Speech and Language Therapy That Sees the Whole Child
I believe every child and young person deserves to be understood, accepted as their authentic self and supported at their individual level.
Hi, I’m Joanna
I'm a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 20 years' experience supporting children and young people.
I have specialist expertise in Selective Mutism alongside extensive experience supporting a wide range of speech, language and communication needs.
My career began in Early Years before qualifying as a Speech and Language Therapist, giving me a strong foundation in child development, communication and the importance of creating enabling environments.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Early Years and Education and a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy.
I provide assessment, therapy and consultation for children, young people, families, schools and Local Authorities across Harpenden, St Albans, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Having worked closely within schools for many years, I ensure recommendations are practical, achievable and designed to fit within everyday school life.
Professional Memberships
My Experience
My Approach
Behaviour is Communication
Understanding the "why" behind behaviour
My practice is neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based and individualised.
I believe communication develops best when children and young people feel safe, accepted and supported. My aim is not to change who a child is, but to identify what is making communication difficult and provide support that enables them to communicate in ways that work for them.
I don't start with a diagnosis; I start with the child in front of me.
Behaviour is telling us something important. Rather than making assumptions, I approach children and young people with curiosity, exploring the factors that may be contributing to their experiences. This helps reduce barriers, build on strengths and create supportive, nurturing environments where communication can flourish.
I work collaboratively with families, schools and professionals to embed practical strategies into everyday life and support meaningful progress beyond the therapy session.
Areas of Support
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Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder that affects a child or young person's ability to speak in certain situations. Children with Selective Mutism are able to speak comfortably in some environments but find it extremely difficult or impossible to speak in others. It is not a choice or a refusal to speak.
I have a specialist interest in Selective Mutism and provide support for children, young people, families and schools. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming and focuses on understanding the individual factors affecting communication, reducing pressure, building confidence and creating environments where communication can develop naturally. Support may include parent consultation, school training, staff coaching, multidisciplinary working and direct intervention where appropriate.
I have a specialist interest in Selective Mutism and provide support for children, young people, families and schools. My approach focuses on reducing communication pressure, building trust and confidence, supporting participation and helping adults create environments where communication can develop naturally. Support may include parent consultation, school training, staff coaching and direct intervention where appropriate.
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Speech sound difficulties can affect how clearly a child is understood by others. Some children follow a delayed pattern of speech development, while others may present with a speech sound disorder that requires more targeted support. Difficulties may include producing certain speech sounds, using speech sound patterns that are no longer age-appropriate, or finding it difficult to coordinate the movements needed for clear speech.
I provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based intervention for children with a range of speech sound needs, including speech sound delay, phonological disorder and articulation difficulties. Therapy is tailored to each child's individual strengths and needs, with practical strategies provided for home and school to support progress and maximise opportunities for communication.
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Some children experience difficulties understanding spoken language, expressing their thoughts and ideas, learning new vocabulary, following instructions or participating in conversations. These difficulties can impact learning, confidence and social interaction.
I work collaboratively with children, families and schools to identify strengths and areas of need, providing assessment, intervention and practical strategies that support communication across everyday environments. My aim is to help children develop the skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively and participate fully at home, in school and within their wider community.
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Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a lifelong difficulty with understanding and/or using language that is not explained by another condition. Children and young people with DLD may find it difficult to understand instructions, learn new vocabulary, organise their thoughts or express themselves clearly.
I provide assessment and intervention tailored to each individual's profile, helping children and young people develop their language skills and confidence. I also work closely with families and schools to ensure appropriate support and strategies are embedded within everyday learning and communication opportunities.
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I provide neurodiversity-affirming support for autistic children and young people, recognising and celebrating individual strengths while helping to reduce barriers to communication and participation.
Support may include understanding and expressing language, social communication, self-advocacy, emotional literacy, perspective-taking, navigating friendships and supporting successful participation across different environments. I work closely with families, schools and other professionals to develop practical, meaningful strategies that support each young person's goals and wellbeing.
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Children and young people with ADHD may experience differences in attention, listening, organisation, self-regulation and communication. These differences can impact conversations, learning, social interactions and confidence.
I provide support that takes account of each child's strengths and individual profile, helping them develop strategies to support communication, emotional regulation and participation. I work collaboratively with families and schools to create supportive environments that enable children and young people to thrive.
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Stammering is a difference in the flow of speech and may involve repetitions, prolongations or blocks. Stammering can vary over time and may be influenced by a range of factors, including communication demands and individual experiences.
I provide supportive, family-centred intervention that focuses on building confidence, reducing communication pressure and supporting positive communication experiences. My approach helps children and young people feel understood, accepted and confident communicating in everyday situations.
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Some children and young people present with a combination of communication, developmental, sensory and emotional needs. These needs often co-occur and can impact communication, learning, participation and wellbeing. I work collaboratively with families, schools and multidisciplinary teams to develop a shared understanding of strengths and support needs, providing practical and individualised recommendations that promote meaningful participation and communication.
I work closely with families, schools and multidisciplinary teams to develop a shared understanding of strengths and needs, providing practical recommendations and tailored support that promotes communication, participation and wellbeing across everyday environments.
Who I Work With
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Assessment, therapy and practical support tailored to your child's individual needs.
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Speech and Language Therapy provision, 1:1 and group therapy sessions, provide tailored programmes, assessments, EHCP evidence, staff training, consultation and communication-friendly learning environments.
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Commissioned Speech and Language Therapy, EHCP assessments and reports, Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) support, direct and indirect therapy, and multidisciplinary working.
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Specialist Selective Mutism consultation, training and clinical supervision for Speech and Language Therapists, schools and organisations.
Schools & Local Authorities
I offer flexible, bespoke Speech and Language Therapy packages tailored to the needs of each setting.
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• Speech and Language Therapy assessments
• Individual and group therapy
• Teaching Assistant modelling and carry-over
• Classroom observation
• Staff consultation and training
• Parent consultation
• EHCP assessments and Annual Reviews
• Transition support
• Whole-school communication support
Flexible half-day, full-day, weekly and fortnightly packages are available.
Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quotation
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• EHCP assessments and reports
• Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS)
• Specialist Selective Mutism support
• Multidisciplinary working
• Commissioned therapy and consultation
Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quotation
What Schools and Families Say
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Parents, schools, GPs and other professionals are welcome to contact me directly.
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I work with children and young people across primary and secondary school age.
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Sessions can take place in school, at home, online or another agreed setting depending on individual needs.
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Yes. Online consultation and therapy are available across the UK where appropriate.
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Yes. I provide Speech and Language Therapy assessments and reports to support EHCP applications, Annual Reviews and provision planning.
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Get in touch to arrange a free 15-minute telephone consultation. Together we can discuss your concerns and the most appropriate next steps.
Free 15-Minute Initial Telephone Consultation
I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation to discuss your concerns, answer questions and help determine whether Speech and Language Therapy may be appropriate for your child or young person.