The Heartbeat of Speech-Language Pathology: Changing the World One Session at a Time

I learned about Phuong's book after she became my client and honored me with the opportunity to groom her doodle. We chatted at the pickups and drop-offs and even though we possess powers of different professions we found loads of similarities in our philosophy and approach to human-to-human or human-to-canine connections. The moment I saw her book online I knew I had to get a copy, so I did in that instant. I'm always seeking new knowledge and I thought it'll be a great addition to my tools to approach dogs (and humans) and try to meet their needs whiles "sneaking in" a haircut or discussing unfortunate cases like loads of mats that the parents were not aware of and the haircut will have to take a brand new angle.Phuong's book showed me how incredibly rewarding and demanding her profession is at the same time. How she helps her peers coordinate their work in a way that'll build a connection with their clients and meet needs along the way. How they can create a mindset and an environment where the work will be joyful and productive, for all participants. Phuong's approach to speech-language pathology can be applied to pretty much any and all professions out there. Her encouragement and clear guidance for the reader are much needed and appreciated today, even by an enthusiastic "outsider" of SLP. I highly recommend her book to everyone. Reading it you'll get the whole picture of what drives her in her work to make connections that last and bear fruits anywhere Phuong has a chance to make a difference.

I highly recommend this book for SLPs as well as other care professionals. Lien Palafox’s voice captures a rare blend of research-based data, wisdom from professional and personal experience, heart-felt honesty and love, and the friendliness and humor of a close friend.Understanding someone’s life story is incredibly powerful and healing. Lien Palafox does a great job of explaining how to attend to a client’s story and connect with them personally, which helps clients and their families feel seen and valued, while leading to more therapy successes and improved goal attainment. As an SLP with years of experience, Lien Palafox shares her own life story as well as helpful case studies to better illustrate the importance of seeing the whole person - which includes family history, culture, SES, issues relating to diversity and privilege, individual interests and experiences, and more. There are some particularly helpful ideas and tips about working with bilingual clients and families, the importance of words and names, and the importance of non-verbal communication.I am a clinical psychologist and not an SLP, but we appear to share a lot of the same struggles - burnout/compassion fatigue, the stress of addressing barriers to care, and battling with insurance companies and organizations to advocate for our clients to receive needed services. All of these stressors can cause us to lose touch with what Lien Palafox calls our “why” - why we got into this work in the first place, which may differ from person to person but likely includes some element of wanting to help others. She offers ways of getting back in touch with this important reason, something that helps us practitioners zoom out from the stressors and get back to the “heart” of our work. Lien Palafox also helps practitioners embrace our own humanity and encourages us to attend to our own needs in regard to life-work balance, dealing with personal struggles, and engaging in healthy self care activities.

As a new clinician, this book reassured me that I am already doing what I need to do to be a good SLP, being open to learning more and putting connections with my clients first. Such a good book, and just what I needed to read in my CF.

Readers benefit from author's extensive experience and her personal story. Solid, evidence based strategies for SLP practice included. Practitioners of the healing arts and therapists working with children can relate to and use the stories to deepen and improve their own family based practice. Indeed, "Humanity Skills", as Lien Palafox terms them, are essential to help engage clients. And yes, kindness does matter. Author's enthusiasm for her clients & her practice made me wish I was an SLP! Great book to give to college student, someone just starting practice or SLP who may be feeling overwhelmed.

Must read for new grads to mid career SLPs!! I read this in two days. Spot on for everything !

As someone who is studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, it is great reading about the experienced and advice from current and experienced clinicians.

I've only just started this book, but it is great so far! I love it!

Loved this book!! Easy read and great points.

This book is mostly an autobiography about the author. Some may find her story helpful as a self-help guide. I did not.