Aphasia therapy targets recovery of language skills following a brain injury. Aphasia can affect a person’s ability to understand what they hear or read, as well as that person’s ability to speak or write.

Cognitive-linguistic therapy involves recovery of abilities or compensation for problems in such areas of cognitive function as memory, attention, judgment, problem solving and interactions with other people.

Swallowing therapy addresses problems swallowing or chewing. This may include known aspiration (when food or liquid enters the lungs or the “windpipe”), feeling items stick after swallowing, frequently coughing or clearing the throat when swallowing, etc.

Voice problems arise from lots of sources, like airway infections or improper technique/ overuse. You will likely be referred to an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) doctor before we initiate therapy, as the exact cause of a voice disorder needs to be clearly diagnosed. Leigh has extensive experience working with head and neck cancer patients and those with tracheostomies.

 We also offer Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT LOUD®), a specific technique   targeting the voice problems associated with Parkinson’s Disease in particular.

The way we speak has a profound effect on the way others perceive us. It affects how people judge — fairly or not — our intelligence, capability, trustworthiness and success. When you fear your own voice, you actually end up stifling the very parts of yourself that could lead you to the very success you crave. That’s where we can help.

The goal of accent training is not to eliminate your natural accent, unless that is your personal choice. Instead, you will develop the ability to “code switch,” that is, to intentionally use more than one style of speaking. This approach respects your individuality and lets you control the quality of your speech.

There is more to successful business communication than your voice or your accent (though we may address those, too!). You can improve the impact of your message by optimizing your breath and postural control, body language and other aspects of communication. A comprehensive assessment by a speech-language pathologist is the first step.

Two key components of successful gender transition are the voice and communication facets such as gestures, vocabulary, and pacing. The perception of vocal gender is a lot more complicated than raising or lowering pitch. Regardless of where a client lands on the gender spectrum, this is a journey to find the client’s authentic self as expressed through the voice, and how to make that voice effortless and consistent.

Leigh’s experience includes End-Of-Life doula training and extensive collaboration with hospital palliative care teams regarding options for nutrition at the end of life. The doula concept also encourages patients and loved ones to create meaningful vigils when possible during the dying process. These consultations are typically a one-time meeting to establish these goals and determine the most comfortable feeding options when prevention of aspiration may not be possible.