From ‘Speech’ to ‘Safe Zone’: Building Confidence, Comfort, and Growth in Therapy Sessions

Hallie talks about how to create a "safe zone" in speech therapy. Create a safe zone not just in your space, but by building confidence through comfort and growth.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling how to make your speech therapy space a safe and inviting environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to participate. If you've ever had students walk into your room with crossed arms, eye rolls, or just plain resistance, this episode is for you. Hallie shares simple yet powerful strategies to rebrand speech therapy, build trust, and create a space that fosters engagement and progress. From renaming your speech room to incorporating flexible seating and growth mindset activities, you'll get practical tips to transform your sessions. Tune in and get ready to turn your therapy space into a confidence-boosting and safe zone!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• The importance of a welcoming therapy space
• Rebranding speech therapy for older students
• Using decor to set the right atmosphere
• Trauma-informed considerations in therapy spaces
• Building trust through check-ins
• Establishing predictable routines
• Celebrating small wins to boost motivation
• Connecting therapy to students’ real-world interests
• Implementing a comfort contract

Here’s what we learned:

• Renaming the speech room can make it feel more relevant and engaging.
• Thoughtful decor choices create a space that feels age-appropriate and inviting.
• Trauma-informed strategies can help students feel safer in therapy.
• Quick check-ins help build trust and support students' emotional needs.
• Predictable routines provide consistency and a sense of security.
• Celebrating small wins boosts student confidence and motivation.
• Connecting therapy to real-world interests like pop culture and relevant activities increases engagement.
• A comfort contract fosters a safe and respectful therapy environment.
• Involving students in decisions increases buy-in and participation.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets