Granny Ina often says the best thing about talking to herself is she can be sure at least one person is listening.
She’s quite right . . . which is something else she often tells herself.
Of course, being able to communicate in a way that’s instantly understood is incredibly important.
We’re talking about talking in our day-to-day lives – from babies being able to find the language to let us know what they need to people struggling with conditions that take away the ability to speak clearly.
So if helping people of all ages get over communication hurdles appeals, a career as a speech and language therapist (SLT) could be for you.
A desire to work with all ages and abilities is needed, as the SLT works with people who may have physical disabilities, deafness, and problems with learning, dementia or psychiatric illnesses.
This is also the reason you will be part of a much larger team needed to look after an individual’s needs.
Your referrals can come from a range of specialists and this requires looking at the patient’s whole history, as well as their communication needs, before working out the most effective course of treatment.
Aside from problems with speech, an SLT’s knowledge of the mouth also means you can help treat problems such as difficulties with swallowing.
The majority of SLTs will work within the NHS but some do move into private practice.
Whatever your career goals, the first step will be a degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
The alternative is a postgraduate qualification. Of course, having a relevant degree – in areas like psychology and linguistics, for example – will be helpful to be accepted on the postgrad course.
Aside from qualifications, there are particular personal skills required. Patience is key. There might be a great deal of repetition required in helping people to retain the information you’re giving them and practise their speech skills.
Listening is also at the top of the list. Clients can be frustrated, leading to fear and a tendency to hold back.
Gaining trust by listening is crucial – it also helps to get valuable information that can steer the most effective ways to help.
It can be a long road for therapist and client but your successes are always worth talking about.
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