Speech Therapy: It's About "Communication", Not Just “Speech”

“I can talk just fine. Why would I need to see a Speech-Language Pathologist?”

This is an all too common remark heard by Speech-Language Pathologist (SLPs). Many people do not realize that an SLP can help with a wide range of difficulties. There are of course, the more familiar areas that speech therapy can help with:

• Speech issues – producing sounds properly, stuttering, voice difficulties

• Language issues – word finding, sentence structure and formulation

However, there are many more areas an SLP can help with that you may not have known about!

Memory, Attention & Other “Thinking” Skills

This involves skills such as memory or attention, which are necessary for basic communication. It can be very challenging to have a conversation when you cannot remember what you want to say, what the other person just said, or you keep losing track of the topic.

Reading & Writing (Even Online!)

When we start thinking about “communication”, rather than “speech” and “language”, other areas including basic reading and writing, as well as technological versions such as texting and emailing, come into the SLP realm.

Being Social

Social communication is another area an SLP can assist with. This includes aspects of communication such as: basic social rules and etiquette, body language, how to enter and exit a conversation, figuring out what to talk about, and keeping a conversation going.

Communicating Confidently at Work

Whether it’s an accent that seems to be getting in the way or even just difficulty with delivering presentations, an SLP is equipped to help give you strategies to solve many workplace “communication” troubles. Addressing these issues head-on can help you improve your confidence at work.

After a Concussion

A lot of focus is placed on healing physically after a concussion, but sometimes there can be cognitive effects that hang around after the healing is done. These troubles can cause difficulty when trying to get back to school or work. If this is the case, an SLP can help get you back on track.

Remember, communication is complex and multifaceted in nature. If you are not sure if or how an SLP can help you, one of our staff would be happy to discuss your concerns with you.



Amanda Brown is a Speech-Language Pathologist with nearly a decade of experience in providing assessment and treatment to clients in the clinic and community settings. Amanda enjoys working with clients of all ages and applies a strong client-centred approach to her therapy, balanced with family/team collaboration.