Lessons from My Clients: A Speech Pathologist's Journey

As a speech pathologist working with adult clients, I guide and support people through a range of challenges, including cognition, voice, language, swallowing, and even breathing patterns or coughing. While my clients come to me for help, they teach ME.

Resilience and Determination

My clients face significant obstacles, from neurological and progressive diseases to cancer and lung disease. Their resilience and determination is incredibly energising. Although i’m the one to be giving to them, they give me so much too.

The Importance of Patience

Speech and language therapy often requires patience from both the therapist and the client. Progress can be slow, (often remarkably quick - and I love those moment, although I don’t get to see these clients again!), and setbacks are part of the journey.

Adaptability in Therapy

Each client’s needs are unique, requiring tailored approaches and constant adjustments. Working with diverse conditions teaches me the value of adaptability. I learn to be flexible and creative in finding the best strategies to support each clients’ needs. My approach can be relaxed and conversational and when needed, more formal and educational. I have learned to listen to my clients - when they say something isn’t right, they’re usually spot-on!

Lifelong Learning

Every client presents a unique set of challenges for me to continually expand my knowledge. Whether through research, workshops, or reading, I seek the best ways to support their needs.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Working alongside other healthcare professionals to support my clients is the core of collaboration. Learning and sharing with colleagues and integrating different perspectives and knowledge optimises the care I provide. I am so lucky to work with such a team at Errard Specialists knowing our collaboration provides an incredibly unique and capable team looking after the community.