Meet Lindsey Unger | Speech-Language Pathologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Unger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When entering the field of Speech-Language Pathology 12+ years ago, my frame of mind was to help as many people as humanly possible to the greatest degree possible. While working for large institutions, I was faced with many barriers that made it difficult for me to reach this goal. I believe many medical providers have encountered similar barriers including micromanaging, patient’s insurance constraints, meeting performance standards while fulfilling unrealistic patient quotas, little to no time for adequate documentation, lack of support and clinical resources, and extremely long wait lists for patients. There came a point where these barriers ended up weighing on me very heavily to the point where I had considered leaving my field altogether. I felt defeated and ineffective as a therapist, and began to get the “Sunday Scaries” (anxiety and dread) thinking of the week that was ahead of me. I began working on an exit plan. I realized that I had worked in every facet of medical Speech Pathology (home health, hospital, trauma, outpatient, skilled nursing, hospice) with the exception of Private Practice. After doing my research, I realized that what I needed most was more freedom and control–control over my schedule, my caseload, my resources, and my life. Entrepreneurship was the absolute perfect answer for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Medical Speech-Language Pathologist, and specialize in outpatient neurological rehabilitation. I have advanced education and certifications in the assessment and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease-related speech, language, voice, cognition and swallowing impairments. I see patients individually and for group therapy. I have two publications, and have given many educational presentations for other medical professionals, community support groups, online support groups, and local conferences. My intention is to provide quality, effective, timely, convenient and evidenced-based care to all of the patient’s I serve. My other objective is to empower patients, their families and their caregivers so they feel they have the tools and education necessary to follow through with therapy tasks between sessions to make the most improvement possible. If I had not experienced the challenges I did earlier in my career, I may have never gone into Private Practice. Everything does happen for a reason, though it can be very difficult to see the good days ahead when stuck in a rut. I’m thankful for even the worst days I had at work prior to building my Private Practice, and proud of myself for knowing when it was time to walk away for something new.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love everything about North County San Diego, especially the Oceanside harbor and pier. The weather is always so beautiful, and the people are friendly. My favorite place to eat is Sanchos Tacos in Oceanside. If venturing out of my little happy place, I would go to Coronado for a few days. I love walking the beautiful streets, having a pineapple-coconut margarita and queso at Miguels, and staying at the Loews Coronado. I have been staying at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort for yearly family vacations since I was a baby, and i’m hoping the tradition continues for many years to come.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so lucky to be surrounded by such supportive people, and it is difficult to name every individual who has encouraged me on my journey. I have to mention my wonderful husband, who has been by my side through so many ups and downs and wins and losses. He has his MBA and had played a vital role in the establishment and growth of my business, I always lean on him for support, and I am so fortunate to have him.

Website: www.conversewithconfidence.com

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/converse-with-confidence-oceanside?osq=converse+with+confidence

Image Credits
Group therapy pictures courtesy of Neurolab360 Rehabilitation and Wellness, Encinitas, CA