In her conversation on The All About Kids Podcast, speech-language pathologist and clinical fellow at All About Kids Philippa Ross emphasized that strong clinical work doesn’t come from rigid plans or flawless execution, but from flexibility, sensitivity, and the ability to adapt in real time to each child.
Speaking as a clinical fellow navigating her first professional year during the COVID-19 pandemic, Philippa reflected on what it felt like when in-person therapy stopped abruptly, teletherapy became the norm, and the structure she relied on as a highly organized planner was suddenly unavailable.
Teletherapy challenged control, not competence
When therapy shifted online, Philippa was clear that the most difficult adjustment wasn’t learning new platforms or finding digital materials, it was releasing the expectation that sessions would unfold exactly as planned. As someone who thrives on structure, teletherapy forced her to accept unpredictability. Some children struggled without hands-on cues, while others surprised her with high levels of engagement through play and screen-based interaction.
Rather than viewing this variability as a setback, Philippa reframed it as information. Teletherapy highlighted how differently children learn and respond, reinforcing the idea that effectiveness doesn’t come from control, it comes from responsiveness.
Flexibility became the most important clinical skill
One of Philippa’s biggest takeaways from this period was learning to adjust in the moment. Carefully planned sessions often needed to be scrapped entirely in favor of following a child’s interests, energy level, or emotional state that day. Over time, she realized that flexibility wasn’t a weakness in her practice, it was a strength that allowed therapy to remain meaningful, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
This shift extended beyond session planning. Working with children from different socioeconomic backgrounds and family structures deepened her awareness of perspective-taking and sensitivity, skills she now sees as essential to ethical, effective therapy.
Articulation therapy pushed her growth
Clinically, Philippa identified articulation therapy as one of her steepest learning curves. While she entered the field feeling confident in language-based intervention, targeting persistent phonological processes required new strategies and creative problem-solving especially over teletherapy, where tactile cues and close modeling weren’t always possible.
Rather than avoiding this challenge, she leaned into it, learning how to adapt cues, exaggerate visual models, and tailor approaches to each child’s responsiveness. That discomfort ultimately expanded her confidence and clinical range.
Rapport and play mattered more than ever
Building rapport, always important in pediatric therapy, became more intentional during teletherapy. Philippa described prioritizing connection by learning what each child enjoyed, incorporating their interests into sessions, and making space for play. For many children, therapy became a highlight of their week, offering consistency and engagement during an otherwise isolating time.
Teletherapy also changed how she collaborated with parents. With families present, she gained deeper insight into home environments and was able to explain goals more clearly, strengthening carryover beyond the session.
Caring for the clinician mattered too
Beyond therapy itself, Philippa spoke openly about managing her own focus and mental health. Working from home blurred boundaries between personal and professional life, making it harder to disconnect. Practices like yoga, meditation, biking, and simply stepping outside between sessions became essential tools for restoring focus and preventing burnout.
She also found unexpected support through online SLP communities, using social media and professional groups to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and feel less alone during an uncertain time.
The takeaway
Philippa Ross’s conversation is a reminder that becoming a skilled speech-language pathologist isn’t about flawless sessions or perfect plans. It’s about adaptability, humility, and understanding how a child’s challenges show up in real life—not just on paper. For early-career clinicians especially, the lesson is clear: growth happens when you stay flexible, remain curious, and center connection over control.
Check out the full episode with Philippa Ross below on The All About Kids Podcast:
