Speech Therapy- So Much More than Just Words!

What comes to mind when you think of speech therapy? Do you picture a young child being taught how to pronounce words? Speech therapy is much more than helping people pronounce words; it allows people to live their best and most productive lives.  How?...

The highly sophisticated process of speaking is controlled by our brains.  The sound and look of a person’s speech, or attempts at speaking, is considered the output.  Speech language pathologists specialize in helping people sound clearer (output), but must also address the input, too: Input is organizing thoughts and ideas into action. No matter the age of the person who struggles with either the input or output of the speech process, a speech language pathologist can help unlock the potential for meaningful communication. 

For example, a 2-year-old who is not speaking like their peers first needs to build skills that inspire him to imitate his environment. This might start with teaching sign language or copying playful actions in songs. This must include engaging, play-based activities because you have to get a person’s buy-in for therapy, no matter how young.

Another example of how speech language pathologists can help:  A person who has suffered a concussion may need to seek out a speech language pathologist because they’re having trouble thinking following the accident. Although this person has always been able to manage appointments, job requirements, and crossing off items on their to-do list, their persistent headaches are preventing them from organizing their thoughts into action. Speech therapy can help them prioritize their goals and resume normal life. 

I have wide ranging experience, having worked extensively with patients of all ages. I work with children with developmental delays and children with specific diagnoses including Autism and Down Syndrome. For my work with adults, I hold specialized certifications in promoting cognitive health and communication via the Dementia Care Practitioner certification, and via SPEAK OUT! Training for those with Parkinson’s. I frequently collaborate with the occupational therapist and physical therapists at Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center, giving patients the added benefit of a team-approach to their care.

If you have questions about speech therapy or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 406-862-9378. Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center is conveniently located on the corner of Hwy 40 and Hwy 93.