Dulcie Griffin, MS CCC-SLP
It’s a pleasure to introduce our May Teletherapist Spotlight, Dulcie Griffin.
1. How do you incorporate creativity and interactive activities into your speech-language teletherapy sessions, ensuring that they are engaging and enjoyable for your students?
I use a literacy-based approach when it comes to planning my therapy activities. I generally have the same activities planned for all of my sessions and then change the targets according to each individual’s goals. I start each session with a story using Vooks, then play an interactive game. To finish each session, my students love to watch a short video from National Geographic Kids about an animal they picked out.
2. In your experience, how does teletherapy address the specific needs of clients with diverse communication disorders, and what customized approaches have you found effective in tailoring sessions to individual requirements?
Teletherapy and the resources I use such as Vooks and interactive games allow me the opportunity to address each student’s needs and requirements because I have the extra time in my day to research and find specific activities that best fit each student.
3. As a teletherapist, what advice can you offer to parents and caregivers for creating a conducive and supportive environment to enhance their child’s speech and language development between therapy sessions?
I am always going to advocate for more reading with your child! That is the number one piece of advice I can offer parents with any age child. Reading to your child and then later having them read to you is the best way to help their speech and language development.
4. How has teletherapy transformed the landscape of speech-language pathology, and what unique advantages does it offer for both therapists and clients?
I think teletherapy offers therapists the best opportunity to provide quality services without the pressure and extra workload that being in a building presents. It offers clients a great way to connect with a high-quality therapist no matter where they are located.
5. Could you share success stories or examples of breakthrough moments you’ve witnessed while providing speech-language teletherapy, highlighting the impact it can have on clients’ lives?
The ability to communicate is something most people take for granted. I see every day with my students the way that improving their communication skills betters their lives. They are able to engage with their peers and have better relationships with everyone around them.
6. With the increasing demand for teletherapy services, what technological tools and platforms do you find most valuable in delivering high-quality speech-language therapy online?
The pandemic we faced a few years ago really helped change the way we use technology for communication and learning. Everything has improved over the last few years because we needed the ability to teach from a distance. I use Zoom on a daily-basis to have my sessions with my students. I also really love using Vooks, Baamboozle, Edpuzzle, UltimateSLP, NatGeoKids just to name a few.
7. As a teletherapist, how do you address challenges related to building rapport and maintaining a connection with clients in a virtual setting?
Establishing rapport and maintaining a connection with clients and building staff can be challenging when you are not in the same location; however, all it takes is a little patience and a little more effort when you are communicating with them.
8. What tips do you have for other speech-language therapists looking to transition to teletherapy successfully, and what common misconceptions about teletherapy would you like to dispel?
I think if a therapist is looking to make a change from an in-person building job to teletherapy, they are making a great choice! I think being able to work from home, especially with a family, creates a better work-life balance. The best advice I can give is to set up a designated office space. Also, try to only work during contracted hours and set boundaries.
Dulcie is one of many of our Teletherapists at Unlimited Teletherapy that is passionate, nurturing, and committed to supporting students to meet their individual goals. We are honored to have her on our team!
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