In a therapy setting, if a patient expresses concerns about their progress, what is the best response from the SLPA?

In a therapy setting, addressing a patient's concerns about their progress is crucial for maintaining trust and engagement in their treatment. By explaining the goals and steps in their therapy, the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) acknowledges the patient's feelings while providing clarity on the therapeutic process. This approach helps the patient understand that progress often takes time and is structured around specific objectives.

Providing detailed information about the goals allows the patient to see how their efforts align with measurable outcomes, which can mitigate feelings of frustration or negativity regarding their progress. Additionally, outlining the steps involved reinforces the idea that therapy is a gradual process and can motivate the patient to remain committed to their therapy plan. This kind of supportive and informative response fosters open communication and can enhance the therapeutic relationship, encouraging active participation from the patient.