Finding a Voice: A Speech and Language Therapist on Communication, Compassion and Care

In this blog, you will learn:

• About a Speech and Language Therapist’s career from education-based roles into specialist adult practice.
• How supporting communication and dignity requires reflective practice and strong advocacy.
• How wellbeing, continuous professional development and innovation are essential to sustaining a fulfilling career in speech and language therapy.
• Where the latest Speech and Language Therapist jobs are and how to apply for them.

Communication is fundamental to how people connect, express themselves and live with dignity. Speech and language therapy play a vital role in helping people find their voice, as well as maintain safety and independence in everyday life.

Within the NHS, Speech and Language Therapists support some of the most complex and vulnerable individuals across health and social care settings. We spoke to a highly specialised Speech and Language Therapist to see how they support individuals with complex communication and swallowing needs.

From developing her own speech and language therapy service to creating a digital innovation platform, this Speech and Language Therapist's work reflects her commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking practice.

Throughout this interview, you’ll learn how this Speech and Language Therapist supports communication in specialist adult and community-focused services.

Tell us about your career path so far

My career journey has been shaped by a strong commitment to supporting individuals with complex communication needs across a wide range of educational and clinical settings. I have worked in primary schools, secondary schools, sixth form and young adult college settings, supporting learners with severe and complex needs, including autism, learning disabilities and communication differences.

I have experience working within integrated multidisciplinary teams alongside Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Senior Teaching Assistants and Support Workers, delivering both direct and indirect therapy. My work has included creating communication passports, trialling Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, developing dysphagia management plans and supporting individuals with cerebral palsy, autism and learning disabilities.

I currently work within adult learning disability services and have developed a strong interest in neurological conditions, dysphagia, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and respiratory conditions. Alongside my NHS role, I have also developed my own speech and language therapy service and a digital innovation platform focused on accessible communication resources and inclusive care.

My career path has evolved from education-based therapy into specialist adult and community-focused work, where I continue to deepen my clinical expertise while also contributing to service development and innovation.

What inspired you to become a Speech and Language Therapist?

I was inspired to become a Speech and Language Therapist because I have always been deeply drawn to the power of communication and the impact it has on dignity, independence and identity. 

Seeing individuals struggle to express themselves or be misunderstood highlighted how vulnerable people become when their voice is not recognised. I was motivated by the idea that I could help people not just to speak, but to be truly heard, understood and valued. 

The holistic nature of speech and language therapy, blending science, empathy, neurodiversity and human connection, felt aligned with who I am as both a professional and a person.

What does a typical day look like for you as a Speech and Language Therapist?

My day is dynamic and responsive. No two days are the same and that variety is one of the things I value most about the role. A typical day involves a combination of direct clinical work, collaborative Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) input and therapeutic planning.

My tasks and responsibilities may include:

• Assessing communication and swallowing needs.
• Delivering therapy sessions with individuals.
• Observing and supporting mealtimes for dysphagia management.
• Writing Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan (SOAP) notes and care plans.
• Liaising with families, carers and external professionals.
• Providing training and guidance to support staff.
• Reviewing AAC systems and communication tools.
• Participating in MDT meetings and safeguarding discussions.
  
  

What are the most challenging aspects of your role and how do you overcome them?

The most challenging aspects of my role include high caseload pressures, the emotional complexity of client needs and systemic limitations such as time constraints and resource shortages. 

Supporting individuals with layered presentations, such as trauma, learning disabilities and complex health conditions requires careful, thoughtful and emotionally attuned practice.

I manage this by remaining grounded in reflective practice, seeking supervision, prioritising clear boundaries and maintaining realistic expectations of what can be achieved within each session. 

I also ensure I advocate for my service users while holding kindness for myself as a clinician navigating a demanding system.

How do you ensure you have the perfect work-life balance?

As a single mother, maintaining a work-life balance is essential rather than optional. I am intentional about scheduling, setting boundaries and protecting time for rest, fitness and family. 

Weight training and pole fitness play a huge role in my wellbeing, helping me to release stress and remain physically and mentally strong.

I also practise self-compassion, recognising that balance is fluid and not a fixed state. When needed, I adjust and recalibrate to ensure I remain present both at work and at home.

How do you continue to develop your skills and knowledge as a Speech and Language Therapist?

I engage in continuous professional development through training, research, peer learning, reflective supervision and evidence-based practice. I actively seek learning opportunities in specialist areas such as dysphagia, neurological rehabilitation, AAC and trauma-informed care.

I also develop my knowledge through service improvement projects and digital innovation work, allowing me to blend clinical expertise with forward-thinking practice. Remaining curious and open to growth is central to my professional identity.

What do you enjoy most about working in the industry?

What I enjoy most is witnessing the moment someone feels understood, whether that’s a young adult using a communication aid successfully for the first time or a carer gaining clarity on how to support their loved one.

Being part of empowering someone's voice, autonomy and confidence is deeply meaningful. The relationships built with service users and families, and seeing progress over time, are incredibly rewarding.

How often do you feel that the demands of your role exceed the time and resources available to you?

This is a common reality within the NHS and I would say it occurs regularly. I manage this by prioritising clinical need, maintaining clear documentation and advocating for realistic caseload management where possible. I also focus on sustainable working practices rather than unsustainable perfection.

What can be done about the shortage of Speech and Language Therapists?

Addressing the shortage requires greater investment in training pathways, better visibility of the profession, improved retention strategies and more flexible working options. 

Supporting early-career clinicians with strong supervision, mentorship and wellbeing-focused workplace cultures is also vital.

Expanding funded placements and increasing awareness of the role in schools and communities could help attract future Speech and Language Therapists into the profession.

How would you describe the current state of training and professional development opportunities for Speech and Language Therapists in the UK?

There are strong opportunities for professional development in the UK, but access can be inconsistent and often limited by funding or service pressures. High-quality training exists, but Speech and Language Therapists frequently have to navigate learning alongside heavy caseload demands.

Increasing protected Continuing Professional Development (CPD) time and creating more specialist development pathways would greatly enhance professional growth.

How do you stay up to date with the latest techniques, changes and advancements in speech and language therapy?

I remain up to date through professional networks, journals, guidelines from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), multidisciplinary discussions and specialist training. 

I also integrate research into my practice and reflect continuously on clinical outcomes to refine my methods.

What advice would you give to aspiring Speech and Language Therapists and why?

My advice would be to stay grounded in compassion, remain curious and embrace the complexity of the profession. Speech and Language Therapy is not just about techniques it is about connection, patience and understanding human experience.

Be prepared for emotional challenges, but also know that the impact you will have on people’s lives makes it one of the most fulfilling careers imaginable.

Anything you would like to add?

Speech and language therapy is evolving and I believe innovation, digital accessibility and inclusive practice will shape the future of the profession. I am passionate about contributing to this evolution through service development, advocacy and systems that prioritise communication equity.

At the heart of my work is the belief that every person deserves to be heard, respected and empowered with communication being the gateway to that dignity.

Speech & Language Therapist jobs

If you’re searching for your next speech and language therapist job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 

Recruit Speech & Language Therapists

As healthcare recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs. 

If you’re struggling to fill a Speech & Language Therapist vacancy, why not get in touch with our healthcare specialist, Natalie Boaler on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?

Share your experience

Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the healthcare sector.  

If you work in the healthcare sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions. 

Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards. In 2024, Spencer Clarke Group was also named Recruitment Agency of the Year.