Speech Therapy for Adults

Do you have difficulties with speech, language or communication? Please get in touch to chat about your concerns and see how I may be able to help.

I offer private speech and language therapy to adults in the Highlands of Scotland.  Speech therapy services are also available through Skype for clients across the UK and the rest of the world.

Speech Therapy for adults is a team approach, combining the knowledge and skills of the client and their family along with carers and other professionals.  It involves careful assessment and is tailored specifically to every client.

Your therapy will be guided by your own personal goals.  I take into account your underlying condition, the results of your assessment and any therapy you have completed so far. If you receive therapy through the NHS, we can work together to provide you with the best possible care.

Involving your family, carers and friends is very important; to enable you to practice between sessions and to provide support with communication in your everyday life.

We can work face-to-face in a convenient location (e.g. your home, clinic) or by Skype if you live far away.  

International clients can receive regular therapy through a videoconferencing link e.g. Google zoom/Skype.  Find out more information about Speech Therapy by Skype.

I can help with the following:

• Speech and language difficulties after Stroke or Head Injury (Aphasia).
• Speaking and communicating.
• Understanding language.
• Reading and writing.
• Speech sounds and pronunciation.
• Developing muscle strength for speech (Dysarthria).
• Improving muscle co-ordination for speech (Dyspraxia).

I also provide therapy in EVAPark.  This is an online virtual world for clients experiencing speech and language difficulties after a stroke.  It offers people with aphasia the opportunity to practice speech in a safe online environment. Find out more here.

What happens in Speech Therapy?

• Initial telephone consultation

  Contact me by phone or email for an informal chat (no fee incurred).  We will discuss your concerns, your current needs and how I may be able to help

  If appropriate, we arrange a convenient time and place for your appointment.  This could be at your home (dependent on location), at my clinic in Achmore or Strathpeffer.  Alternatively, we can talk on Skype through your computer, iPad or tablet.

• Before your appointment:

  You will be asked to complete a form about your family, hobbies, interests, jobs.  This gives me an idea of who you are and helps to structure assessment and therapy. You will also be asked questions about your medical history and any previous therapy.

  If you are already receiving speech therapy from the NHS or a private speech therapist, that is not a problem. I will ask you for a contact number and permission to discuss your care. As speech therapists, we can work together and provide you with the best possible help to improve your communication skills.

• At the first appointment:

  Speech and language assessment:

  We will begin assessment of your speech and language skills.  This may involve looking at pictures, objects, reading, writing and speaking.

  I will also:

  • Talk to you about your communication difficulties and how they impact your daily life.

  • Investigate strategies that can help you and your family.

  • Offer information and support to your family and carers.

• After the assessment:

  You will receive a report summarising the results of your assessment. The report will give details of any goals which you have identified and options for therapy. You can read more about the specific techniques used for adult speech therapy.

What next?

We discuss your results and agree a plan of action. Therapy will be designed to meet your individual needs and your personal goals.

Advice, support and training is available for family, friends and care workers.  This means that everyone is working together and enabling you to make progress in all environments.

When?

Therapy is usually offered in a block of 8-10 sessions and is discussed with you before we start. We may decide on appointments once a week, or more intensive input.

How long?

Appointments are usually 1 hour long.  This includes 1:1 therapy with you and time with your family (or carers) to discuss strategies and home practice.

Where?

Speech therapy can take place face to face in a convenient location, or remotely (via Skype, Facetime, Google Zoom or Hangouts).

Therapy Targets

Your therapy targets will be stored in a secure online facility called My Therapy Tracker.  This allows you to see your goals, review progress and watch video techniques to help with therapy.   Your family can access these notes if you give your permission.

When therapy is finished

At the end of your block of therapy we discuss your progress and evaluate your goals.  A new block of therapy may be agreed or you may return for a follow-up appointment a few months later.