Meet Lindsey Unger | Speech Language Pathologist/Private Practice Owner

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

Hi Lindsey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start Converse With Confidence, Inc. was born out of both professional and personal reflection during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was working in a large medical facility, where the outpatient rehabilitation clinic was forced to close due to the shutdowns. That period gave me space to recognize that the traditional healthcare environment—while valuable in many ways—often came with challenges that made it difficult to provide truly patient-centered care. I found myself navigating long hours, administrative demands, and productivity standards that left little room for individualized attention or clinician well-being.

I wanted to create something different: a space where high-quality, affordable speech therapy could be delivered with compassion, flexibility, and autonomy. I began with a small mobile practice and gradually expanded, eventually securing several contracts throughout the county. Over time, I transitioned from insurance-based services to a private-pay model to better meet clients’ needs without the barriers and delays often created by insurance restrictions and administrative red tape.

Today, Converse With Confidence, Inc. allows me to focus on what matters most—helping adults regain communication and cognitive skills through telemedicine—while maintaining the balance I value as a wife, mother of three, and business owner. The ability to manage my schedule, nurture my family, and continue doing meaningful clinical work is what truly makes this journey worthwhile.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Converse With Confidence, Inc. is a private telemedicine practice specializing in adult neurological rehabilitation. I provide speech therapy for individuals recovering from concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and those living with Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, or other cognitive-communicative disorders. My mission is to help adults regain their communication skills, rebuild cognitive function, and restore confidence in their everyday lives.

One of the things that truly sets my practice apart is accessibility. Because all services are delivered via secure telemedicine, clients can receive high-quality therapy from the comfort of their own homes—without the barriers of transportation, mobility limitations, or geographic distance. This model makes it possible to reach adults who might otherwise struggle to access specialized neurological rehabilitation, especially in rural or underserved areas.

What also makes my work unique is the personalized, evidence-based approach I take with every client. I bring specialized training and certifications in treatment for Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions, but therapy is always tailored to each person’s goals, strengths, and lifestyle. My focus is not just on improving communication skills, but also on enhancing independence, confidence, and overall quality of life.

The path to building Converse With Confidence, Inc. was far from easy. Transitioning from a large medical system to entrepreneurship came with challenges—balancing patient care with business operations, navigating complex insurance systems, and learning to trust my own vision. But every challenge reinforced my belief that meaningful therapy should be accessible, personal, and free from unnecessary barriers.

I’m most proud of the real, measurable progress my clients achieve: returning to work, reconnecting with loved ones, and rediscovering their voices. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way is that growth requires perseverance, authenticity, and heart.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about the work I do, it’s that communication is empowerment. Through accessible, compassionate teletherapy, I strive to help every individual I serve speak, think, and live with greater confidence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oceanside has such a special energy—it’s relaxed, coastal, and full of personality. If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d start by taking them to the Oceanside Harbor early in the morning. There’s nothing quite like a quiet walk along the sand before the day begins—the sound of the waves, the ocean air, and the calm before everything gets busy. I usually stop by *The Nautical Bean* for coffee before my walk—it’s become a little ritual that sets a positive tone for the day.

We’d spend plenty of time by the water—watching the surfers near the pier, exploring the harbor shops, and maybe renting paddleboards for a peaceful morning out on the water. Oceanside’s local restaurants have so much character, too. For a casual family dinner or a special occasion, *Sancho’s Tacos* is one of our favorites. It’s the perfect place to unwind together, enjoy great food, and take in that laid-back Southern California vibe.

Throughout the week, we’d mix in a few local highlights—visiting the weekly Sunset Market downtown for live music and amazing food vendors, taking a day trip down the coast to Encinitas or Carlsbad, and of course, catching a few unforgettable sunsets on the beach. Oceanside has this beautiful balance of community, creativity, and coastal charm that makes it such a great place to live and share with others.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without question, my biggest source of inspiration and support has been my family—my husband and our three children. They are the reason I took the leap to build Converse With Confidence, Inc. and they continue to be my greatest motivation every day. My husband has been my steady anchor through every stage of this journey, encouraging me to trust my vision and reminding me that the work I do truly makes a difference. My children have given me the gift of perspective—showing me what balance, patience, and unconditional love look like in action.

They’re the reason I wanted to design a career that allows me to be fully present both as a clinician and as a mom. Their support fuels my commitment to helping others rebuild their confidence and independence through speech therapy.

I also want to recognize the incredible patients I’ve had the privilege to work with. Watching their progress—the small victories that turn into major breakthroughs—continues to reaffirm why I started this practice in the first place. Their resilience and determination are a constant reminder of the power of human connection, hope, and communication. They inspire me just as much as I hope to inspire them.

Website: https://www.conversewithconfidence.com

Instagram: @conversewithconfidenceslp

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/lindsey-unger-26a4ba21b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conversewithconfidence/

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

Image Credits
SPEAK OUT! Speech Therapy Groups, Cognitive Fitness Groups, and Aphasia Groups held at Neurolab360 Rehabilitation & Wellness, Encinitas, CA