Hi Molly,
My name is Jennifer and I am an occupational therapist. Until recently, I spent the last 11 years practicing occupational therapy in a hospital setting, mostly inpatient rehabilitation. In the fall, I joined a private practice and was introduced to MFR. I participated in my first seminar (MFR 1) in November and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Since then, my thoughts have been consumed with questions such as: could I have a successful MFR practice as an occupational therapist? What would it look like? Each seminar is costly and time away from my precious family is it worth the commitment? Am I brave enough to make the commitment? Will people pay for my services and will I be able to deliver? Am I brave enough to stand on my own 2 feet and not hide behind an institution (i.e., hospital) and their policies and procedures? What seminars should I take next which would produce most fruit? As you can see my left brain has been in overdrive!! John teased me a lot ab
out that fact during MFR 1. I do not expect you to answer the questions above but I do gain inspiration from occupational therapist like yourself who have made the leap. Without taking too much of your time, is it possible for you to walk me through your beginnings especially as it pertains to MFR? Did you have some of the same questions I mentioned above and if so, what where the turning points that gave you the courage to proceed with this seemingly wonderful practice of yours?
I thank you for your time Molly,
Jennifer, OT
MFR 1

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for your question! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the excitement in your words, and I remember what that felt like, and still feels like to a large degree even after being in private practice for the last ten years. The questions you are asking yourself are good ones, and you are the only one who can answer them. I am glad to tell you some of the story of how I got started to inspire you and others to make the leap once you've decided it's the right one for you. Taking MFR I was like travelling to another country, and learning about things that I knew nothing about. I was amazed, and enthralled with what was being said, and what I saw happening to the students in the class. I was asked to be the end of the class demo, and so was treated by John Barnes, P.T., and several of his assistants. After this 20 minute treatment, a pain in my right hip that I had suffered from for two years was completely gone, and my body felt so different, I almost had to re-learn how to stand. It was such a powerful experience for me that I knew this work was something I needed to know more about. I immediately brought the techniques into practice with family, friends and patients as much as possible. The results were incredible. Very soon, I was taking all the classes, and soon after that became an instructor, and I now also teach the Pediatric MFR Seminar for John Barnes, P.T. I took my first class in 1996 and began treating clients privately in 1999. My practice took off to full time for me, I had an office assistant, and two part time therapists by 2004. For me it was a passion, and I had the drive to make it happen. Even before I began my private practice, I was working as a contract O.T., and had been for several years. Therefore, I had not been an employee for a long time. I have always enjoyed my independence in this way, and I learned a lot from all the facilities I worked in over the years. I went into healthcare because of my interest in the human body, mind and spirit, which is why O.T. was a perfect fit. I am also a creative person by nature, so MFR was an easy transition for me, and brought me back to O.T. full time (I had been pursuing an acting career while working as a contract O.T.). I am still amazed at how I am able to help my clients back to wellness and vitality. It has been the most rewarding journey.

I have recently started working with other therapists who would like to pursue MFR more fully; whether it's starting a practice, like you've described, or bringing it into their existing setting in a bigger way. I do this through my Incubator Program. There is some information on my website. If you'd like more e mail me and we'll set up a free phone consultation for you.

I wish you all the best on your MFR journey!

Molly McMillan, OTR/L