Aphasia Treatment: Speech Therapy
Personalized, evidence-based care designed to help you regain communication skills and confidence.
What is Aphasia? The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) defines Aphasia as being an acquired neurogenic language disorder resulting from an injury (such as Traumatic brain injury or Stroke). There are multiple types of Aphasia that impair Expressive language (spoken and written) and Receptive language (spoken and reading comprehension). People who have Aphasia may have trouble expressing their thoughts clearly and efficiently and/or difficulty comprehending or understanding things they hear (in conversation or when reading).
A person with Broca’s Aphasia (impaired expressive language) would participate in therapeutic activities to improve areas such as word finding, speech fluency, and generating grammatically correct sentences. While, therapy to address Wernicke’s Aphasia (impaired receptive language), would involve targeting areas related to comprehension, such as following multi-step directions, answering questions appropriately, and improving reading comprehension.
Why choose Verse Therapy? We understand that finding the right support can be challenging. At Verse, you can easily search our database to connect with a therapist who specializes in the areas where you or your loved one may need help. Once matched with a therapist, the Speech Pathologist will use evidenced based practice treatments, while tailoring your therapy to your specific needs.
Explore Your Aphasia Treatment Options
There are multiple types of Aphasia, depending on the Aphasia you have been diagnosed with, treatment will vary!
Expressive Language Therapy
Broca’s Aphasia impairs the expressive language system. Speech therapy will help you or your loved one produce speech that is clear, fluent, and understandable. Depending on your needs, this may address spoken language or written. Speech therapy in this area varies from word finding practice and generating complete sentences, all skills required for every day!
Receptive Language Therapy
This therapy strengthens your ability to understand spoken and written communication through targeted exercises and practice. Working with your Speech Pathologist, you'll develop skills to better process and comprehend language in everyday conversations and reading materials.
Communication Strategies Training
Depending on the type of Aphasia and severity, your Speech Pathologist will provide you with compensatory strategies to improve your expressive and receptive language (for example, if comprehension is impaired, your SLP may recommend when speaking to an individual with Aphasia to speak in short, concise sentences, or if you have trouble with word finding, an SLP may encourage you to describe the word, as sometimes you can cue yourself to find the word you are searching for!).
Group Therapy Sessions
Group therapy and Aphasia are a great combination. It allows you to practice the skills learned in individual speech therapy and apply them in a social setting. It is also beneficial, as it allows you to meet other people with Aphasia and be in a supportive setting!
Group therapy and Aphasia are a great combination. It allows you to practice the skills learned in individual speech therapy and apply them in a social setting. It is also beneficial, as it allows you to meet other people with Aphasia and be in a supportive setting!
Understanding Aphasia
The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) defines Aphasia as being an acquired neurogenic language disorder resulting from an injury (such as Traumatic brain injury or Stroke).
Expressive Aphasia (Broca's Aphasia)
Broca's Aphasia is charcterized by difficulty producing fluent speech (speech may sound robotic), word finding and may have difficulty producing grammatically correct speech.
Receptive Aphasia (Wernicke's Aphasia)
Wernicke's Aphasia is characterized by having fluent speech, but speech may not make sense (it may be nonsensical or made up words). The person with Aphasia may not realize what they said did not make sense.
Global Aphasia
Global Aphasia is characterized by having difficulties in both expressive and receptive language.
Anomic Aphasia
Anomic Aphasia is characterized by having difficulty "finding" the right word, individuals with this type of Aphasia may use vague words or experience "the tip of the tongue" feeling.
While each type of aphasia presents unique challenges, speech-language therapy offers proven strategies to help rebuild communication abilities. Through personalized treatment approaches and dedicated practice, many individuals with aphasia make significant progress in regaining their language skills and confidence in daily interactions.
Benefits of Aphasia Treatment
Speech therapy is an amazing tool to improve your speech and language concerns. Individuals with Aphasia can participate in speech therapy in order to regain their speech skills and improve their confidence.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Speech therapy will help you improve your speech by allowing you to communicate functionally and get your everyday needs met.
Improved Understanding of Language
In therapy you will learn strategies to improve your receptive language (skills needed to understand what we hear and read), by participating in theraputic activities that are evidenced based and functional to your every day life.
Increased Confidence in Social Interactions
Communication is a skill everyone needs in order to participate in activities of daily life. With speech therapy, your SLP will teach you ways to communicate efficiently and confidently.
Through dedicated aphasia therapy and expert support, you can unlock new possibilities for communication, rebuilding connections with loved ones and rediscovering the joy of self-expression.
Why Choose Verse Therapy for Virtual Aphasia Treatment?
At Verse, the therapists are available in all US time zones, and have the availaibiltiy to be flexible with scheduling. We work with your schedule and you can participate in the comfort of your own home!
Convenience
At Verse, you have the availability to participate in your home, no more long commutes and busy waiting rooms!
Flexibility
Our therapist have a wide range of availability, allowing us see you whenever is convenient for you and your family.
Accessibility
With virtual therapy you have access to high quality therapist, no matter where you live!
Personalized Care
Our speech therapists prioritize evidenced based therapeutic practices, while tailoring your speech therapy to your specific needs. You are always involved in the care we provide and we work with you to meet your personal goals.
What to Expect from Aphasia Treatment
When beginning your aphasia treatment journey, you'll move through several key steps. Your speech-language pathologist will guide you through this process, starting with understanding your history and evaluating your needs. Here's what you can expect:
01Initial Consultation
Start with a call with one of Verse's intake specialists, where we listen to your concerns and find out if Aphasia therapy is right for you.
02Personalized Treatment Plan
After being matched with a therapist, the speech-language pathologist (SLP) will conduct an Aphasia evaluation to assess the type and severity of the Aphasia. Following this evaluation, the therapist will develop an Aphasia treatment plan that focuses on the areas needing improvement while also considering your personal goals.
03Ongoing Sessions
Once an Aphasia treatment plan is developed, you and your speech therapist will schedule recurring 30 minute sessions.
04Family and Caregiver Involvement
Feel free to chat with your speech therapist to learn ways to provide practice at home or for tips on improving communication with the individual participating in Aphasia therapy!
Meet Our Aphasia Speech Therapists
Lisa Ceballo
Lisa is a seasoned speech-language pathologist with a decade of experience in diverse settings, serving individuals from children to the elderly. She holds an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, is licensed in California and Florida, and values holistic, evidence-based approaches.
Christine Corl
Christine Corl, with over 19 years of experience, specializes in pediatric feeding, swallowing, and early childhood development. Certified by ASHA, she works with both children and adults, focusing on creating meaningful, family-centered therapy goals.
Kristin Dattoria
Kristin is a passionate speech-language pathologist from Valencia, CA, with degrees from Utah State University and California State University, Northridge. She focuses on personalized therapy, addressing vocabulary, memory, and communication disorders, and enjoys connecting with clients and their families.
Real Stories of Transformation
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FAQs About Aphasia Therapy
Aphasia typically results from damage to the language centers of the brain, most commonly due to stroke or traumatic brain injury. It can also occur from brain tumors, infections, or progressive neurological conditions. Each person's experience with aphasia is unique, as the location and extent of brain injury determine how communication is affected.
The duration of aphasia therapy varies for each individual, depending on factors like the type and severity of aphasia, the cause of the condition, and your personal goals. While some people may see improvements within a few months of consistent therapy, others may benefit from longer-term treatment programs. Your speech-language pathologist will work with you to establish realistic timelines and adjust your treatment plan as you progress.
Aphasia therapy employs a variety of evidence-based techniques tailored to your specific needs. These may include structured language exercises, conversation practice, computer-based programs, and functional communication activities. Your therapist might also incorporate gesture training, picture cards, and real-life situations to help you rebuild your communication skills in meaningful ways.
Yes, aphasia therapy addresses all aspects of communication, including reading and writing skills. Your treatment plan will include specific exercises and strategies to improve these abilities, from basic word recognition to complex text comprehension. Many people make significant progress in their literacy skills through dedicated practice and specialized techniques.
Aphasia therapy is available to anyone diagnosed with aphasia, regardless of the cause or how long they've had the condition. Treatment can be beneficial both in the early stages following brain injury and years after onset. The key factor is your motivation to improve and participate in the therapy process. Your speech-language pathologist will assess your specific needs and develop an appropriate treatment approach.
Take the First Step Today
Ready to get started? Reach out and schedule a meeting with one of our speech therapist who specialize in Aphasia. We are motpviated and excited to assist you in reaching your speech goals.