SpeechPathology.com Phone: 800-242-5183


Progressus Therapy

Clinical Practice Philosophy for Speech Language Pathologists

Clinical Practice Philosophy for Speech Language Pathologists
P.R. Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP
December 13, 2004
Share:

Philosophy, beliefs and attitudes impact practice, regardless of our level of awareness of those underpinnings. By bringing our practice philosophy to a conscious level, we can strengthen our decision-making and collaborations with others by being clear about our framework. Engaging in this self-reflective process should result in an increased understanding of our underlying beliefs about the nature of our clinical work. A Clinical Practice Philosophy statement also allows us to construct a framework within which to illustrate what we believe to be important factors in our role as speech/language pathologists. Developing such a statement can serve several important functions:

  • provide a mechanism for overall reflection on your practice


  • help synthesize your individual perspective on key beliefs or "mission" as a speech/language pathologist


  • serve as a framework to guide and justify everyday clinical decisions


  • act as a vehicle of expression on the nature of your clinical work which can be communicated with clients, families, co-workers, administrators, etc.


  • serve as a "guidepost" in your professional development

There are recent indications of increasing attention to issues related to practice philosophy in speech language pathology. Muma (2004) for example, stated:

"....those who render clinical services and CEU offerings, should state which philosophical views and theoretical perspectives underwrite their services..." Additionally, he suggested "Philosophical views and theoretical perspectives comprise rationale evidence. Such evidence should underwrite clinical services because it provides disciplined understanding of issues. " (Muma, 2004).

In a Letter to the Editor of the ASHA Leader in 2003 Jay B. McSpaden made a similar request for increased focus on philosophy of practice for our professions, stating:

"It is true that "philosophy dictates practice," but it is also true that these ethical questions, and decisions about them, dictate philosophy. I encourage the members (or anyone reading this letter) to watch for and participate in discussions on these matters. More even than our skills or training, they determine "who we are." (McSpaden, 2003)


P.R. Mitchell, PhD, CCC-SLP



Related Courses

Treatment Approach Considerations for School-Aged Children with Speech Sound Disorders
Presented by Kathryn Cabbage, PhD, CCC-SLP
Video
Course: #9472Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course will address the theoretical underpinnings and research base related to differential diagnosis and treatment of articulation and phonological deficits in children with speech sound disorders. Special considerations for how to tailor evaluation and intervention to meet the needs of school-age children will be discussed.

The Ripple Effect of Stuttering: A Community-Based Approach
Presented by Craig Coleman, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-F, ASHA Fellow, Mary Weidner, PhD, CCC-SLP
Video
Course: #9217Level: Intermediate2 Hours
This is Part 2 of a four-part series. The stuttering experience has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the child who stutters. Parents, teachers, peers, and others must possess both knowledge and skills to best support children who stutter. This course will highlight new clinical tools and resources to provide a community-based treatment approach for stuttering. (Part 1 - Course 9278, Part 3 - Course 9301, Part 4 - Course 9304)

Behavioral Frameworks for Dementia Management
Presented by Mary Beth Mason, PhD, CCC-SLP, Robert W. Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, FNAP
Video
Course: #9473Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course will focus on cognitive-communication intervention strategies for various dementia presentations and will provide a review of evidence-based treatment. Behavioral frameworks along with their rationales will be introduced and applied across several dementia types and mild, moderate and severe levels of impairment.

20Q: Infection Control Strategies for SLPs
Presented by A.U. Bankaitis Smith, PhD
Text
Course: #9729Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Speech-language pathologists are expected by policy authorities to apply appropriate measures to protect patients, co-workers and themselves in clinical situations that may expose individuals to infectious microbes. This article provides practical guidelines for implementing infection control principles within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including discussion of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting and cleaning products.

Thickened Liquids in Clinical Practice: The Plot “Thickens”
Presented by Angela Mansolillo, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Video
Course: #10497Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.