Virtual Voices: How Teletherapy Transformed Our Practice

An Interview with SLP, Brittany Musholt

Owner of Little Moose Speech Therapy LLC in St. Louis, Missouri

In a world that’s rapidly adapting to virtual services, teletherapy has emerged as a powerful tool for delivering speech therapy and other professional services remotely. In this podcast, I dive into a conversation with fellow speech-language pathologist and friend, Brittany Musholt, where we share the ups and downs of transitioning from in-person to teletherapy, offer valuable lessons, and discuss the exciting role of AI in our work.

Navigating Telepractice in a Post-Pandemic World with Brittany Musholt

In this post, we’re recapping an insightful episode of The Essential Teletherapist Podcast, where I connected with my fellow speech-language pathologist, Brittany Musholt. We discussed our journeys in telepractice, the transformations we’ve seen in virtual therapy since the pandemic, and the unique challenges and rewards that come with this approach to speech therapy.

Embracing Flexibility and Remote Work as SLPs

Telepractice has offered a new level of flexibility for SLPs, making it possible to work from home while balancing professional responsibilities with personal life. This adaptability is one of the primary reasons many SLPs, including Brittany and I, transitioned to teletherapy. Working remotely means we can manage our schedules more effectively, allowing us to dedicate focused time to our clients while still carving out time for family and personal growth.

Building Strong Relationships, Even from Afar

A significant focus in our conversation was on creating meaningful connections with students, families, and school staff despite the physical distance. Building relationships is essential in speech therapy, and it’s no different in a virtual setting. Brittany shared her methods for establishing rapport and trust with clients and colleagues, emphasizing that effective teletherapy relies on communication and genuine connection, even if it’s through a screen.

Investing in Quality Teletherapy Materials

When it comes to keeping clients engaged in a virtual setting, high-quality materials are a game-changer. Brittany and I discussed some of our favorite digital resources, interactive tools, and sensory materials that enhance teletherapy sessions. We’ve found that investing in engaging, well-designed materials makes a world of difference, allowing us to bring fun and creativity into each session. Whether it’s digital games, interactive activities, or sensory tools, these resources help us maintain attention and make learning enjoyable for our clients.

Teletherapy as an Effective Alternative to In-Person Therapy

One of the standout insights from our conversation was the reassurance that teletherapy, when done right, can be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. With the right approach, preparation, and tools, teletherapy allows SLPs to support clients’ communication needs without compromising quality. In fact, we’ve found that teletherapy often allows for even more focused, individualized interactions, making it a valuable option in our field.

The Pandemic’s Role in Expanding Telepractice

The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on telepractice, accelerating its adoption across the field. Brittany reflected on how the pandemic transformed teletherapy from a niche practice to a mainstream service, making it accessible and widely accepted by schools and families alike. This shift has opened up new opportunities for SLPs to offer virtual services, particularly in areas where traditional therapy may not be as accessible.

Peer Mentorship and the Value of Collaboration

Transitioning to telepractice can be challenging, and Brittany emphasized the importance of peer mentorship and collaboration to help new teletherapists succeed. She and I both agree that having a support network makes a big difference, from troubleshooting technical issues to sharing resources and strategies. Connecting with other SLPs provides the encouragement, advice, and camaraderie needed to thrive in teletherapy, especially when starting out.

Understanding the Financial Side of Telepractice

Financial considerations are also essential when moving into telepractice. Brittany shared her thoughts on the importance of understanding the costs, revenue potential, and financial aspects of virtual practice to ensure sustainability and growth. Financial literacy in teletherapy can make a big difference in the long run, helping SLPs build a stable practice that allows them to focus on what they do best: helping clients communicate.

Teletherapy’s Potential for Personal and Focused Interactions

Teletherapy gives us a unique opportunity to engage with clients in a focused, one-on-one setting. Without the physical presence of other students or the usual classroom distractions, we can concentrate on each client’s needs and goals in a more individualized way. This focused interaction is one of teletherapy’s biggest strengths, helping us build tailored strategies that foster real communication growth.

The Future of Teletherapy: A Promising Path Ahead

As we look to the future, we’re excited about teletherapy’s potential to continue evolving and expanding in the field of speech therapy. Asynchronous therapy methods—where clients work at their own pace using pre-recorded materials or structured exercises—are becoming an area of interest, offering a flexible supplement to live sessions. The growing acceptance of teletherapy in educational settings means that virtual services will likely remain a vital option for families, bringing more possibilities to the SLP field.

Advocating for Teletherapy’s Value in Schools

SLPs play a crucial role in advocating for teletherapy’s value in educational settings. By demonstrating the effectiveness and accessibility of virtual services, we can ensure that teletherapy continues to be viewed as a credible, beneficial option for students and families. Advocacy from within the SLP community will help schools recognize and embrace the potential of teletherapy, providing more flexible options for speech services.

Final Thoughts

Our conversation with Brittany Musholt highlights just how much telepractice has changed and will continue to change our field. Teletherapy offers flexibility, fosters connection, and allows SLPs to tailor their approach to each client’s needs. With the continued growth of teletherapy, we’re optimistic about the future and the impact we can make through virtual speech services.

Thank you for reading! For more insights on teletherapy, professional tips, and stories from the world of speech therapy, don’t miss this episode of The Essential Teletherapist Podcast. Whether you’re an experienced SLP, a graduate student, or simply curious about telepractice, this episode is packed with inspiration and guidance for a successful teletherapy journey.

Brittany’s Website: www.littlemoosespeechtherapyllc.com

Brittany’s Instagram: littlemoosespeechtherapy

Brittany’s Facebook: Little Moose Speech Therapy, LLC

Brittany’s Teletherapy Tip: Consider obtaining a Google Voice phone number to maintain your privacy while communicating with school districts and families. This allows you to avoid sharing your personal phone number and enables you to screen incoming calls, helping to establish boundaries by responding to messages only during your contracted hours.