Sometimes working as an SLP can feel like you're on an island by yourself. In many school settings, you may be the only person in the building doing what you do. The important thing to remember is that you aren't alone.

When I am in the role of a supervisor, I always tell my CFs that just because they are no longer being supervised by me doesn't mean our relationship has to end. I want to be a colleague they can turn to and someone they can bounce ideas off of. Never stop asking questions, and don't be afraid to seek support when you need it.

The field of communication disorders is vast. No one person can know all the answers or specialize in every area. We all have clinical populations and subject areas that we feel comfortable working with, and we all have areas where we feel less confident.

Take advantage of company gatherings, professional development opportunities, and other events where SLPs come together. These are great opportunities to ask difficult questions, gain new perspectives, and pick up practical tips from fellow clinicians. No two therapists are alike, and sometimes another therapist's approach may be exactly what helps a child succeed or provides a solution you had never considered.

Putting yourself out there can feel intimidating. It may feel like you're admitting that you don't know what to do or that you've hit a proverbial wall, but that's okay. Seeking guidance is a sign of professionalism, not weakness. If asking for help benefits a patient, it is always worth it.

Every conversation, question, and shared experience helps you grow as a clinician. And one day, you'll be the person someone else turns to for advice, and you'll have the opportunity to share the knowledge and support that helped you along the way.

-Katelynn Gibson M.S., CCC-SLP

Sometimes working as an SLP can feel like you're on an island by yourself. In many school settings, you may be the only person in the building doing what you do. The important thing to remember is that you aren't alone.

When I am in the role of a supervisor, I always tell my CFs that just because they are no longer being supervised by me doesn't mean our relationship has to end. I want to be a colleague they can turn to and someone they can bounce ideas off of. Never stop asking questions, and don't be afraid to seek support when you need it.

The field of communication disorders is vast. No one person can know all the answers or specialize in every area. We all have clinical populations and subject areas that we feel comfortable working with, and we all have areas where we feel less confident.

Take advantage of company gatherings, professional development opportunities, and other events where SLPs come together. These are great opportunities to ask difficult questions, gain new perspectives, and pick up practical tips from fellow clinicians. No two therapists are alike, and sometimes another therapist's approach may be exactly what helps a child succeed or provides a solution you had never considered.

Putting yourself out there can feel intimidating. It may feel like you're admitting that you don't know what to do or that you've hit a proverbial wall, but that's okay. Seeking guidance is a sign of professionalism, not weakness. If asking for help benefits a patient, it is always worth it.

Every conversation, question, and shared experience helps you grow as a clinician. And one day, you'll be the person someone else turns to for advice, and you'll have the opportunity to share the knowledge and support that helped you along the way.

-Katelynn Gibson M.S., CCC-SLP