Why “Warming Up” Matters in Speech Therapy
Sometimes a child needs a little while to feel comfortable in a new situation. It might seem like they’re just “warming up,” but in speech therapy, that time is never wasted—it’s a critical part of building trust.
Trust is the foundation for all meaningful communication. Without it, a child’s brain is focused on feeling safe, not on learning and growing.
🎥 Watch a Video on the Importance of Building Trust in Therapy
Why Trust Is So Important in Therapy
Before a child can work on their speech or language goals, they need to feel safe, comfortable, and understood. When a child feels secure in a new environment and with a new person, they are much more open to practising new skills. Research supports this, showing that a child’s ability to learn and engage is directly tied to their emotional and psychological well-being. A sense of safety and connection can activate the brain’s learning centres, while stress and fear can inhibit them. This is why I always start by following a child’s lead and incorporating their unique interests into our sessions. Whether it’s through dinosaurs, music, or favourite characters, these connections help build a sense of safety and engagement.
I also believe that parents and guardians are the true experts on their children. That’s why I rely on you to share what excites and motivates your child. By working together, we can create a therapy experience that feels supportive and personal.
What Happens During the “Warm-Up”?
It’s natural to be eager to see progress right away, but it’s important to know that the “warm-up” time is productive. While we’re connecting and creating a safe space, I’m still actively working:
- Observing: I’m learning about your child’s communication style, what engages them, and how they express themselves—both with and without words.
- Connecting: I’m building a trusting relationship with your child so they feel safe to take risks and try new things. This therapeutic relationship is a key predictor of positive outcomes in therapy, as it creates an environment where a child feels secure enough to attempt new skills and make mistakes without fear of judgement.
- Collaborating: I’m talking with you about what you see at home and sharing strategies and resources you can use right away.
This process provides valuable insights that guide our therapy journey. Every child is unique—some warm-up quickly, while others need more time. Either way, giving a child the space to feel safe makes it possible to reach therapy goals more effectively in the long run.
What to Expect in Our First Few Sessions
When we first meet, you might notice that we don’t dive directly into therapy goals. Instead, we spend time playing and connecting. This approach isn’t a delay—it’s the crucial first step. When a child feels secure, their brain is no longer focused on survival, and they can focus on learning and developing new communication skills. This is supported by principles of neurobiology and trauma-informed care, which highlight that a relaxed, regulated state is essential for higher-level learning and skill acquisition. This foundation is what allows for real, lasting progress.
We’re Here to Support You
✨ At Communicating Together Therapy & Wellness Associates, care meets possibilities.
We work with children, teens, and families to build communication supports that help individuals feel better understood.
đź“Ť Private Speech Therapy in Waterloo, Ontario
We provide private speech and language therapy in a space that embraces diverse communication methods—from AAC and gestures to spoken language—while fostering safety and understanding.
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If you’re in the Waterloo area and would like to learn how we can support your child or teen, please reach out. We’re here when you’re ready. Contact us to start the conversation.
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đź“ť A Note to Parents & Guardians
Thank you for showing up for your child with patience, curiosity, and compassion. You’re not alone on this journey.
đź‘‹ Take care,
Rhonda MacKinnon, M.Sc., S-LP(C), Reg. CASLPO – Speech-Language Pathologist