“I thought I was helping. Turns out, I was shutting him down.”

If that feels familiar—you’re not alone. Most care partners want to support, but the way we “help” can end up adding pressure instead of relief. In this episode, I share three evidence-based moves from Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) that cut through frustration and bring conversations back to connection. You’ll also hear Joey’s story—how he turned nightly dinner battles into a bridge for closeness.

These strategies aren’t about saying more. They’re about slowing down, supporting what’s already there, and making sure you both feel heard. And when practiced together, they rebuild trust that aphasia often erodes.

Key Takeaways

• Why common “helping” behaviors backfire and increase frustration

• The 3 conversation moves that build trust instead of tension • Joey’s story: how one dinner-table shift changed everything

• Why you need all three moves together—not just one at a time

• How to pick one recurring “big rock” or “little rock” situation to start practicing

If this hits home—there’s a guide I want you to have.https://care-partner-compass.lovable.app/

More Resources:

Speak up for yourself after stroke—Take It Back: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back

Feel stuck? This will remind you why progress is still possible: https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity

Care partner resources: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources

 Explore therapy options: https://dolifespeechpathology.com

 Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos

 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384

Start small. Start here. Start with you.