Deshia Dees

Deshia Dees, MS CCC-SLP, is a Mississippi Gulf Coast native with over 4 years of clinical experience with children and adults in private practice. With areas of experience in articulation, fluency/stuttering, voice, language, AAC, and neurological disorders, Deshia values incorporating evidenced- and strength-based practices to facilitate an environment conducive for autonomy, growth, and success for her patients. Deshia graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2017, with a Bachelors Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and earned a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology in 2019.

My Approach To Speech Therapy

My approach to speech therapy (Pediatric) is offering opportunities to facilitate language development for children through exploration in their most natural environment-play. Play-based speech therapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates play activities into sessions to support and enhance a child’s communication skills. Rather than relying solely on mundane and boring structured exercises, this approach uses the natural joy and engagement of play to make therapy more effective and enjoyable. Approach to adult populations/treatment (adults): For adults with communicative disorders, the SLP adopts a person-centered approach to help the individual achieve the highest level of function for academic, occupational, and social health needs by capitalizing on strengths and addressing weaknesses.

What A Session Looks Like With Deshia

The initial encounter with the SLP involves a comprehensive evaluation using at least one standardized assessment, collection of case history information, and review of applicable medical records. Once the evaluation is complete, the speech-language pathologist determines the need for services. If speech therapy is deemed medically necessary, the SLP establishes family-centered goals (FCG) to reflect the personal needs and interests of the individual and/or family. Recommendations are provided based on the individual's current level in addition to FCG. For pediatric therapy sessions, children are encouraged to bring whatever toys they are interested in, though toys and activities are provided. The SLP creates opportunities for communication through play and exploration, which often include sensory toys and obstacles, books, music, arts and crafts, and more.

Speech therapy sessions for adults generally reflect the needs of those struggling to complete activities of daily living within work, social, and occupational contexts. Depending on the needs of the individual, sessions include activities to help achieve maximum independence through therapy exercises and functional activities (balancing checkbooks, writing grocery lists, etc.) to improve memory, thought organization, cognition, attention, visuospatial orientation, and language skills.

Fun Facts About Deshia

I enjoy cooking, yoga, and badminton!