Traits of a Successful Speech Pathologist

Today’s speech pathologists are faced with many challenges. However, the field of speech therapy is unique in that when the speech pathologist overcomes a challenges is more often that not a significant triumph in the patients life. It is of massive importance for speech therapist have the following traits good interpersonal skills, the ability to take another’s perspective and problem solving skills.

Good interpersonal skills are vital for communication. Interpersonal skills not only include good spoken communication, but also non-verbal communication. Speech therapist are often one of the few people in the patient’s environment who serve as good role models for communication. Success in the field of speech therapy is rooted in the ability for the therapist to work in a team. For example, in the school setting therapist interact with students, teachers, counselors, parents, and administrators, who all form the ecological systems sorrunding the student. Interpersonal skills allow for clear, effective and positive communication minimizing communication breakdowns resulting in strong therapist-patient bonds, as well as professional bonds.

Another important skill for a speech therapist to posses is the ability to see a situation from another’s perspective. Poor communication often occurs when a person fails to take on another person’s perspective. When a therapist takes on the patient’s perspective they can modify therapy to the patient’s circumstance and developmental level. Taking on the another person’s perspective will also help speech therapist sympathize with the patient increasing positive goal outcomes while creating a strong communication bond.

Conjointly speech therapist must posses the ability to problem sol...

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...f high stress times for Judeen and to avoid approaching her at these times. Brenda spoke to Judeen but this incident strained our relationship for a few weeks. It also began to affect my working relationship with other members of the special education team.

I set up a formal meeting with Judeen and discussed the incident. We talked about how to increase our communication. We agreed to set up goals and have “check-ins” every month. Toward the end of the school year our communication had increased and we worked as a team to tackle the task that had been set before us. We reached our goal of providing all make up sessions while maintaining current speech sessions. We also, inputted all make up and current notes into the computer system. Although it was a stressful process I learned that open communication and honesty are the key to a successful working environment.