My partner has taken the kids out for a walk, so I have time to sit down and write this blog post. I’m reflecting on time. What do I want to use my time for? How can I use my time in a way that serves my purpose?

I haven’t written anything here on the blog for 4 months. I enjoy using writing as a tool for reflection, and ‘blog regularly’ features on my Goals for 2017 list. I meant to write earlier in the year about my intentions for my practice in 2017, but I didn’t make the time. I have two children, the youngest just 6 months old: quiet time to concentrate is rare. But I don’t want to think about time with a scarcity mindset, and I don’t want to live my life that way, rushing from one thing to another, frantically trying to do everything. That’s not connecting with my power.

I’m gradually returning to work, soon I’ll be working one day a week. I choose to schedule my day so that I have a long lunch break, which gives me time to go home and feed the baby. I can fit in 6 children for therapy. Writing this, I realise even my language implies scarcity: ‘fit in’ – squeeze. I want to try flipping this into a positive. How about: I get to help make a positive change in the life of 6 children and their families, what a privilege.

I read an interesting book over the holidays, which fed directly into my intentions for my work this year. Movement Matters by Katy Bowman really intrigued me. I feel like I need to read it through several times, as there is so much in there to think about. After reading it twice, I’m determined to stop asking the children (my clients and my own!) to sit down. I work with pre-schoolers, they have a whole lifetime ahead of them sitting down. All those hours, days, weeks – doing something their bodies didn’t evolve doing. And something some of my little clients find so tricky! So from now on in my sessions we’ll squat, and crawl and jump while we do therapy. And if we’re concentrating while lying on the floor, well that’s okay.

Secondly, I need to get out more. Humans are nature, yet today we perceive ourselves as separate from it. I’ve been reading about Forest School (lots of lovely child-led principles) and thinking about how to incorporate the ideas into my work. There is a huge, beautiful garden where I work, and I’m going to use it more. I bought this book about things to make or do with sticks and this one with ideas for outside activities, and I’m going to have a go. Spending time outside, being part of nature while I work and support children – now that’s serves my purpose.

I’ve been thinking about how parents choose a therapist for their child (I’ve recently set up my private practice). What are they looking for? What do they want? I used feedback I’ve received from parents to make a list, then arranged my ideas into themes.

First there are ‘logistical’ factors. Parents want an SLT who:

• is punctual,
• is professional – doesn’t cancel appointments at the last minute,
• is reliable – does what she says she’ll do,
• gives appointments at a convenient time,
• communicates in a convenient way, for example by email,
• completes reports in a reasonable time frame,
• has time to listen to them.

Next there are ‘therapist’ factors. Parents want someone who:

• can build rapport with their child, so therapy is fun & their child likes going,
• can facilitate progress, so their child develops new skills,
• is flexible, if something isn’t working she’ll try a different approach,
• is responsive to changes in the child or family,
• is experienced,
• is consistent (this is a big one) they want the same therapist, not a different person every block or visit.

Interpersonal factors are also important. Parents value therapists who:

• listen to their views and respect them,
• believe in their child’s ability to make progress and offer hope,
• can give advice and support around wider issues such as school placements,
• can work well with the other professionals their child sees,
• can admit when they don’t know something and ask a colleague,
• are transparent, with an open, honest, straightforward attitude.

A magic wand and the evidence base

I thought of two more things that don’t really fit in above: the magic wand and the evidence base. Some parents want to find an SLT with a magic wand, someone who can simply make their child’s difficulty disappear. If you find one, let me know, I’d love to interview him or her for my podcast!

Finally, there’s evidence based therapy. I’m not sure how much of factor the evidence base is for parents. Although I’ve never been asked to support my therapy plan with research papers, I have been asked: do you think this will work, how has this approach worked with other children, and which approach will have the quickest result? So some parents are evaluating different therapy options, it’s really encouraging.

When I look over this list, I’m struck by how many of these depend on a therapist having enough time. Perhaps that’s the key, parents want a therapist who they feel, has time for them.

What have I missed? SLTs, what do your families tell you they’re happy with and what do they complain about? Parents, what is most important to you when you’re looking for a therapist? I’d love to hear from you!