From Graduate to Confident Clinician: Inside Joyful Journey OT’s 0–100 Program
- Hannah Lees
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Stepping into your first role as an occupational therapist is exciting… and a little daunting. At Joyful Journey OT, we remember what that feels like. That’s why we’ve created our 0–100 New Graduate Program - a structured yet nurturing pathway that helps new clinicians grow from fresh graduate to confident, capable practitioner.
What is the 0–100 Program?
Our program is designed to bridge the gap between university learning and real-world practice. It combines professional, personal, and practitioner skill development, with a strong focus on confidence, connection, and clinical reasoning. We know that thriving as an OT isn’t just about clinical knowledge, it’s about learning to manage your time, communicate with families, write reports clearly, and regulate your own energy along the way.
The First Two Weeks: Learning Through Observation
When new graduates join our team, we don’t expect them to run sessions straight away. Instead, they spend the first two weeks shadowing experienced clinicians, observing therapy sessions across different ages, settings, and styles. This helps them get to know:
Our clinic’s resources and equipment
How we structure our sessions
How we set and track goals
The Joyful Journey way of making therapy meaningful and fun
It’s a calm and confident start, focused on learning rather than performing.
Gradual Caseload Growth (The “Just-Right Challenge”)
After the shadowing phase, our new grads gradually begin taking on their own clients one step at a time. We’ve designed this process carefully to avoid the extremes of overwhelm or underwhelm.
Each week brings just enough challenge to stretch skills while still allowing time to debrief, plan, and reflect. Between sessions, new grads are able to meet with supervisors to talk through what worked, what didn’t, and how to grow next time.
Weekly Supervision and Mentoring
Every new graduate is paired with a dedicated supervisor and mentor, who provides weekly supervision.
These sessions go far beyond clinical questions. They cover everything from handling nerves and managing caseloads, to writing reports and setting boundaries. It’s a safe, supported space to grow both as a professional and as a person.
A Team That Has Your Back
At Joyful Journey, we believe learning happens best in community. Our weekly team meetings are spaces to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from one another. No question is too small, and collaboration is celebrated. We also make sure our clinicians are equipped with everything they need from assessments and templates to subscriptions and digital tools.
Why It Matters
Our 0–100 Program isn’t just about supporting new grads. It’s about building confident, reflective practitioners who love what they do. We want every clinician at Joyful Journey to feel valued, capable, and connected to their purpose. Because when OTs feel supported, children and families benefit too.
Interested in joining our team?
If you’re a final-year student or new graduate OT who wants to learn in a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming environment, we’d love to hear from you.
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