Why I Chose Speech Therapy: Speech Therapists Share Why They Love Their Work

The ability to communicate is essential to maintaining relationships, building connections, and sharing our thoughts and experiences. When an illness or disorder affects one's ability to speak or properly understand language, speech therapy can help one improve their skills, overcome obstacles, and communicate effectively again.

The field of speech therapy provides a meaningful opportunity for health care professionals to help patients with one of their most fundamental skills for quality of life and enact significant positive changes for their well-being.

“I was drawn to becoming a speech-language pathologist because I knew I wanted to help people,” said Abigail Lovatt, M.S., CFY-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist at Christian Health. “The gratitude, success, and genuine joy I see in patients who are motivated to improve is so fulfilling. I have seen how powerful our services are for individuals and families who are finally able to communicate the simplest things to each other. To know I am able to play a role in their improvement and ability to communicate is beyond measurable.”

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy specializes in the assessment and treatment of communication, speech, and swallowing disorders with various causes, including Parkinson’s, stroke, brain injury, and dementia. Speech-language pathologists, also called SLPs, work with these patients to improve communication skills, cognition, and swallowing function by using techniques such as articulation therapy, language intervention therapy, and facial, breathing, and swallowing exercises.

The Importance of Speech Therapy

Our ability to communicate is integral to many things, including our relationships, our work, and many tasks of daily life. Speech therapy is important for individuals with speech or language challenges because it allows them to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions more effectively. This also promotes social interaction, increases self-confidence, and helps foster mental wellness.

“I had a patient who unfortunately suffered a stroke,” said Abigail. “He was completely independent prior and had four young children. At the beginning of his therapy, he was not able to say his own name or the names of his wife or children. He called his daughter one day during the session after he was sure he would be able to say her name. Watching their genuine reactions and the emotions that followed proved to me that I had chosen the right field and am making a difference in people's lives.”

Helping patients have meaningful conversations with family and loved ones is not the only way speech therapy can help.

“I find the most fulfilling aspect of speech therapy is being able to witness the positive impact it has on an individual’s life,” said Amanda Burkhart, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist at Christian Health. “This not only includes improving their language skills or voice so they can communicate more effectively but also improving their cognitive skills so they are more independent or improving their swallowing function so they are able to enjoy their favorite foods and drinks.”

Abigail agrees that being able to thoroughly enjoy beloved foods again is a major benefit for those with swallowing disorders in speech therapy.

“When working with a patient to find ways to help them have that piece of chocolate cake that they want for their birthday, I know that I am adding to their quality of life and doing what I can to meet their wants and needs, which always reminds me how much I love this field,” she said.

Becoming a Speech Therapist

Speech therapy is a diverse and exciting field, filled with opportunities to help others – whether it’s supporting a stroke patient in regaining their ability to speak or treating a patient’s lifelong stutter. A career as a speech-language pathologist may be deeply rewarding for someone seeking the chance to make a significant positive impact every day they go to work.

“Empathy, compassion, kindness, patience, and understanding are essential qualities for this career path,” said Abigail. “Not just for the patient, but for the family and their friends. The patient may not be able to communicate or enjoy their favorite foods, but the family can also no longer hear stories or communicate with the patient. Taking the time to understand the patient's and family's goals will improve your overall relationship with the patient and allow them to trust you and the treatment you provide to them.”

“This job requires you to stay on your toes and adapt to all types of situations,” said Amanda. “Our field is ever-changing. You stay motivated by knowing that you are making a difference to someone. Some things are out of your control, but you keep learning and building confidence by dealing with different situations with the support of your colleagues.”

Careers at Christian Health

At our Bolger Short-Term Rehab, our expert speech therapists provide compassionate, personalized care to help those with communication or swallowing disorders gain confidence, improve their skills, and increase their quality of life.

To learn more about career options at Christian Health, please visit ChristianHealthNJ.org/Careers/.

To learn more about our speech therapy services, please visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/ShortTermRehab or call (201) 848-5855.