Navigating the Clinical Seas: A Guide to Self-Advocacy in Speech Therapy Practicums

Embarking on clinical practicums is like stepping onto a dynamic stage where your growth as a speech therapy professional takes center stage. In this blog post, we'll explore the art of self-advocacy during clinical practicums, offering invaluable advice and highlighting crucial considerations to ensure a rewarding and enriching experience.

1. Know Your Learning Style: Understanding how you learn best is key to self-advocacy. Whether you thrive in hands-on experiences, benefit from visual aids, or prefer one-on-one guidance, communicate your learning style to supervisors and clinical educators. This sets the stage for a tailored practicum experience that maximizes your growth.

Be prepared for supervisors to ask you about this. I had multiple ask me and after the 2nd time I learned to reflect inwardly to assess how I prefer to learn. I learned that I am a full-send, hands-on type of person. I do best when I am thrown straight into the pit. Obviously this is not for everyone and if your heart rate just increased reading that, you’ve learned a little about what you don’t like. I also learned that I prefer corrections and input immediately during therapy sessions. I would let my supervisors know to interrupt me at any point with pointers and advice on how they would approach it. For me, by the end of the session, I will have forgotten that specific moment and it would be less meaningful to me.

By putting your learning style out front it also creates a little respect for yourself when it comes to your supervisor. Most (I wish I could say all) will appreciate that you know enough about yourself as a clinician to tell them how you can be most successful.

2. Establish Clear Communication Channels: Building open and transparent lines of communication with your clinical supervisors and colleagues is paramount to your success and growth as a speech therapy student. By clearly expressing your goals, expectations, and any concerns you may have, you create a foundation of trust and understanding that fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Imagine this: You're embarking on a new clinical placement, eager to learn and make a positive impact. You sit down with your supervisor and tell them your areas of interest and any apprehensions you may have about the setting. By initiating this dialogue from the get-go, you set the stage for open communication and collaboration throughout your practicum experience.

For some students, this might mean checking in with their supervisors on a daily basis, touching base on progress, discussing cases, and seeking guidance as needed. For others, a weekly check-in might suffice, providing an opportunity to reflect on the week's activities, address any challenges that arise, and set goals for the week ahead.

Regardless of the frequency, the key is consistency and clarity. By establishing clear expectations and communication norms at the beginning of your practicum, you demonstrate to your supervisor that you are organized, proactive, and committed to making the most of your placement.

Regular check-ins not only provide an opportunity for feedback and adjustments but also serve as a valuable learning tool. By actively seeking guidance and input from your supervisor and colleagues, you gain insights into best practices, receive constructive criticism, and refine your clinical skills.

Even if your supervisor has had a student before, we all learn and participate in practicum differently. You and your supervisor are a team and it should be a team-based approach with communication on both end. Unfortunately not all supervisors are fantastic. In fact, some of them are really terrible but that is a conversation for a different post. Communicate, communicate, communicate!

3. Seek Constructive Feedback: Feedback is the compass guiding your professional development in the field of speech therapy. It's the North Star that points you in the right direction, illuminating areas of strength and highlighting areas for improvement. But here's the catch: you have to actively seek it out.

So, how do you go about seeking feedback? Start by embracing the critiques as opportunities for growth. Instead of viewing feedback as criticism, see it as a valuable tool for honing your skills and becoming a high quality speech therapist. Approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn, and you'll be amazed at how much you can grow.

Don't shy away from asking for specific areas of improvement either. Instead of waiting for feedback to come to you, take the initiative to ask for it. Identify areas where you feel you could use some guidance or where you're unsure of your performance, and don't be afraid to seek clarification or advice.

And here's a pro tip: if you've got yourself a good supervisor, they LOVE when you ask questions. They appreciate when you can be vulnerable enough to seek advice on specific things or ask questions about topics that are unfamiliar. So, pay attention to your supervisor's cues and body language during your interactions. Generally, you can gauge when a supervisor enjoys being asked questions, and then make note of that and have 1-3 questions prepared for your weekly meetings.

By actively seeking feedback and asking questions, you not only demonstrate your commitment to your professional development but also show your supervisor that you're proactive, engaged, and eager to learn.

4. Advocate for Diverse Experiences: Ensure your practicum encompasses a diverse range of experiences. Advocate for exposure to various populations, disorders, and treatment modalities. This broadens your skill set and hones your adaptability, preparing you for the dynamic challenges of the field.

This is more for graduate programs where they pick your placements. I completed a grad program that did so and completely ended up with the short end of the stick for placements. While I had great supervisors at all my placements the diversity of placements was lacking. At the time I did a poor job of advocating for myself to request different placements. I missed out on critical learning experiences when it comes to adult and medical placements because I didn’t do so. Realistically this can impact your ability for getting a preferred clinical fellowship for future job because they will see that you don’t have experience in that area. To get my medical CF, I had to make significant sacrifices to do so. Was it worth it? Yes, but advocating for your placements to be what you want opens the door to a lot more opportunities and options when it comes time to your CF.

I was really interested in swallowing and medical based settings but while living in a larger city this was next to impossible. It’s already challenging as a new clinician to get into medical SLP jobs but when you have literally no adult or medical experience AFTER graduating… it creates obstacles that shouldn’t have been there in the first place. I completely relocated to a rural area hospital that had been without an SLP for years in order to get a job in an area I was interested in. Complete relocating is not an option for everyone, so be sure to advocate while in your program to get the experience you are entitled to!

5. Set Realistic Goals: To navigate these uncharted waters successfully, it's essential to establish achievable and realistic goals for yourself. Whether you're aiming to master a specific assessment tool, refine your therapeutic techniques, or deepen your understanding of a particular diagnosis, having clear objectives helps structure your practicum experience and measure your progress along the way.

But here's the thing: setting goals isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each practicum presents its own unique challenges and opportunities, so it's important to tailor your goals to suit the specific context and focus of your placement. Whether you're working in a school setting, a hospital environment, or a private practice, your goals should reflect your interests, aspirations, and areas for growth.

For some, setting a goal might involve mastering a test protocol or refining a specific therapy strategy. For others, it could mean gaining in-depth knowledge about a particular diagnosis or population. The key is to identify what matters most to you and what you hope to achieve by the end of your practicum.

I still remember the day my supervisor asked me what goal I had for myself by the end of the semester. It was a pivotal moment that challenged me to think critically about my priorities and aspirations as a speech therapy student. And you know what? That conversation sparked a journey of self-discovery and professional growth that continues to shape my practice to this day.

A good supervisor will not only support you in setting your goals but also help you navigate your practicum experience to achieve them. Whether it's providing guidance, resources, or opportunities for hands-on experience, your supervisor plays a crucial role in helping you reach your full potential as a speech therapist.

6. Embrace Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Speech therapy rarely operates in isolation. Advocate for opportunities to collaborate with professionals from other disciplines, such as occupational therapists or nurses. This not only enriches your understanding but also fosters a holistic approach to patient care.

This carries over to after graduation as well. By creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration you create windows of opportunity to share your skillset with others. What I’ve learned somewhat recently is that a lot of medical professionals don’t fully understand what we do and how truly beneficial we are to patient and student care. Start practicing this collaboration now in grad school so it becomes easier once you graduate. Advocating for yourself, leads to advocating for our patients, which ultimately leads to advocating for our field. And that is much needed!

7. Prioritize Self-Care: I’m not even sure why this is at #7, it should be #1! Balancing the demands of a practicum, classes, and life can be intense, but never underestimate the importance or the power of self-care. Advocate for breaks, set boundaries, and prioritize activities that rejuvenate your mind and spirit. A well-cared-for clinician is better equipped to provide quality care.

If we don’t make ourselves a priority on a regular basis we lose sight of what we want. This is where burnout can occur both during and after graduate school. I took it upon myself to walk my dog daily for 45 minutes in the evening followed by a 15 minute dip in the pool. I could have been drowning in assignments, notes, and reading but I had to take that walk and quite literally cool down. Find something that works for you and use it to combat the stress that can come with school.

8. Document Your Experiences: Maintain a reflective journal or portfolio documenting your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This not only aids in self-reflection but also serves as a valuable resource for future endeavors, such as job interviews or further education. It provides an insight in to where you are currently and how you can voice things of interest or disinterest.

Now I’ll be the first to say that this isn’t for everyone but a lot of people find it helpful. I was not trying to have to write any additional things during grad school so this is not something I did or would go back and do if I had the opportunity. What I did do was listen to podcasts that really ask you to reflect on a wide range of things during walks. A sort of mental journaling if you will. It gave me the same opportunity to check in with myself and find a sense of sanity the same as writing in a journal. This was my go-to podcast and one I still listen to as it provides me so much insight and value in all areas of my life.

9. Eat Good Foods and Move!: As speech therapist and students, we're no strangers to the hustle and bustle of grad school life. Between juggling classes, clinical placements, research projects, and everything in between, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of one essential thing: taking care of ourselves, both mentally and physically.

Curiosity fuels growth, but so does fueling our bodies properly. It may seem like a simple thing, but ensuring that we're giving our bodies exactly what they need to navigate the stresses and demands of grad school is crucial. Yet, all too often, self-care gets pushed to the wayside as we dive headfirst into assignments, projects, and endless note-taking sessions.

But here's the truth: neglecting our physical well-being not only takes a toll on our bodies but also impacts our ability to perform at our best academically and clinically. It's like trying to drive a car without gas—eventually, you're going to run out of steam.

So, let's make a pact to prioritize our health and well-being, starting with what we put into our bodies. That means fueling up with nutritious foods that provide us with the energy and nutrients we need to tackle the challenges of grad school head-on.

And let's not forget the importance of regular exercise and movement. Whether it's a quick walk around campus between classes, a yoga session to unwind after a long day, or hitting the gym to blow off some steam, finding ways to incorporate physical activity into our daily routine can do wonders for our overall well-being.

Of course, self-care goes beyond just what we eat and how we move our bodies. It's also about setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and carving out time for rest and relaxation. So, let's make a commitment to #7 and prioritize self-care and make it an integral part of our grad school experience.

Because when we take care of ourselves, we're better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way, both inside and outside the classroom.

10. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your growth builds confidence and reinforces your commitment to the rewarding path of speech therapy.

In the whirlwind of pursuing a career in speech therapy, it's easy to overlook the small victories along the way. We're often so focused on the next milestone, the next hurdle to overcome, that we forget to pause and acknowledge how far we've come. But here's the thing: every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Whether it's mastering a new therapy technique, successfully navigating a challenging case, or simply showing up and giving it your all, each achievement represents a testament to your dedication and perseverance. And by taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate these accomplishments, you not only boost your confidence but also reinforce your commitment to the rewarding path of speech therapy.

Think about it: every time you recognize your growth and progress, you're reaffirming your belief in yourself and your ability to make a difference in the lives of your patients. You're reminding yourself that you're capable, resilient, and deserving of success. We are deserving of success.

So, how can you celebrate your achievements, no matter how small? It could be as simple as giving yourself a pat on the back, treating yourself to a well-deserved break, or indulging in a little sweet treat or getting a pedicure. The key is to find what works for you and make it a habit to celebrate your wins regularly.

And remember, celebrating your achievements isn't just about reveling in your own success—it's also about inspiring others to do the same. By sharing your victories, big and small, you not only uplift yourself but also motivate those around you recognize greatness in their own journey.

So, whether you've just aced an exam, completed a challenging clinical placement, or made a breakthrough with a difficult patient, take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your achievement. You've worked hard, you've persevered, and you've earned it.

Conclusion: Navigating clinical practicums is a transformative journey, and self-advocacy is your compass. By actively participating in your learning experience, setting clear expectations, and embracing the challenges, you pave the way for a practicum that not only shapes you as a clinician but also prepares you for the dynamic landscape of speech therapy. So, set sail on this clinical adventure, advocate for your growth, and let each practicum experience be a stepping stone toward your flourishing career in speech therapy.