How To Support A Loved One In Speech Therapy
Author: Jesse Nerenberg, Reg. CASLPO, Speech-Language Pathologist
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction
As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Well Said, it is often easy for me to think of my clients as existing in a bubble. Therapy is just between client and SLP. But that is such a trap for a therapist, because every client I work with has other people in their lives that are part of their therapeutic journey. This includes, family, romantic partners, co-workers and close friends.
When someone you love is working on their speech, whether it is their voice, fluency, articulation, or any other aspect of communication, it can be hard to know exactly how to help. You may feel unsure about what to say. You might even feel nervous about making things worse. That is totally understandable, since watching someone you care about go through a vulnerable process like speech therapy can bring up questions you did not expect to have.
The good news is, the support of a loved one can actually make a difference. People tend to do better in speech therapy when the people around them are encouraging and informed, (maybe even involved). But being helpful does not mean becoming a therapist yourself or trying to fix things. It is about showing up, being present, being understanding and learning how to be a communication partner your loved one can trust.
This post is for anyone whose partner, family member or close friend is going to speech therapy. Whether the therapy is short or long-term, your presence and approach can help shape a positive path forward.
Listen Without Fixing
Your loved one may not always want advice. They might not even want encouragement right away. Sometimes, the best support you can offer is your full attention, without trying to change or improve anything.
When your loved one shares something about their speech, maybe they are frustrated about a session, uncertain about their progress, or feeling nervous before a presentation, try to listen first. Not with the goal of solving it, but just to understand where they’re coming from. Let them finish their thoughts. Make space for pauses. Try simple acknowledgments: “That sounds hard,” or “Thanks for telling me that.”
This kind of listening can be incredibly grounding for someone in therapy. It says, “I see you,” instead of, “Here is how to fix you.” As well, this can encourage your loved one to work through their challenges knowing you are there supporting them. This kind of judgement-free supportive communication is a hallmark of many forms of stuttering therapy (particularly for younger clients). I can think of a particular stuttering client of mine who I encouraged to have daily “speech time” with his parents and/or siblings, in order for him to practice his fluency strategies in a supportive and safe environment. That is the kind of listening and patience that a loved one can provide.
Respect Their Readiness
Not everyone wants to talk about speech therapy all the time. Some people are excited to share what they are working on. Others prefer to keep it private. Most fall somewhere in between, depending on the day.
If you are not sure whether your loved one wants to talk about their therapy work, it is okay to ask. You might say, “Do you feel like talking about your session today?” or “Is there anything I can do to support your practice?” These kinds of questions leave room for a “yes,” “no,” or “not right now.” Talking about therapy can actually be a helpful part of the process, because it helps your loved one reflect on their progress, and assess what exactly they are gleaning from their sessions. Debriefs and reflections are excellent therapeutic tools.
It can also help to notice non-verbal cues. If they seem distracted when the topic comes up, they might need a little space. On the other hand, if they bring it up themselves, that is a good sign they are open to talking. Matching your level of engagement to theirs shows that you are attuned to their process. It can indicate that you are not dismissive of their journey or avoiding being involved, but supportive and present.
Support Practice Without Pressure
Speech therapy often involves practice outside of sessions. This might mean reading aloud, repeating target sounds, doing voice exercises, or trying out communication strategies in real life. Your loved one may be asked to do these things daily or a few times a week.
You do not have to supervise this practice. In fact, most people do not want a loved one acting like a critic. What can be helpful is offering gentle structure or support. If your partner asks for help, you might: sit with them while they practice, just to be a calm presence; be a practice partner for a specific activity, like having a “low-pressure conversation” or reading a short script; help them find a time in the day when practice feels manageable; offer to remind them about practice (if they’ve asked you to do that).
The key here is to follow their lead. Practice should feel safe and manageable, not like a performance in front of someone they are trying to impress. Your goal is to be a safe audience, not a judge.
As well, it is always important to remember that as a close loved one you may be one this person’s most familiar communication partners. This can have differing outcomes. In some cases, progress may sound “strange” or “different” to you. (I have anecdotally heard of articulation clients whose partners thought that a speech sound they were targeting was sounding “worse” after starting therapy, when in reality they were reacting to the fact their partner sounded a bit different than what they were used to.)
Understand That Progress Looks Different for Everyone
Progress in speech therapy is not always fast, and it is rarely linear. There might be a burst of improvement one week, followed by a stretch that feels slow or like a plateau. Sometimes the changes are noticeable, clearer speech, more confident communication. Other times, they’re more internal: better awareness, less shame, more willingness to take risks, more confidence.
As a partner, it’s important to stay connected to the process rather than just the outcome. Instead of asking, “Did you get better today?” try questions like: “What stood out in your session?”; “Was anything surprising?”; “How are you feeling about where you’re at?”.
These questions shift the focus away from “success vs. failure” and toward reflection. They also show that you value their experience, not just their results.
Of course, it’s also okay to celebrate wins, just make sure you’re not defining those wins for your partner. I always say to my clients that oftentimes the most important outcome for me is how they are feeling about their own communication and goals. If they’re excited about something small, like using a fluency strategy to get through a conversation without avoiding a certain word or sound, meet them there and celebrate that small victory.
Be Patient with the Emotional Side
Speech therapy isn’t just about sounds or voice techniques, it can stir up a lot of emotion. People might feel self-conscious, discouraged, or even grief about the way they communicate. These feelings can come up in unexpected ways: pulling away from conversations, getting frustrated during practice, or seeming unusually quiet after a session.
Sometimes partners feel unsure how to respond to these emotions. It can be tempting to minimize or over-cheer, but both of those opposite responses might feel dismissive.
Instead, try making room for the emotion without trying to remove it. You might say, “It makes sense that you’d feel that way,” or “I’m here if you want to talk about it.” These responses help validate their experience and keep the lines of connection open.
Remember That Communication Is Shared
Speech therapy may focus on one person’s goals, but communication is never really a solo activity. It always happens between people. That means both people in a conversation can shape how it feels, and that includes you.
Here are a few small ways you can help make communication easier for your loved on. Give them time to finish their thoughts. Avoid finishing sentences unless they’ve asked for help. Reduce environmental distractions when possible (turn off the TV or music, be in the same room, and try to be present). Be mindful of facial expressions and tone. Sometimes an unintended sigh or glance can feel like judgment, even when it is not. Remember that you can help create a communication environment that is less about pressure and more about connection.
If you’re worried that you might say the wrong thing or mess up the support you are trying to give, remember: your presence is already half the battle. Showing that you care, that you’re willing to learn, matters more than saying the perfect words.
Final Thoughts
Supporting a loved one in speech therapy is not about fixing or leading, it is about walking beside them with empathy, with patience. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be open, and willing to try. Communication is about being seen and heard. And your presence in the journey is one of the best forms of support there is.
To speak with a psychotherapist or one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.
