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Expert Speech Sound Disorder Treatment & Therapy

Personalized, evidence-based care designed to help you or your child improve speech clarity and confidence.

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Speech sound disorders and treatment affect individuals of all ages and varying severities! This type of therapy aims to assist those struggling with articulation, phonological processing, or speech clarity due to developmental delays, neurological conditions, or other speech sound disorders.

Speech sound therapy is all about helping you improve your articulation and how you produce sounds, as well as enhancing your intelligibility or how clearly you express your messages. These skills are really important in everyday life, and by working on them, you’ll notice a boost in both your quality of communication and your confidence!

At Verse, we’re proud to offer specialized therapists who use evidence-based treatments to craft personalized care plans just for you, helping you reach your communication goals. Plus, with both in-person and virtual options available, we make sure our services are convenient and accessible to everyone!

Explore Your Speech Sound Therapy Options

Speech therapy options are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and their families. These personalized therapies take into account a variety of factors, including the specific speech or language challenges faced, the individual's age, and their overall development. Additionally, family involvement is considered crucial, as support from family members can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the therapy. The goal is to foster effective communication skills in a supportive environment, adaptable to the preferences and strengths of each individual and their family unit.

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Articulation Therapy

Articulation therapy targets the correct production and/or muscle movements of individual sounds while progressing through the speech hierarchy (sounds-words-phrases-sentences-paragraphs-in distraction and spontaneous conversation), aiming to improve overall speech clarity and intelligibility.

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Phonological Therapy

Phonological therapy is a specialized intervention that focuses on identifying and addressing specific patterns of sound errors produced by individuals. This therapeutic approach aims to enhance the intelligibility of speech, thereby improving how well others can understand the individual. Additionally, phonological therapy is critical in developing essential phonological skills crucial in literacy, particularly reading!

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Oral Motor Exercises

At times, your speech therapist may implement oral motor programs and exercises designed to enhance the strength and coordination of the muscles necessary for producing clear and intelligible speech. These programs typically focus on various orofacial structures, including the tongue, jaw, and lips, which play a crucial role in articulation and speech clarity.

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Visual and Tactile Cues

Cueing is important as you or your child works through speech sound production. Our therapists are skilled at cueing via a telehealth platform, allowing you to receive audio, visual, and model support to help you produce the sound correctly.

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Technology-Assisted Learning

Our telehealth platform allows our SLPs to utilize a wide range of therapeutic tools, allowing for an engaging and dynamic therapy experience. The convenience of virtual sessions facilitates accessibility and ensures that you remain motivated during your time with us. Additionally, our SLPs will encourage you to practice the skills you've learned in your sessions independently. Don't hesitate to ask your SLP about any home practice opportunities that can further enrich your therapeutic journey.

Speech sounds play a vital role in effectively communicating our thoughts, desires, and needs. Ensuring clarity and intelligibility in speech is essential for successful communication. If you’re interested in understanding how to improve or address any speech-related concerns, schedule a consultation to explore the right options tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding Speech Sound Disorders

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) describes speech sound disorders as an umbrella term that refers to any difficulty or combination of difficulties with the perception, motor production, or phonological representation of speech sounds and segments—this includes phonotactic rules that govern permissible sequences of speech sounds in a language.

Articulation Disorders

Articulation disorders generally mean having a tough time with certain sounds. For example, instead of saying the word correctly, like "rabbit," someone with this type of disorder might say something like “wabbit."

Phonological Disorders

Phonological disorders manifest as patterns or predictable errors, such as producing front sounds at the back of the mouth (for example, instead of "dog," it might be pronounced "gog") or omitting the end sound of a word (e.g., "truck" may sound like "truh"). These errors can significantly impact speech intelligibility and may lead to further difficulties with literacy development.

Apraxia of Speech

Apraxia of Speech can be acquired or congenital, meaning one can be born with it. This condition occurs when an individual experiences difficulties with the motor planning and coordination required for producing clear and intelligible speech. Specifically, those affected may struggle to sequence the movements needed for speech sounds, which impacts their ability to communicate effectively and clearly.

Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder characterized by weakness and/or lack of coordination of the muscles involved in speech production. This condition can lead to slurred, slow, or unclear speech, making it challenging for individuals to communicate effectively.

Fortunately, speech sound therapy offers effective solutions to build clarity and confidence in communication

Benefits of Speech Sound Therapy

Speech sound therapy can significantly improve your quality of life. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is truly an amazing benefit! Additionally, it enhances speech intelligibility, allowing for better understanding in conversations. This improvement not only fosters personal relationships but also boosts confidence in social and professional endeavors.

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Enhanced Speech Clarity

Speech therapy is designed to assist individuals in articulating their thoughts, wants, and needs clearly and efficiently. This therapeutic practice focuses on enhancing verbal communication skills, and helping individuals express themselves more effectively in both personal and professional settings. Through tailored exercises and techniques, speech therapy aims to improve pronunciation, diction, and overall speech quality, enabling individuals to communicate more successfully and confidently.

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Strengthened Communication Skills

Participating in speech therapy will also allow you to improve your overall communication by enhancing articulation skills and decreasing or eliminating phonological issues that are causing low intelligibility.

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Increased Confidence in Social Settings

Working with your speech therapist not only helps you improve your speech intelligibility but also significantly boosts your self-esteem. As you progress towards your goals, you will likely notice positive changes in how you view yourself and your abilities.

This therapeutic journey is beneficial not just for communication skills but also for confidence!

Why Choose Verse Therapy for Virtual Speech Sound Therapy?

At Verse, the therapists are available in all US time zones and have the availability to be flexible with scheduling. We work with your schedule, and you can participate in the comfort of your own home!

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Convenience

At Verse, you have the availability to participate in your home, no more long commutes and busy waiting rooms!

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Flexibility

Our therapists have a wide range of availability, allowing us to see you whenever it is convenient for you and your family.

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Accessibility

With virtual speech therapy you have access to high-quality therapists, no matter where you live!

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Personalized Care

Our speech therapists prioritize evidenced-based therapeutic practices while tailoring your speech therapy to your needs. You are always involved in our care, and we work with you to meet your personal goals.

What to Expect from Speech Sound Therapy

01Initial Consultation

At Verse, our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) take the time to review your history before developing an assessment plan. During your evaluation, you will discuss your past medical history and speech therapy goals. You will also participate in a variety of assessments (both formal and informal) to assess your speech sound abilities and concerns further. If time permits, your SLP will review the findings and discuss your speech therapy goals.

02Personalized Treatment Plan

Speech sound therapy treatment plans are meticulously crafted to align with your specific communication goals. They take into account the various areas assessed during your evaluation and are informed by the insightful observations made by your Speech-Language Pathologist. Each treatment plan is uniquely tailored to reflect the individual needs and aspirations of each person undergoing therapy. Importantly, you will always play an active role in developing and refining your personalized treatment plan, ensuring it effectively addresses your unique challenges and objectives.

03Ongoing Sessions

Once a schedule for your recurring sessions is established, your speech-language pathologist will monitor your progress. This involves documenting daily notes and collecting data to track improvements and areas that may require further attention. Through this process, the SLP can ensure that the therapy is effective and tailored to your evolving needs.

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 therapy to improve your speech sound production!

Meet Our Speech Sound Therapists

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Erica Thomas
Erica Thomas is an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist with a B.S. and M.S. degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and over 10 years of diverse clinical experience. She has successfully treated patients ranging from 6 months to 108 years old in various settings such as school systems, private practice, hospitals/acute care, and long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Erica’s expertise extends to treating a wide range of speech and language disorders and diseases, and she is also certified in LSVT to address voice concerns in Parkinson’s patients. In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks with her dog, traveling, reading, and trying new restaurants. **My Approach To Therapy** When you come to work with me, I create a speech therapy program just for you, focusing on your personal goals. We’ll make sure that everything we do is practical and relevant to your everyday life. I want our sessions to be a fun and relaxing experience for you, so don’t be surprised if you hear a few jokes along the way! **What A Speech Therapy Session Looks Like With Erica** During our speech therapy sessions, we start with a brief introduction on what we will be targeting and how. After completing our specific target, I will review your home exercise program and schedule your next session. **Fun Facts About Erica** When I'm not working, I spend my time doing Pilates, reading, walking my dog, playing video games, traveling, and trying new restaurants!
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Lisa Ceballo
As a seasoned speech-language pathologist with a decade of experience, Lisa has had the privilege of working in diverse settings such as public schools, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. Her work has allowed her to service a wide range of individuals, from school-aged children to adults and the geriatric population, each with their unique communication needs. Her journey in this field began in 2013 when she completed her B.A. in Speech Communication with a minor in Psychology at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, New York. This foundation led her to further her studies, and in 2016, she graduated with her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Touro College in Brooklyn, New York. She is licensed to practice speech and language therapy in Florida and California. Additionally, she holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), a testament to her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and clinical practice. When she is not working, you can find her trying out new restaurants with her husband, spending time with family and friends, reading her Bible, or relaxing at the beach. **My Approach To Speech Therapy** In my practice as a speech-language pathologist, I employ a holistic and evidence-based approach that prioritizes establishing a strong rapport with my clients. I believe that a good quality relationship is essential for effective therapy, creating a safe and supportive environment for open communication. Utilizing multimodal techniques, I adapt my strategies to accommodate various learning styles, incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements tailored to each individual's unique needs. This dynamic methodology not only enhances engagement but also ensures that each session is productive and enjoyable, promoting meaningful progress in speech and language development. **What A Therapy Session Looks Like With Lisa** During our therapy sessions, I create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages strong rapport building and a positive clinician-client relationship. We typically begin with a brief check-in to celebrate successes and discuss any challenges, reinforcing a supportive environment. Each session is filled with interactive activities designed to enhance communication skills. For example, role-playing, incorporating music or songs, using sensory materials, taking part in art tasks, playing interactive games, and utilizing technology. I like to focus on practicing important life skills, such as cooking, gardening, making doctor’s appointments, and managing medications. All activities are tailored to the client’s interests and aimed at fostering specific language skills. To ensure each client receives the best support, I incorporate modifications and prompts based on their unique needs. I use a variety of evidence-based techniques to target specific goals while keeping the experience enjoyable and engaging. As we progress, I provide real-time feedback and encouragement, helping clients explore their potential and build their confidence in communication. Together, we’ll explore your communication skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable, working hand-in-hand to boost your language skills and let your true potential shine! **Fun Facts About Lisa** - My husband and I love exploring new restaurants and tasting a variety of cuisines. - Cooking and hosting family gatherings is one of my favorite hobbies. - I enjoy reading and journaling with scripture to deepen my faith. - I run a faith-based practice, aligning my work with my values. - Running is a passion of mine! I was involved in track during high school and have completed both a marathon, half marathon, and other 5K and 10K races. - I love hiking and being outdoors. - I’ve been to 30+ different Caribbean islands, soaking in the beauty and culture of each one! - I prioritize working out to keep myself active and healthy.
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Zhenyu Fu
As a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Zhenyu's passion for helping individuals communicate more effectively is what drives him. He became an SLP because he believes in the power of communication to enhance lives, and he wanted to make a tangible difference in the lives of those with speech and language challenges. Zhenyu's journey in this field has been deeply rewarding, with experiences ranging from working with children to adults, across diverse settings. His focus has always been on functional goals—improving his clients' ability to communicate in their daily lives. He prioritizes family involvement, providing parent and caregiver coaching to empower them as active participants in the therapeutic process. His specialties include language, articulation, fluency, voice therapy, and gender-affirming voice care. Zhenyu enjoys supporting clients through every step of their progress. His commitment is to help each client reach their full potential and achieve meaningful improvements in their quality of life.

FAQs About Speech Sound Therapy

Treating a speech sound disorder can be intimidating and sensitive and may cause uncertainty. At Verse, we can assist you in eliminating your speech sound concerns. Schedule a complimentary intake consultation with one of our intake specialists to start on your journey today!