Building Connections With Infant Caregivers: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students' Experiential Perceptions.

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the experiential perceptions of speech-language pathology graduate clinicians involved in a caregiver coaching clinical practicum.

Method: Employing a mixed-method approach combining reflexive thematic analysis and a paired-samples t test, this study examined speech-language pathology graduate clinicians' perceived development of self-efficacy and indirect acquisition of foundational counseling skills with a focus on how these skills informed the formation of therapeutic alliances with infant caregivers. Data were gathered through focus group interviews and the completion of a counseling self-efficacy (CSE) rating scale. Pre- and post-self-ratings of CSE were collected for comparison.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed one major theme, building connections, and three subthemes, highlighting challenges in communication, power dynamics, and role establishment with infant caregivers. While overall CSE ratings improved post program, specific subscale ratings remained low, indicating the need to enhance preprofessional preparation in complex counseling skills and emotional support provision.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of preprofessional preparation for building therapeutic alliances and facilitating collaborative communication with caregivers. They also emphasize areas for strengthening the preprofessional training of speech-language pathology graduate clinicians in early intervention services.