Many SLPs right now are making their first foray into the world of telepractice, so we want to share some telepractice expectations versus realities. Think of it like that perfect speech room you saw and were expecting in your first year as an SLP only to find yourself without even a desk, much less a room location on your first day of work. So we want to share a little bit of that with you here today regarding the myths vs realities of teletherapy right now.
Myth - If you have telepractice experience, this transition will be easier on you.
Reality - pandemic telepractice isn’t typical telepractice.
There’s so much going on, from video chatting into homes where parents don’t know how to work the technology to how to serve kids at school wearing masks (it’s so hard to hear them!) and how to do assessments via telepractice.
Myth: You will only be able to use digital materials when providing teletherapy.
Reality: You’re not restricted to only using digital materials at all.
You get to use a mix of both digital and physical materials during your sessions. Do you have a favorite flashcard deck, bring it out and hold the cards up to your camera. Favorite book? Read it just like you would if your students were sitting at your table.
Myth - learning how to do telepractice therapy will be the hardest part.
Reality - serving the increased workload associated with Coronavirus is the hardest part.
With everything being put off last spring (our schools closed in March) - it’s the workload and backlog that’s the hardest.
Myth: You will be notified if a student won’t be able to make their therapy session.
Reality: It doesn’t matter how many session reminder emails you send out, you’ll still find yourself stood up in that virtual speech room quite often.
Parents may have needed to take their kids with them to work, or to another place for daycare that doesn’t know the routine or maybe doesn’t have internet, or maybe they just plain forgot. Try to be understanding. Showing up, being ready and supportive is our job right now.
To hear more on telepractice expectations vs realities, including tips for SLP sessions, listen to Episode 77 of the SLP Happy Hour Podcast. You can listen on Apple Podcasts or on Stitcher here.
