Years ago I read the book "5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. The concept that there are different ways to EXPRESS love (also known as compassion) was very intriguing to me. The concept was so intriguing that I started thinking about the different ways that healthcare providers show compassion to patients.
In particular, rehab therapists have very interesting dynamics with patients. We often spend hours with patients working on important skills..... for weeks and months at a time. Healthy therapeutic alliances are critical for the kind of work we do. Patients need to feel cared for and respected in order to achieve maximum results in therapy.
That's why I would like to give you some good for thought. Are you a Speech Language Pathologist who is practicing at least 1 (if not all) of the 5 Love Languages? Are you ensuring that your patients feel cared for when you work with them?
If you don't quite know that answer to that question yet, look down below for ideas on ways to express more compassion tot your patients everyday:
Quality Time
“I can fit you into my schedule”
“Let’s increase your tx frequency because ___”
“Here’s my contact info where I can be reached during business hours”
“Let’s meet and discuss any of your questions or concerns”
Gift Giving:
“Here’s a book that may be helpful”
“I’ve compiled a list of resources for you”
”I made some handouts for you to take home”
“Congrats on discharge from therapy. Here is a certification of completion”
Words of Affirmation:
“Great job”
“I love how you’re ______”
“I can see you’re working very hard”
“Excellent work”
”Look at how far you’ve come”
Acts of Service:
“Let me help you get that taken care of”
“I can save you some time by ______ “
“Is it okay if I ____ for you?“
“Let’s mention this to the doctor and ask for a referral”
Physical Touch:
Fist bump/Elbow bump
High five
Thumbs up *
Smile *
So what do you think? Overall, can healthcare professionals, particularly SLPs like ourselves, have "love languages"? NOTE: If you consider it inappropriate to show “love”, maybe substitute that word for “compassion”. How do you typically show COMPASSION to your patients? Let me know in the comments!
-Dana (The Neuro SLP)
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