📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Lisa Kathman sits down with speech sound expert Lindsay Hockel, founder of Rock the R. Together they unpack the challenges of treating the notoriously tricky /r/ sound and explore practical, evidence-based strategies that help students make measurable progress. From biofeedback tools to student self-rating, Lindsay shares her favorite approaches for making therapy engaging, effective, and empowering for both clinicians and students.
👤 Guest Bio:
Lindsay Hockel, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Rock the R, a platform dedicated to helping SLPs feel more confident in treating the /r/ sound. With years of clinical experience and a passion for speech sound disorders, Lindsay equips clinicians with tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that simplify treatment while keeping students motivated and involved in their own progress.
🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:
Why the /r/ sound is so difficult to treat and common misconceptions
Using biofeedback tools and motor learning principles for more effective therapy
Strategies for tackling vocalic /r/ and coarticulation challenges
Teaching students self-rating and metacognition to boost buy-in and progress
Mindset shifts that help SLPs stay curious, flexible, and student-centered
📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Explain why the /r/ sound presents unique challenges in therapy
✅ Apply principles of biofeedback and motor learning in practice
✅ Scaffold and shape vocalic /r/ productions effectively
✅ Incorporate self-rating and metacognitive strategies with students
✅ Adopt a flexible, student-centered mindset for /r/ therapy success
🔗 Resources & Links: