181. Thinking About SLP Contracting? Here’s What You Need to Know First to Prevent Burnout

The Preschool SLP

Content provided by Kelly Vess, MA, CCC-SLP, Kelly Vess, and MA. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Kelly Vess, MA, CCC-SLP, Kelly Vess, and MA or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

30d ago 38:37

MP3•Episode home

Is the way you’re working… actually working?
In this candid and empowering episode of The Preschool SLP, I sit down with the SLP Happy Hour host, Sarah Lockhart, to talk about what no one tells you in grad school: the path to sustainability as an SLP is rarely linear.

Together, we unpack what it really takes to thrive in this field—from navigating burnout to rebuilding self-trust, shifting careers, and defining success on your own terms. Whether you’re in public schools, private practice, teletherapy, or contracting, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

What You'll Learn:

The hidden costs of perfectionism and overworking
When private practice becomes unsustainable
The real pros and cons of contracting, teletherapy, and salaried school positions
How to build a fulfilling SLP career through self-trust and clinical intuition
Why working smarter (not harder) is the key to staying in this field long term

If this episode hit home, and you’re craving less prep and more purpose in your therapy sessions, then it’s time to join the SIS Membership.

Inside SIS, you’ll get:

✅ Weekly ready-to-go, research-backed therapy materials

✅ Tools like the Behavior Flip Cards and Progress Diplomas featured in this episode

✅ Multimodal strategies that support the whole child

✅ A system that protects your energy so you can focus on what matters: being present

Join now and start working smarter today: www.kellyvess.com/sis

00:00 Introduction and Inspirational Opening
02:33 Sarah's Journey as an SLP
04:16 Challenges and Realities of Private Practice
04:46 The Shift to Telepractice
07:24 Balancing Work and Personal Life
18:12 Top Recovery Tips for SLPs

Get your Behavior Rule Flip Cards + Behavior Diplomas at:
🔗 www.kellyvess.com/behavior

184 episodes

#Higher Education #Podcasting Education #Kelly Vess, MA, CCC-SLP #Kelly Vess #Continuing Education #Early Childhood #With Speechlanguage Pathologists #Preschool #Special Needs #Early Intervention #The EvidenceBased Practice #Autism Spectrum Disorders #Speech And Language Impairments #Developmental Delay #Digital Courses #Seminar