Services
Stammering/dysfluency
I work with pre-school and school-age children, teenagers and young adults who stammer. I offer a wide range of approaches, including physical and cognitive therapies, working closely with clients and their families to support them by engaging with their learning styles and strengths.
My approach in working with pre-school and young school-age children is based around the Michael Palin Centre Parent-Child Interaction approach, and involves working alongside parents and children to help them develop a positive approach in creating a 'fluency-friendly' environment, alongside direct work with the child if this is felt to be appropriate. This approach is well supported by recent clinical evidence in achieving lasting benefits to the family and the child who stammers.
With older children, teenagers and adults, my approach is structured carefully around each individual's particular end goals, whether this is to do with modifying their level of fluency by working on specific fluency-enhancing techniques, or involves a change in how they see themselves as a person who stammers. From time to time, I may be able to offer intensive group work.
Problems in reading, writing, spelling and dyslexia
I provide support for children of 6 years and upwards, young people and adults who experience difficulties in literacy and dyslexia. Some of the problems of dyslexia include difficulties in phonological awareness (ie the ability to identify and manipulate the sounds in words), verbal memory and language processing speed. Dyslexia is not linked to a person's intelligence, in fact, some of the most creative thinkers in history had dyslexia! Sometimes literacy problems might occur alongside other language problems, and can also effect other areas, such as motor coordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation. It is helpful to think of dyslexia as occurring along a continuum from mild to severe, therefore a thorough assessment is carried out to identify your unique language profile, and I will provide a structured plan of therapy to help you progressively work towards your goals.
Children's language development
In addition to providing direct therapy for your child, I will work closely with you, the parents/ carers, particularly of very young children, so that you feel equipped with the knowledge and skills to support your child in his or her developing communication. I also provide support and advice for teaching staff in your child's nursery or school so that she/he receives consistent support across all their key environments.
I work with pre-school and school-age children who:
have unclear speech, ie difficulty saying words (this may include children with verbal dyspraxia)
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children who are late talkers
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children who have difficulty understanding what is said to them
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children with limited attention and listening skills
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children who find it difficult to form sentences
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children who need help developing their play skills
Voice
Services include:
- Evaluating and treating children, young people and adults for voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia and vocal nodules
- Advice to business and corporate clients on voice care and use, and effective presentation skills for business success.
Please note that a full ENT examination must be carried out before commencing a programme of clinical voice therapy.
