Therapist spotlight: Emma Pomroy

We decided this year to create a blog series called “therapist spotlight” to share insights, learnings and stories from our team. It seems only fair that I start this series, and tell you how I came to be a private paediatric speech & language therapist living & practicing in Wandsworth, South-West London!

Why did you become a speech therapist?

I knew from an early age, that I needed to do a job I loved and that felt meaningful (I had watched my Dad do jobs he hated, and then find his passion and I felt determined to find mine). During my school work experience, I saw for the first time what speech therapy was. I had my work experience at a school for children with acquired brain injuries and I watched the ‘speechies’ support these children to tell their parents they loved them, express pain, annoyance and joy. What could be more important than that?! Plus it was a job where I could play for a living!

What do you wish more people knew about speech & language differences?

It’s ok to not have the answer to what works best for that child. You’re not expected to be an expert in them, but often by talking to their parents, or the child themselves if old enough – you will learn a lot.

What is a recent therapy win/ highlight that you can share? 

We recently had an amazing training session from Dani (the OT who uses our therapy space on a Saturday), all about sensory profiles. I have started using more visual & tactile sensory input in my sessions and it has made the biggest difference! I am seeing more regulated children and more communication as a result!

What does a 'typical' session look like with you?

This is a hard question to answer, because in my practice ‘typical’ doesn’t really exist! What I do is so bespoke to each child, their interests and their profile that every session varies. It is what makes my job the most fun and the most tiring, because so much thinking and planning goes into every session!

However, the guiding principles for me are; shared joy, being a cheerleader for that little person & celebrating who they are and what they can do, and ensuring we get plenty of time playing with things/ activities they adore, whilst sneaking in therapy targets.

Check back for more therapist spotlights coming soon!