I am very excited to share with you my conversation with Dr. Angela Medina, an innovative clinician and researcher at Florida International University.  I am sure all of us have felt the detrimental effects of stress to the therapeutic process, It can be within us, within those that we serve in the therapy room, and in the support system of individuals with communication challenges.  That’s why I was really intrigued when I encountered Angela’s work on the intersection of mindfulness and communication disorders. I reached out to her and am so thankful she agreed to share her time with us. During our conversation Angela talks about her personal journey of integrating mindfulness into speech therapy, detailing its benefits not only for individuals with various communication challenges but also for clinicians. Angela gives us practical applications that can be seamlessly incorporated into therapy sessions.

She also helped me better understand the critical role of mindfulness in the personal and professional lives of speech-language pathologists and audiologists, offering strategies for self-regulation and stress management amidst the challenges of the profession. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in enriching our enjoyment of our clinical practice and enriching the lives of those we serve with the power of presence and awareness.

Resources from Dr. Medina and Our Discussion:

• https://www.waterford.org/resources/mindfulnes-activities-for-kids/
• Csikszentmihalyi, M. Flow: The psychology of happiness. (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/marc/free-guided-meditations/guided-meditations
• Boyle, M. P. (2011). Mindfulness training in stuttering therapy: A tutorial for speech-language pathologists. Journal of fluency disorders, 36(2), 122-129.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2011.04.005
• Medina, A. M., & Mead, J. S. (2021). An exploration of mindfulness in speech-language pathology. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 42(4), 257-265.https://doi.org/10.1177/1525740120942141
• Medina, A. M., & Mead, J. S. (2023). SLPs’ Use of Mindfulness in Personal and Professional Contexts: A Follow-Up Study. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 15257401231169216.
• https://www.npr.org/2021/12/21/1066585316/mindfulness-meditation-with-john-kabat-zinn
• Kabat-Zinn, Jon, and Thich Nhat Hanh. Full catastrophe living means using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• https://mindfulnessresearch.wixsite.com/the-mindfulness-rese

I launched the Speech, Language, and Therapy Podcast with a mission to develop a deep understanding of the connection between speech therapy and overall well-being, especially in the area of stuttering. Inspired by my guests, I founded Brouwer Therapy to translate these insights into action.If you would like more information about connecting with me and my private practice: www.brouwertherapy.com

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I am excited to share with you my conversation with Dr. Jerry Hoepner from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  Jerry is a leading voice in counseling within speech-language pathology and audiology. Dr. Hoepner's work offers a rich perspective on the significance of a holistic approach in our field, clarifying its role within our scope of practice. His commitment to enhancing the preparation of SLPs and audiologists through graduate programs and continuing education is both inspiring and essential. In our conversation, Dr. Hoepner serves as a practical guide, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the communication abilities and psychological well-being of those we serve. This episode is a must-listen for professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of families, children, and adults in our care.

Resources From Our Conversation:

Hoepner, J. K. (2023). Counseling and Motivational Interviewing In Speech-Language Pathology. Slack Publishing. https://www.slackbooks.com/counseling-and-motivational-interviewing-in-speech-language-pathology/

1. Hoepner, J. K., & Townsend, A. K. (2023). Counseling practices of speech-language pathologists working with aphasia: "I did not have adequate training in actual counseling strategies." Aphasiology, 1-20. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02687038.2023.2262682
2. Doud, A. K., Hoepner, J. K., & Holland, A. L. (2020). A survey of counseling curricula among accredited communication sciences and disorders graduate student programs. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 29(2), 789-803. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2020_AJSLP-19-00042
3. Kneebone, I. I. (2016). Stepped psychological care after stroke. Disability and rehabilitation, 38(18), 1836-1843. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09638288.2015.1107764
4. Northcott, S., Simpson, A., Thomas, S., Barnard, R., Burns, K., Hirani, S. P., & Hilari, K. (2021). ”Now I am myself” Exploring how people with poststroke aphasia experienced solution-focused brief therapy within the SOFIA trial. Qualitative Health Research, 31(11), 2041-2055. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10497323211020290
5. Northcott, S., Simpson, A., Moss, B., Ahmed, N., & Hilari, K. (2018). Supporting people with aphasia: views on providing psychosocial support. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 53(1), 16-29.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1460-6984.12323
6. Northcott, S., Simpson, A., Moss, B., Ahmed, N., & Hilari, K. (2017). How do speech/language therapists address the psychosocial well-being of people with aphasia? Results of a UK online survey. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 52(3), 356-373.

I launched the Speech, Language, and Therapy Podcast with a mission to develop a deep understanding of the connection between speech therapy and overall well-being, especially in the area of stuttering. Inspired by my guests, I founded Brouwer Therapy to translate these insights into action.If you would like more information about connecting with me and my private practice: www.brouwertherapy.com

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I am very excited to share my conversation with Dr. Chris Constantino of Florida State University. I invited Chris to the show because I found his work as an advocate for changing how we perceive and engage with stuttering to be extremely important and fascinating. As you'll hear, Chris challenges us to rethink stuttering, urging us to see it not just as a hardship to overcome but as a unique aspect of identity with unexpected benefits. He's been developing a groundbreaking treatment framework known as stutter-affirming therapy. His insights inspired me greatly, and I believe this episode is a must-listen for all SLPs. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Chris, and I'm confident you will too.

Links to the book: Stammering Pride and Prejudice: Difference Not Defect

Kindle Version (Affiliate Link)

Physical Book for United States Residents

Physical Book for Readers Outside of the United States

I launched the Speech, Language, and Therapy Podcast with a mission to develop a deep understanding of the connection between speech therapy and overall well-being, especially in the area of stuttering. Inspired by my guests, I founded Brouwer Therapy to translate these insights into action.If you would like more information about connecting with me and my private practice: www.brouwertherapy.com

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In this episode, I am excited to share my conversation with Dr. Ryan Pollard from the University of Colorado. I invited Ryan on the show because I was fascinated by his work focused on supporting the emotional well-being of adolescents with communication disorders. Ryan had some great insights into supporting this population, and then our conversation broadened out into some really compelling insights about the intersection of communication disorders and mental health. We discussed important applications around the power of community, advocacy, and effective counseling techniques that can be integrated into speech therapy.  Our discussion gave me a whole new understanding of what it means to take a holistic approach toward empowering individuals and their families. 

Articles and Resources:

Dr. Pollard's Presentation on Supporting Adolescents with Communication Disorders

Interrupting Ableism in Stuttering Therapy and Research: Practical Suggestions

Early Maladaptive Schemas and Self-Stigma in People with Physical Disabilities: The Role of Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility

I launched the Speech, Language, and Therapy Podcast with a mission to develop a deep understanding of the connection between speech therapy and overall well-being, especially in the area of stuttering. Inspired by my guests, I founded Brouwer Therapy to translate these insights into action.If you would like more information about connecting with me and my private practice: www.brouwertherapy.com

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In this episode of the Speech, Language, and Therapy Podcast, we discuss the rich and diverse spectrum of autism with our special guest, Megan Cherewick. Megan, an assistant professor at the Colorado School of Public Health and senior investigator at the University of Colorado Center for Global Health, brings a unique blend of personal and professional insights to the discussion. We explore the often-overlooked strengths and capabilities of autistic individuals, moving beyond the traditional deficit-focused lens. Megan offers a distinctive and beneficial perspective, blending her international health and developmental science research with parental insights gained through her daughter's autism diagnosis.

This episode challenges common misconceptions and highlights the importance of recognizing and leveraging the unique abilities of autistic individuals. Join us as we discuss practical strategies for promoting wellbeing, fostering a strength-based approach, and reshaping our understanding of neurodiversity. Whether you're a professional, caregiver, or someone interested in mental health and autism, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and empowering insights.

Resources:
https://autisticadvocacy.org/

proofpositive.org

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In this episode, we focus on a crucial yet often overlooked area: mental health services (e.g., psychotherapy, counseling) for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Our special guest, Adrianna (Anna) Noyes, a doctoral candidate at Penn State University and recipient of the Changemaker Award at ASHA 2023, shares her invaluable insights and research.

We discuss how AAC impacts the psychotherapeutic process, exploring the unique communication dynamics of AAC users in therapy settings. We explore effective communication strategies therapists can adopt and the critical role speech-language pathologists play in supporting AAC users' mental health.

This episode is not just for professionals in the field but also for caregivers and anyone interested in understanding and supporting the wellbeing of individuals with communication challenges. Anna gives us many practical tips, along with recommendations for further resources on AAC in mental health services. Tune in to broaden your understanding and contribute to building a more inclusive and supportive community for AAC users.

Resources and Links:

Communication First: The Words We Use

Noyes, A. M., & Wilkinson, K. M. (2022). Supporting access to mental health services for patients who use augmentative and alternative communication: A proposed framework and suggestions for future directions. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00089

Hagiliassis, N., Di Marco, M., Gulbenkoglu, H., Iacono, T., & Watson, J. (2006). Beyond speech alone: Guidelines for practitioners providing counselling services to clients with disabilities and complex communication needs. Scope (Vic).

Watson, E., Raghavendra, P., & Crocker, R. (2021). Mental health matters: A pilot study exploring the experiences and perspectives of individuals with complex communication needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2021.1921845

Na, J. Y., & Wilkinson, K. M. (2018). Communication about emotions during storybook reading: Effects of an instruction programme for children with Down syndrome. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(7), 745–755. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2017.1356376

Burns, M. I., Baylor, C. R., Morris, M. A., McNalley, T. E., & Yorkston, K. M. (2012). Training healthcare providers in patient–provider communication: What speech-language pathology and medical education can learn from one another. Aphasiology, 26(5), 673–688. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2012.676864



Keywords: Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Psychology, AAC, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Psychotherapy, Mental Health, Communication Challenges, Adaptive Communication Techniques, Ecological Systems Theory, ASHA, Adrianna Noyes, Speech Therapy Research, Inclusive Therapy Practices.

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Welcome to the trailer for the Speech, Language, and Therapy Podcast. This podcast is a resource for anyone interested in speech therapy, language development, cognitive communication disorders, and effective strategies for overcoming communication barriers.

We will discuss a range of topics including childhood speech development, fluency and stuttering, as well as strategies for supporting communication in individuals with autism and adults facing neurocognitive challenges like aphasia, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and stroke-related communication impairments.These insights are valuable for caregivers, speech-language pathologists, educators, and anyone passionate about fostering better communication.

Join us as we share stories, expert interviews, and practical tips to enhance your understanding and skills in dealing with communication challenges. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on speech disorders, language therapy, and supportive strategies for all ages.



Tags: #SpeechTherapy, #LanguageDevelopment, #CommunicationDisorders, #CognitiveCommunication, #Aphasia, #AutismCommunication, #SpeechPathology, 

I launched the Speech, Language, and Therapy Podcast with a mission to develop a deep understanding of the connection between speech therapy and overall well-being, especially in the area of stuttering. Inspired by my guests, I founded Brouwer Therapy to translate these insights into action.If you would like more information about connecting with me and my private practice: www.brouwertherapy.com

Support the show

Buy Me A Coffee