Stepping Out of the Therapist Comfort Zone
This past weekend I had the joy and privilege of presenting at the PSHA (Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Convention. I offered information on two topics that I am passionate about and have addressed previously on this blog, namely how to "Empower Families Involved in Home-Based Early Intervention" and "Aquatic Speech Therapy with Children in Early Intervention".
Needless to say, before beginning Friday afternoon I was quite nervous. The room was considerable in size and a significant number of therapists attended the session. I needed to wear a microphone so that everyone in the room could hear me. Before beginning, I feared that my voice would shake and I would stumble over my own thoughts standing there in front of this room full of professionals, many of which I'm sure have years more experience than I. However, as I began going through my slides and sharing my thoughts and ideas, I saw heads nodding in agreement and knowing smiles cross many faces.
On Saturday, the physical format was different. The room was undersized and more intimate, which allowed for a smaller crowd. No microphone was needed and I was able to sit and talk to my colleagues more in a classroom type setting. At the end of both presentations, women who are complete strangers approached me as old friends with questions, personal experiences and a shared passion for the duties endured in early intervention.
So why do I write about these events? To encourage you, as my colleagues, to step outside of your therapy "comfort zone"!! I was anxious and to be honest, I really questioned my own sanity a bit before Friday's presentation!! However the risk was so worth it. I connected with new people and met like-minded therapists; which for me, was confirmation that I had made a great decision. In addition, I learned from a PSHA staff member that they have been looking for people to submit EI presentations—there is a need!
So, don't forget to nurture other aspects of your therapist soul. Do you have great thoughts to share and an innovative way of looking at therapy? Then you may want to create a presentation and impart others with your unique knowledge and know-how! Our discipline calls for it and opportunities are waiting!