Friday Five: Improve Your Memory

Happy Friday, and welcome back to CTS' Friday Five, where we share 5 tips, tricks, or fun info about your favorite community speechie. This week? Improving your memory!

💬 Write it down! Whether it's on a list, on a calendar, or even in your Notes app, making a visual reminder of your task or appointment will reduce the risk of letting it slip.

💬 You've got a phone in your hand, use it! Set reminders with Siri, or use an app like Craft or @EverNote. Remove all the mental clutter by letting your technology work for you!

💬 Repeat it out loud! In speechie talk, this is called verbal rehearsal, but repeating new information out loud is a great way to give added cues to your brain to say, "Hey! Remember me!"

💬 Keep a routine. Every morning, I do the exact same 5 to-dos. Every. Single. Day. Why? Because it's ingrained in my brain, and if I don't do them, I feel lost! Our brains thrive on recognized predictable patterns. Take advantage of it!

💬 Change things up! Yes. I know I just said to keep a routine 😜 But our incredible brains have something called plasticity, which means they LOVE learning new things. Trying a new game, or craft, or learning a new skills keeps those neural pathways chugging, which is a beautiful way to keep those brains moving and grooving.

How do YOU remember new things? Any tips or tricks to share? We'd love to hear from you! Happy Friday, y'all! Happy Friday, y'all! We’d love to hear about any questions you may have about the services we provide at CTS. Please call us at (540) 693-0322, email at kristin@chancellortherapysolutions.com, or click here to contact us.

Friday Five: Finding the Right SLP for YOU

New series alert! For the next few (or more?!) Fridays, we will be sharing 5 tips, tricks, or fun info about your favorite community speechie. This week? Finding the right SLP for YOU:

💬 Is your SLP an effective communicator?

Find someone who makes you feel at ease, and communicates their services effectively. Reducing frustration and increasing understanding is a top priority in making sure you have found the right SLP for you and your family.

💬 Have you spoken about payment?

Does your SLP take insurance or private pay? Check only or online system? It's not always fun to talk about money, but having a straightforward understanding is the best way to start your therapy relationship.

💬 What are your SLP's credentials?

Most states require licensure, but is your SLP ASHA certified? A swallow specialist? Special certifications? These will often give you an idea of your SLP's interests, and will guide you to the perfect therapist to fit your needs.

💬 How is your SLP establishing a relationship with YOU?

The SLP/client relationship is of utmost importance for maximizing function and progress. As a clinician, my goal is to ensure your comfort level is high, so we can stretch you to the best of your ability!

💬 How are goals developed?

This may seem a little out of left field, but this is directly related to your RELATIONSHIP. Client-centered goals (ie, what do YOU want to accomplish?) are imperative to meeting short and long term goals.

Are you noticing a pattern here? It's all about RELATIONSHIP! Sure, you want a high-qualified therapist using evidence-based therapeutic techniques. But first and foremost, this little community practice focuses on relationship with the families they serve. Because relationship means PROGRESS!

Happy Friday, y'all! We’d love to hear about any questions you may have about the services we provide at CTS. Please call us at (540) 693-0322, email at kristin@chancellortherapysolutions.com, or click here to contact us.