speech language therapy

I provide specialist assessment and treatment for people and their family who have communication challenges.

You may be experiencing difficulties with speech, fluency, voice, language, reading, writing, cognition and/or social skills.

This may be impacting your ability to be understood, to express your thoughts and feelings, to engage in conversations, to participate in activities you enjoy and may make you feel frustrated, anxious, isolated and confused.

I help Adults who may be Living with:

Stroke
Brain injury
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Dementia
Other neurological condition that affects communication
Other challenges that impact communication - cancer, anxiety, developmental difficulties

I help Adults with different communication challenges:

Dysfluency - difficulty speaking without stuttering
Dysarthria - difficulty speaking clearly
Aphasia - difficulty with understanding and expression
Dysphonia - difficulty with voice
Unclear speech - due to developmental or acquired challenges
Reading and writing challenges
Cognitive challenges - difficulty with attention, memory, processing, planning
Social skills - difficulty interacting with others

What does therapy involve?

I provide individualised, client-centred and evidenced based practice.

It is about YOU, your needs and what’s important to you. Your partner, whānau or other support people are always welcome, and encouraged to join our sessions.

Therapy is either at your home or at a location that suits you. If this isn’t possible we can have sessions over video.

I welcome the opportunity to engage with other professionals and people who are key to your rehabilitation so that your best interests are priority.

My therapy is based on evidence so you will be confident that what we do together works. We also review progress regularly so you know how much you are improving.

Assessment

An assessment helps to identify your abilities and challenges with everyday communication activities, and how these affect you and your whānau. An assessment usually involves talking, listening, reading, writing and may include other areas of communication as well.

Assessment sessions may include:

case history and background information from you, your partner/whānau, reports, other professionals
completion of questionnaires and/or checklists
screening assessments
formal standardised assessments
observation in different settings
language sampling
outcome measures and ratings
goal setting

Treatment

Treatment sessions focus on improving your ability to communicate effectively. Sessions always have a real life connection so therapy is meaningful and targeted to your needs, and include your whānau and others as much as you like. Therapy is based on evidence so we know it works.

Therapy sessions may include:

targeted skill based therapy
compensatory strategies
functional communication
conversation partner training
alternative and assistive communication
provision of home activities

What are others saying about
working with me?

I was put in touch with Susan as she had helped out another family member with her speech. Talking is a big part of my job and I have struggled for a few years to get words out clearly and it was really affecting my work so I decided to see if Susan could help. After only a few sessions, my speech has improved to a point where I am a lot more comfortable talking at work and socially. I strongly recommend Susan to anyone of all ages if your speech has areas where it can be improved.

Hamish - Difficulty with speech clarity affecting him at work and socially

Talking properly has always been very important to me. When I had my stroke I wasn't able to talk. It was all gibberish, but I knew what I wanted to say. I was really frightened and it upset me a lot. I couldn't talk to my husband, even to ask for a cup of tea. After several sessions with Susan, I have got a lot better at talking. I have learnt how to be patient with myself, and think of the words. I write things down and am making so much progress. Susan is wonderful. She is very caring and has made a huge difference. I think anyone who has trouble talking should see her.

Joan - Retired teacher who struggled with expressing herself after a stroke

Why am I able to help you?

I have 20+yrs experience as a Speech Language Therapist, working with people with a range of health conditions, and specialise in helping people with neurological conditions.
I have worked all over New Zealand and in the United Kingdom, in hospitals and community settings, for both public and private organisations.
I have an Honours Degree in Speech Language Therapy and achieved the top award in my graduating year in clinical fieldwork.
I complete regular professional development so I can keep up to date with the latest research so I can provide an evidenced based practice.
I am a registered member of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapists' Association (NZSTA).
I am compassionate and kind, genuine and non-judgemental. I create relationships based on trust and authenticity.
I am passionate about making a difference to peoples lives using my skills, knowledge and expertise.

Initial Assessment Session

$NZ 195
Assessment provides baseline information, communication diagnosis, therapy targets, goals and ratings.

Therapy session

From $140, depending on number of sessions booked.

Written reports, resources, apps and clinic based sessions may incur additional fees. Travel fees additional. Funding for sessions may be available. Telehealth available if you don’t live in Christchurch. Prices inclusive of GST.

"Communication is the essence of human life"

Janice Light

Be in touch

I invite you to call, send me a message or book a FREE 20 minute Discovery Call. Find out more about how speech language therapy with me can help you.