With this practical resource, speech and language therapy students and practitioners will discover how to link classroom theories and methods to standards, attitudes, and behaviors that will help them ensure success in clinical practice. The text leads students and professionals from coursework to practice with guidance on

-- intervention

-- assessment

-- therapy

-- interaction with family members and staff

-- work in various settings

-- maintenance of records and written reports

The authors also reveal the prerequisite skills and aptitude — and the understanding of practice — that individuals need to perform successfully as speech-language therapy clinicians. The combination of ideas, case illustrations, and concepts offers direction and support to students as they embark on their professional careers. Experienced clinicians and professionals returning to the field after an absence will also find this resource very helpful.

This book demonstrates how students can apply what they have learned to bridge the gap between theory and therapy as they begin their professional practice. The authors argue that the only way to be ready to face the demands of professional practice and life-long learning is to acquire a thorough understanding of the process and practice of clinical work. Fully revised, this second edition incorporates: new standards of service delivery and clinical competencies registration of the profession under the Health Professions Council collaborative working with shared client programmes and records client-centred philosophy and social models of intervention The authors emphasize the need to have a sound knowledge of what the profession is and who it encompasses; the awareness of the concepts that underpin decision-making, planning and choice of activities; and understanding of the philosophies that drive the choice of working practices.