How I Decide What to Work on First (Without Overthinking)

2 Things Every SLP Should Bring to an IEP Meeting

In this episode of the All Things SLP Podcast, we’re covering two essential things every speech-language pathologist should bring to an IEP meeting to build stronger parent relationships, improve collaboration, and feel more confident at the table. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Lead with strengths while still presenting required data ✔️ Support parents with clear, jargon-free communication ✔️ Use simple speech therapy handouts to increase understanding and carryover ✔️ Help teachers stay aligned with speech goals Whether you're a school-based SLP, private practice SLP, or new clinician navigating IEP meetings, these practical strategies will help you create a more positive, supportive experience for everyone involved. If you’ve ever left an IEP wondering if it truly landed — this episode is for you. OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT- The Speech Therapy Toolbox [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/speechtherapytoolboxmembership] The Speech Therapy Toolbox Membership [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/] Early Intervention Academy course for SLPs [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/eicourse] Connect with Erin: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/speech.tea/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/speechtea] email: support@speechtea.com

"I Don’t Have Time to Plan This Much”… Have You Said This Lately?

Have you ever found yourself saying—out loud or in your head—“I do not have time to plan this much”? If so, this episode is for you. In this honest and validating conversation, I’m unpacking why therapy planning feels so overwhelming for so many SLPs—and why it’s not because you’re disorganized, inexperienced, or doing something wrong. We’ll talk about how many of us were taught to over-plan in grad school, why that approach becomes unsustainable in the real world, and how constantly reinventing therapy week after week leads straight to burnout. I share real-life stories from my own early career and break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes when planning starts to feel heavy and exhausting. This episode is a mindset shift and a reality check. We’ll explore: * Why planning doesn’t magically get easier with time if the system itself is broken * How too much decision-making—not lack of motivation—is the real problem * What simplified, sustainable therapy planning actually looks like * Why effective therapy doesn’t require brand-new ideas every week If planning is bleeding into your personal life, if you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, or if you feel like you shouldhave this figured out by now—this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and reminded that there is a better way. Because you’re not failing. You’re overloaded. And therapy was never meant to feel this hard. Join The Speech Therapy Toolbox [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com] Hop on the WAITLIST [https://erinlarsen.myflodesk.com/sttwaitlist] if doors are currently closed. The Speech Therapy Toolbox Membership [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/] Early Intervention Academy course for SLPs [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/eicourse] Connect with Erin: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/speech.tea/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/speechtea] email: support@speechtea.com

How I Decide What to Work on First (Without Overthinking)

Have you ever looked at a new client’s goals and thought, “Okay… now what?” You’re not alone. In this episode of All Things SLP, I’m walking you through how I decide what to work on first with every single speech client—whether they’re brand new to your caseload or you’re entering an area you don’t feel fully confident in yet. We’ll talk about why that “deer in the headlights” feeling is so common (especially with complex areas like phonology, fluency, AAC, or apraxia), and how having a consistent decision-making framework can take so much pressure off therapy planning. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: * Why choosing the right approach always comes before choosing targets * How target selection changes depending on the approach you use * Why teaching must come before practice—no matter the skill * How to stop overthinking and start therapy with more clarity and confidence This episode is part reminder, part mindset shift, and part practical guidance—especially if you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed when starting therapy. If you’re craving a simpler, more repeatable way to approach your caseload, this one’s for you. The Speech Therapy Toolbox Membership [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/] Early Intervention Academy course for SLPs [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/eicourse] Connect with Erin: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/speech.tea/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/speechtea] email: support@speechtea.com

Easy Winter Speech Therapy Ideas (Without Overplanning)

Late winter therapy can feel heavy—the holidays are long gone, energy is low, behaviors feel harder, and planning suddenly feels like one more thing on an already full plate. In today’s episode, we’re talking about winter therapy ideas with a very intentional twist. This is not about complicated themes, Pinterest-level prep, or reinventing your sessions every week. Instead, this episode is all about keeping winter therapy simple, effective, and sustainable. We’ll talk through why winter is not the time to overhaul your therapy, how predictable routines actually support your students more during this season, and how planning by skill instead of theme can drastically reduce decision fatigue. I’ll share easy, low-effort ways to “winter-ize” the activities you already use—whether you’re working with little ones in play-based sessions or older students using more structured activities—so you can refresh therapy without burning yourself out. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed by therapy planning this time of year, this episode is your reminder that you’re not doing anything wrong—you probably just need simpler systems, not more ideas. Grab your coffee, take a breath, and let’s make winter therapy easier on you. The Speech Therapy Toolbox Membership [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/] Early Intervention Academy course for SLPs [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/eicourse] Connect with Erin: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/speech.tea/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/speechtea] email: support@speechtea.com

A Simple Therapy Reset for the New Year

The start of a new year can bring pressure to change everything—new systems, new materials, new goals. But what if your therapy reset didn’t require a full overhaul? In this episode of All Things SLP, we’re talking about a simple, realistic therapy reset that helps you start the year feeling focused instead of frazzled. I’ll walk you through how to reflect on what’s already working, identify what’s actually draining your energy, and make small shifts that create big impact—without spending hours planning or buying new materials. This episode is perfect for SLPs who want to: * Recenter their therapy without starting from scratch * Reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue * Create more efficient, sustainable therapy routines * Start the year with clarity instead of chaos If you’re craving a fresh start that feels doable (and supportive), this episode is for you. 🎧 Press play and let’s reset—simply. Episode Freebie- Editable PDF Data Sheets [https://erinlarsen.myflodesk.com/lvvxsz36lx] The Speech Therapy Toolbox Membership [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/] Early Intervention Academy course for SLPs [https://www.thespeechtherapytoolbox.com/eicourse] Connect with Erin: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/speech.tea/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/speechtea] email: support@speechtea.com