Learn the Spanish You Need: Core Lessons + Specialty Classes For Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists.
You’re a therapist. You’re not trying to become fluent in Spanish, you’re trying to connect.
After 15 years as a medical and immigration interpreter, I created this course to give therapists the real-world tools, phrases, and cultural understanding they need to build trust and connection in Spanish.
You want to welcome your Spanish-speaking clients with confidence and care.
You want to stop fumbling for the right words—or relying on Google Translate in moments that matter.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Real phrases, not textbook grammar
✔️ Emotional vocabulary rooted in therapy
✔️ Cultural respect and nuance
✔️ Confidence in your client conversations
Course Benefits
Enhance Patient Interaction
I can adapt each class to your specific needs as a therapist — whether you’re in a hospital, clinic, or private practice
Boost Professional Competence
Have a specific questionnaire or evaluation form? I can turn it into a custom Spanish class just for you
Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding the language is only part of the work. In this course, you’ll also learn how to navigate cultural expressions, tone, and body language
What’s Included in the Course
Participants will receive comprehensive modules covering Common Core, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. Enjoy access to downloadable resources, interactive exercises, and ongoing support from experienced interpreters.
Common Core Module
First Contact & Limited Spanish
– How to greet, introduce yourself, and explain that you speak little Spanish.
– Phrases like: “I only speak a little Spanish,” “Please answer yes or no.
Pain, Symptoms & Body Parts
– Ask about pain level (1–10), types of pain (sharp, dull), and name body parts.
– “Where does it hurt?” “Point to the pain
Physical Safety & Hospital Alerts
– Key phrases like: “Don’t get up alone,” “Call the nurse,” “Press the red button.”
– Fall prevention and patient protection language.
Basic Commands & Movement
– Clear, repeatable instructions: “Sit down,” “Raise your arm,” “Breathe deeply.”
– Used across all therapies during evaluations and treatment.
Daily Activities & Emotional Support
– Help patients with basic tasks (eat, dress, use the bathroom)
– Plus validating phrases like: “You’re doing great,” “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.”
Occupational Therapy
Hand Use & Fine Motor Coordination
– “Open and close your hand,” “Pinch the sponge,” “Move your fingers one by one.”
– Vocabulary: hand, finger, wrist, pinch, grab, squeeze
Dressing, Hygiene & Feeding
– “Put on your shirt,” “Brush your teeth,” “Use the spoon with your right hand.”
– Step-by-step commands for basic daily living activities.
Instrumental Tasks: Cooking, Writing, Phone Use
– “Turn on the stove,” “Hold the pencil,” “Dial the number.”
– Functional Spanish for tasks at home or school.
Assistive Devices: Reacher, Sock Aid, Shoehorn
– “Use the reacher to pick it up,” “Put the sock on the aid,” “Slide your foot in.”
– Teach adapted techniques with simple, clear Spanish.
Independence & Cueing
– “Try it by yourself,” “Step by step,” “Do you want help or can you do it alone?”
– Encouraging autonomy using supportive, choice-based phrases.
Physical Therapy
In-Bed Mobility & Positioning
– “Bend your knees,” “Roll to the side,” “Push with your elbow.”
– Instructions for turning, sitting up, and repositioning safely.
Transfers & Standing
– “Sit at the edge of the bed,” “Place your feet flat,” “Stand up slowly.”
– Safety phrases like “Don’t stand up alone,” “Hold the bedrail,” “Pivot and sit.”
Wheelchair Use
– “Put your feet on the pedals,” “Push forward,” “Don’t lean too far.”
– Vocabulary for parts of the chair and movement control.
Walker & Cane Use
– “Step with your weak leg,” “Move the walker first,” “Keep your balance.”
– Commands tailored to gait training and device use.
Exercise Routines & Repetition
– “Repeat 5 times,” “Rest now,” “Squeeze and release.”
– Reinforce counting, effort, rest, and validation: “Good job,” “One more time.”
Occupational Therapy
Mouth, Tongue & Speech Commands
– “Open your mouth,” “Stick out your tongue,” “Touch the roof of your mouth.”
– Used for articulation placement, mobility, and imitation
Chewing & Swallowing Instructions
– “Chew slowly,” “Swallow now,” “Take a sip and swallow.”
– Ideal for dysphagia therapy and safe feeding support
Tongue Movement & Oro-Motor Exercises
– “Move your tongue side to side,” “Blow through the straw,” “Push your cheeks.”
– Helps with muscle tone, symmetry, and coordination.
Visual Cards & Communication Materials
– “Point to the picture,” “What is this?”, “Match the words.”
– Use with flashcards, boards, and AAC tools to support expressive and receptive skills..
Cognitive-Language Skills & Functional Phrases
– “What comes next?”, “Tell me the story,” “What do you want?”
– Focus on turn-taking, sequencing, and purposeful communication
Small group sessions
$50 per hour for individual sessions
$40 per person for 2
$30 per person for 3
(Live via Zoom, includes all materials for that session)
Scheduled in advance. If you and your colleagues want to learn together, contact me to coordinate a time before booking.
Private 1-on-1 sessions
Take one or build your own series:
$50 per hour for individual sessions
$45 per session (when booking 2–4)
$35 per session (when booking 5 or more)
(Live via Zoom, includes all materials for that session)