Finding voices

Rural Speech Language Pathologist helps people speak for themselves

Story & photo by Gayleen Froese

TWO HILLS – Michael Burrows, a speech language pathologist who works out of Two Hills Health Centre, has many professional books in his office. A box of speech language pathology materials and patient tests rest on a corner of his desk. But Michael says, after many years in his role, he’s learned about his work in more unexpected places.

“This is the book I’m opening the most right now,” he says, holding up a book about coaching. “Everyone in this profession starts with techniques and tests but I’ve come to realize how much of what I do is coaching. My job isn’t just about helping people with swallowing or speech sounds. It’s helping them see what they can do and what they’ve already done.”

Burrows knows what it’s like to need that support and guidance. Until he was in his early 20s, he had a stutter that kept him from expressing himself.

“I was isolated and struggling and didn’t know what was possible.I finally found help through community health. It was like freedom. When you stutter, you want to hide yourself. I discovered I really like to talk. I love public speaking.”

Experiencing that change in his self-image has given Michael a unique perspective on speech difficulties.

“It’s tied to identity, to purpose and to self-esteem. Identity changes when you can’t do what you used to do. Understanding that, listening to your patients and believing what they tell you is more important than any test you can do.”

The rural setting where Michael works is a more relaxed environment where he can build relationships and trust with his patients.

“It’s a slower pace than in the city and I’m able to work with my patients in a way that suits us both.”

It’s a side benefit that he can travel between sites on his motorcycle, at least in the warmer months. The travel gives him time to think about the work he does, and what it means to patients.

“I’ve seen and felt the difference it makes to speak freely. The voice is the sound of the soul.”

Allied Health Week runs Nov. 1 to 7.