment through consultation, evaluation and intervention, and educational opportunities. As occupational therapists, we work to understand the complexities of each client’s experience to identify barriers and problem-solve functional solutions for everything ranging from physical mobility difficulties, environmental modifications, play and social participation, school and work engagement, developmental milestones, and more! Our ability to meet with clients in their home, community spaces and beyond is a unique way in which we aim to eliminate barriers to accessing OT services. Additionally, we believe human connection is the ultimate healing tool and that people do not make progress alone, that’s why we utilize a family systems lens to our care, which allows many individuals to be involved.
Along the way, we have learned SO many things, but this one is for certain- being a human is hard and there is no right way to do it! We take pride in providing easy to implement solutions- not just because they are the most evidence-based, but because we work alongside clients to figure out what is most feasible and effective for them as an individual. Over vision of healthcare includes increased accessibility of services, information, and education, as well as a team approach to make sure clients get exactly what they need by providers who collaborate and care deeply about them. We are committed to creating support that provides just that.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
We will be the first to tell you, we do not know everything! One of our greatest strengths in our business venture has been our willingness to ask for help and continue to learn, even when it’s hard. We don’t think that is specific to occupational therapy at all. It is a core value we have as people and now as business owners that exceeds beyond professional titles. We do a lot of listening, asking questions, reading, and communicating with other therapists, business owners, and specialists who can advise us from the therapeutic and/or business side to continue to improve ourselves and our practice.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Being an occupational therapist in a small Midwest city means you’re part of a very small village of colleagues. Even before we started our private practice, we were working to build our reputations as quality OTs through local, state, and national networking opportunities and roles. We also were able to find a niche practice area that continues to fill a need within the community- both in our professional background and expertise, and now, in the way we provide services to clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://holdingspacecollab.com/
- Instagram: @holdingspaceot
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089206492882&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Professional photos by Wes Morgan Photography