Becoming The Essential Teletherapist
A Solo Podcast Episode with SLP, Ellie Richter
In this first episode of The Essential Teletherapist Podcast, I’m taking you along on my journey into teletherapy. Like many of you, I didn’t expect to find myself in virtual speech-language pathology, but in March 2020, I had to pivot quickly, facing a steep learning curve and discovering new ways to make therapy work in a virtual setting. I share the challenges, the adjustments, and the wins along the way, and I highlight how crucial community support and mentorship were in helping me thrive.
Whether you’re curious about teletherapy, actively practicing it, or simply looking for guidance, this episode is about building a foundation for a fulfilling teletherapy career.
Episode Highlights:
- A Sudden Transition – My journey into teletherapy began unexpectedly in early 2020, requiring me to adapt quickly and learn how to engage clients online.
- The Importance of Community – From the start, I found strength in a network of SLPs who were also learning the ropes. We built a support system, shared resources, and encouraged each other—this was my lifeline and my inspiration.
- Creating *The Essential Teletherapist Course – After realizing how vital this community and peer mentorship were to my success, I wanted to share that support with others. I designed The Essential Teletherapist course to help SLPs like you build confidence and skills in teletherapy.
- Teletherapy as an Essential Service Model – I’ve become passionate about teletherapy as a legitimate and essential option for delivering speech therapy. It’s not just a backup; it’s a flexible, accessible service model that upholds the same standards as in-person therapy.
Key Takeaways:
- The Essential Teletherapist Podcast is here to build a supportive community for SLPs interested in teletherapy.
- My journey into teletherapy started unexpectedly in March 2020, involving significant adaptation and learning.
- Community support and mentorship were crucial in my teletherapy success.
- Teletherapy provides unique flexibility and accessibility, making it beneficial for both clients and families.
- The Essential Teletherapist course is designed to give you the support, mentorship, and resources you need for success.
- Continuous education is key to delivering quality virtual services.
- Teletherapy should meet the same standards as in-person services.
- Mentorship has been a guiding force in my career, and I hope it can be in yours, too.
- I encourage listeners to share their teletherapy journeys as we build this supportive community together.
Are you curious about teletherapy? Already practicing it? Or maybe you’re looking for support on your virtual journey? I hope this episode gives you a sense of community and purpose in your teletherapy career. Together, let’s redefine what’s possible in speech-language pathology through teletherapy. I’d love to hear your experiences—reach out, and let’s connect!
