Insights from the Screen: My Journey with Teletherapy and Why It Works

Insights from the Screen: My Journey with Teletherapy and Why It Works

When I started my career as a speech-language pathologist, I was all about hands-on, sensory-rich therapy. I lugged bins of toys, carved pumpkins in session, and believed that real progress happened face-to-face, with kids on the carpet and parents nearby. If you’d told me years ago that I’d be treating children virtually—from behind a screen—I would have been skeptical, to say the least.

But life has a way of nudging us in new directions. Even before Covid changed everything, I began exploring teletherapy as a way to reach families who couldn’t make it to my office, or who needed more flexibility. At first, I worried:

Could I keep kids engaged?

Would parents feel supported?

Could I recreate the magic of in-person therapy online?

The answers came slowly, but they surprised me.

Why I Chose Teletherapy—and Why I Love It

Teletherapy isn’t just a workaround—it’s a powerful, flexible way to make speech therapy accessible to more families. It allows me to:

Reach children who live outside my travel area

Offer consistent sessions, regardless of weather or family schedules

Support parents with real-time coaching and feedback

Adapt therapy to fit each child’s needs—using both digital and hands-on materials

I’ll admit: I was nervous about working with younger children online. My background is in sensory-based therapy, and I was used to getting down on the floor, following a child’s lead, and using whatever objects sparked their interest. But with creativity (and a little trial and error!), I learned to coach parents in setting up simple activities at home, use digital games for engagement, and celebrate progress just as joyfully—whether it happened in my office or over Zoom.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

Connection matters more than the medium. Kids respond to genuine interest, enthusiasm, and routines, whether you’re in the room or on the screen.

Parents are powerful partners. Teletherapy has given me new tools to empower parents, making them active participants in every session.

Flexibility is key. Every family is different. Some thrive with digital materials, others need more hands-on support. Hybrid approaches work!

Progress is possible everywhere. I’ve seen children as young as 18 months make incredible gains through teletherapy, and older kids often love the independence and focus the virtual setting provides.

Encouragement for Families and Therapists

If you’re on the fence about virtual speech therapy, I get it. I was skeptical, too. But I’ve seen firsthand how effective, engaging, and convenient teletherapy can be—when it’s done thoughtfully, with the right support and tools.

Whether you’re a parent searching for solutions, or an SLP looking to expand your practice, know that virtual therapy is more than “good enough”—it’s often the best fit for today’s busy families.

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