Services

Communication challenges can affect anyone at any age at any time.

Some students show signs early and receive the support services they need.

Sometimes, a communication issue goes undetected when a child is younger, but impacts a student later during the middle or high school years. It is during this time that the pace and complexity of both academic and social language is more evident. In these cases, we want to take a careful look at how this individual is understanding and using higher level language (including social inferences, non-literal language, and sarcasm). The end goal is to increase participation in classroom discussions and engage more naturally in social conversations.

Adolescents and young adults may struggle when preparing for college interviews or entering the job market. The pace of this type of conversation may be taken to an entirely different level. This is also something worth preparing for with a professional who understands all aspects of interpersonal communication and the elements necessary for a successful interaction.

Here is how I can help.

Comprehensive Evaluations

Determine the root of the problem.

This is foundation of a comprehensive evaluation which includes standardized assessment of receptive and expressive language skills, as well as articulation if warranted.

I also consider the more subtle areas of language, such as processing and social language to be part of the comprehensive battery now. These hidden variables are significant factors in behaviors children are demonstrating. Attention and learning challenges are no longer stand alone areas of weakness.

Once completed, results will be reviewed in person with ample opportunity for questions and feedback. Included with results are home and classroom suggestions, as well as therapy goals if warranted.

 

Consultations

Whether it’s to review and prepare for an upcoming PPT meeting or provide a check-in for on-going services, I provide consultations for families, school teams, and therapists.

When we think about how language is inter-woven through everything (thinking, processing information, reading, calculating, problem solving, learning, and communicating), it makes sense that collaborating with one another is important.

If challenges are occurring during counseling sessions, there may be ‘language-based’ reason or if there’s an on-going social issue, a consultation can offer several suggestions to try as well.

Consultations may be provided in-person or by virtual meetings.

 

Individual Therapy and Small Groups

Individuals of similar ages and therapeutic goals may be paired together in order to address issues such as social language effectiveness.

Most small group interventions focus on improving communication competence for various age groups.

Activities would depend on participants and their needs.

Individual therapy is typically a 45 minute session, with a brief parent follow-up if needed and may be in-person or via teletherapy.

Home suggestions are offered on a routine basis.

Presentations

I can provide in-person or virtual presentations to teachers, parents associations, and counselors on a topic based on your needs. Some suggested topics include (but are not limited to):

  1. Helping children tell their story

  2. Preparing for Interviews or social meetings/events

  3. Learning more about how SLP’s support teachers and mental health professionals today

  4. Demonstrations for improved auditory comprehension and expression during such activities as small group interventions, read alouds, counseling groups, and book clubs (even for low and reluctant readers)