Elevating the Narrative of Food in Therapy: Dr. Prewitt’s Global Impact
Food is more than nutrition—it's a cultural ritual, a memory, a source of comfort, and a core part of identity. At the recent European Speech Language Association (ESLA) Conference in Brugge, Belgium, Dr. Prewitt took center stage to discuss how these nuances deeply affect feeding therapy.
A Global Platform for a Groundbreaking Perspective
Invited as a guest lecturer, Dr. Prewitt engaged with speech-language therapists worldwide, sharing insights on evaluating and treating feeding and swallowing disorders. Her talk, focused on the narrative of food in clinical settings, urged professionals to look beyond charts and checklists. Instead, she emphasized an ethically responsible and culturally aware approach that preserves the patient's dignity and respects their lived experiences.
In her presentation, she explored topics such as:
The emotional impact of diet downgrades for patients with dysphagia
The role of cultural foods and traditions in compliance and recovery
The importance of a concierge therapy approach, where care is personalized and collaborative
This presentation sparked meaningful discussions about balancing clinical necessity and quality of life. Dr. Prewitt's work invites practitioners to reflect: Are we truly serving our patients if we ignore their relationship with food?
Why the Narrative of Food Matters in Therapy
In speech-language pathology, particularly in feeding therapy, the tendency can be to prioritize safety and function. However, Dr. Prewitt challenges us to reframe our goals—to strive for outcomes that are both clinically sound and personally meaningful.
For instance, when a patient is advised to stop eating a beloved cultural dish due to texture or swallowing safety concerns, the change isn't just dietary—it's emotional and identity-altering. Without understanding these layers, we risk stripping away joy, autonomy, and connection.
Her approach integrates:
Ethical considerations in modifying diets
Recognition of cultural food norms
Patient and family collaboration in crafting therapy plans
Emphasis on dignity and autonomy
For parents and caregivers seeking practical strategies on navigating feeding therapy, read through this helpful guide to dysphagia and feeding therapy, which provides insights into what to expect and how to support loved ones through the process.
An International Ripple Effect
Dr. Prewitt's message resonated powerfully. Not only was she invited to host a complete workshop at the ESLA's next biannual conference, but she’s also been approached by multiple international organizations interested in bringing her perspective to their platforms.
Her impact is especially timely as the field shifts toward holistic, patient-centered care models. Practitioners worldwide are eager to rethink traditional methods and consider how speech therapy can more fully integrate cultural sensitivity and ethical practice.
Learn more about culturally responsive therapy in this related post on ethical feeding practices.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Concierge and Ethical Feeding Therapy
Dr. Prewitt's work aligns with a growing trend toward concierge speech therapy—a more personalized, flexible model of care that meets patients where they are. Practitioners can deliver more meaningful and effective treatment by factoring in cultural background, food preferences, and quality of life.
This model also reinforces the value of continued professional development. As Dr. Prewitt prepares to lead future workshops, the profession will benefit from a renewed emphasis on empathy, inclusivity, and storytelling in clinical care.
Dr. Prewitt’s experience at the ESLA Conference marks a pivotal moment in feeding therapy. By elevating the narrative of food, she advocates not only for safer swallowing but also for deeper connection, respect, and dignity in therapy. Her work reminds us that at the heart of every clinical decision lies a human story worth honoring.