Harley Street Speech & Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy is a specialised form of therapy that helps individuals improve their speech and communication skills. It involves assessing and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders that may occur due to various causes, such as developmental delays, neurological conditions like stroke or traumatic brain injury, or hearing loss. Speech and language therapists work with people of all ages, from infants to adults, to address issues with articulation, language comprehension and expression, voice production, fluency, and swallowing abilities. They use various techniques and interventions tailored to each person's needs to improve their communication skills and overall quality of life.

Speech therapy is important for both children and adults, as it helps improve communication skills and enhances the overall quality of life. For children, speech therapy can address speech delays or disorders, enabling them to effectively express themselves and interact with others. Similarly, adults may benefit from speech therapy to overcome communication difficulties caused by debilitating conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, allowing them to regain independence and fully participate in social and professional settings. 

Speech and language therapy benefits a wide range of individuals across different age groups and conditions. Children with speech delays or disorders, such as articulation or phonological disorders, greatly benefit from therapy to improve their communication skills. Additionally, individuals with neurological conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or Parkinson's disease can benefit from speech and language therapy to regain their ability to speak and communicate effectively.

We’re located at 17 Harley Street, London and would gladly see you during our regular office hours from Monday to Saturday. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to give us a call at 0207 467 6190. Our friendly staff will gladly assist you in finding a time that fits your schedule. To avoid long wait times, we highly recommend scheduling your appointment ahead of time.

Preparing for a speech therapy assessment involves a few important steps. Firstly, it is important to gather any relevant documents or reports related to your speech and language abilities, such as previous assessments or medical records. Additionally, you may want to make a list of specific concerns or goals you have regarding your speech and communication skills. This will help the speech therapist better understand your needs and tailor the assessment accordingly. In addition, familiarising yourself with the assessment process and what to expect can help alleviate any anxiety or uncertainty you may have. It can also be helpful to practise any specific tasks or exercises that you think may be part of the assessment so that you feel more comfortable and confident during the session.

You have the freedom to choose between NHS or private therapists to address your concerns. If you need immediate attention, it may be beneficial to consider a private therapist due to the long waiting times at the NHS. Seeing both types of therapists can provide a more comprehensive approach to your treatment. Just keep in mind that coordination between the two may be necessary to ensure consistent and efficient care.

Children with speech disorders may experience a range of issues, including articulation disorders, phonological disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders (such as stuttering), voice disorders, and social communication disorders. Speech therapists are trained to work with these children to address their challenges and help them improve their communication skills. In addition to traditional speech disorders, therapists may also work with children who struggle with oral motor skills, swallowing difficulties, and feeding issues. Cognitive-communication disorders may also be addressed, and therapy is available for children with communication difficulties related to developmental delays or neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy.

If you're considering consulting a speech therapist, it's crucial to ensure that they have experience and qualifications in treating the particular speech disorder or condition that you or your loved one is dealing with. Moreover, it's advisable to ask about the therapist's preferred treatment methods and techniques that can be utilised between sessions to foster improvement. This way, you can be more informed and confident in selecting a therapist who is best suited to meet your unique speech needs.

During speech therapy, language is targeted in five different areas: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Phonology is the study of the sounds of speech and how they are used in a language. Morphology is the study of word structure and the rules for word formation. Syntax deals with the arrangement of words to make meaningful sentences. Semantics is the exploration of the meaning of words and how they relate to each other. Finally, pragmatics examines how language is used in social contexts, including aspects such as turn-taking, using the appropriate tone and volume, and understanding non-verbal cues. 

In most cases, a GP referral is not required for private speech and language therapy. However, it is always advisable to check with the specific therapist or clinic you plan to visit, as their requirements may vary. Additionally, some insurance providers may require a referral for coverage purposes, so it's worth confirming with them as well.