How to Maximize the Benefits of My Speech-language Therapy

”Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”

– Rudyard Kipling

If you’re seeing a Speech-Language Pathologist for help in overcoming a communication disorder, there are several things you can do to ensure you receive the maximum possible benefit from your intervention plan.

First, maintain a positive attitude. If you’ve lived with a speech or language problem for years, recognize that improvement isn’t likely to happen overnight. Success will come, but it will come as part of a process and the more you maintain an optimistic outlook and follow the recommendations of your Speech-Language Pathologist, the better your outcome will likely be. So work hard, but remain upbeat and be patient.

Second, keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during intervention sessions, but be prepared to try things that might – at first glance – seem silly or uncomfortable. Every person is different and no two people respond to therapeutic techniques and strategies in exactly the same way. Your therapist will likely want to try a number of different things. Relax. Trust your clinician, and try their recommendations.

Third, practice, practice, practice! The things you learn in each session with your Speech-Language Pathologist need to be incorporated into your day-to-day life. Practice your new skills and strategies in different situations and environments and with different people. If your Speech-Language Pathologist gives you home programming materials, do your best to complete them prior to the next session.

Finally, come to your appointments well rested, prepared to listen, to learn and to work. Engaging in speech and language therapy can be challenging at times, but the communication improvement you’ll experience will be your greatest reward.

At S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks, the clinicians are optimistic, caring professionals who work in a variety of settings (clinic, home, hospital, nursing homes, etc.) to help people learn new communication techniques and reclaim lost ones. Any person with concerns in these areas is welcome to contact the clinic to arrange for an assessment.

The offices of S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks are located at 5195 Harvester Rd. Unit 4B. They can be reached by telephone at 905-637-5522 or online at www.slhunter.ca.