Speech and Language Therapy

An Integrated and Affirming Approach

As a multi-disciplinary practice , we often see that while young people gain a greater understanding of their mental health and emotional needs, they may still need practical support to apply and communicate this knowledge in the real world. Our specialised speech and language therapy (SLT) service was created to address this gap, by providing hands-on communication and functional skills support. Our therapists work side-by-side with our clinicians to offer a truly holistic and integrated approach to well-being.

Our goal is to move beyond traditional therapy models by equipping young people to develop practical strategies that support their individual communication and functioning needs.

Our Approach

 

Practical, Collaborative, and Client-Led

We believe therapy is most effective when it is truly client centred. All therapy targets are decided upon in partnership with the young person (and their family), ensuring the work is meaningful and directly addresses their personal goals.

Our approach is hands-on and practical. Our sessions are highly creative, and we deliberately incorporate the young person’s unique special interests to make the therapeutic process engaging and meaningful. We frequently leave the therapy room to work on skills in real-world settings and the community, creating authentic learning opportunities.

To support this practical work, we create customised tools such as visual schedules, social guides, and routine planners. These materials are specifically designed to help clients understand how to practically apply their communication skills in various real-world settings. This tailored approach ensures every young person has the resources they need to confidently use their new abilities at home, at school, and in the community.

Key Areas of Support

Our speech and language therapists work with young people to build skills in a variety of key areas, including:

  • Social Communication: Developing the understanding and use of verbal and non-verbal cues, having conversations, and navigating social situations.

  • Emotional Literacy: Learning to identify and label emotions in themselves and others and building a rich emotional vocabulary to express their feelings effectively.

  • Executive Function: Developing skills in planning, organisation, flexible thinking, and self-regulation to manage daily life and academic tasks.

  • Self-Advocacy: Supporting young people to understand their own needs and communicate them clearly, so they can advocate for themselves at home, in school, and in the community.

  • Language and Verbal Reasoning: Strengthening abilities in comprehension, problem-solving, and critical thinking to better understand complex information and engage in conversations.

  • Communication for Behaviour: Providing strategies to understand and manage “tricky” behaviour that may be linked to communication challenges or sensory overwhelm.

  • Pragmatic Language: Navigating the unspoken rules of communication, such as understanding humour, sarcasm, and figurative language.

  • Post-Diagnosis Support: Offering a comprehensive assessment or advice following a diagnosis.

  • Education Health Care Plan SLT reports: We are able to provide comprehensive assessments and reports to support the drafting of education healthcare plans for nursery, primary and secondary school aged children and young people.

  • Family-Centred Coaching: We understand that supporting a neurodivergent young person is a family-wide effort. That’s why our practice offers parent and whole-family coaching, designed to equip families to continue the therapeutic work beyond our sessions. These sessions provide a supportive space and practical strategies for parents, siblings, and wider family networks. This coaching helps the family environment adapt to the young person’s unique needs while also supporting the setting of clear boundaries, fostering a home where every member can thrive.