Speech and Language Therapy, What to expect
Date issued: August 2024
For review: August 2026
Ref: C-582/DC/SandLT/What to expect
PDF: Speech and Language Therapy, What to expect.pdf [pdf] 204KB
Your Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor has referred you to the Speech and Language Voice Clinic.
Why Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)?
Speech and Language Therapists assess, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of communication problems, including voice disorders.
Your therapist has specialised in working with people who
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Are having problems with their voices.
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May have lost their voices completely.
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Have globus symptoms (throat discomfort).
First steps
You will be sent an ‘invitation to book’ letter. You can then contact the department to book an initial appointment at a convenient time for you. You can do this by telephone, or by email if you prefer, using the contact details on the front of this leaflet. Your first appointment can be a telephone call, a video call or an in-person appointment, depending on your preference.
What will happen at your first appointment?
Your appointment will probably last for about 45 minutes. Follow-up sessions are typically around 30 minutes. In that session your therapist will talk to you and assess your voice. They will also ask you questions about your voice problem, how it first started, and how it affects you and your life.
What happens next?
A typical block of therapy is up to four sessions, but some people need more, and some people need fewer.
During the sessions your therapist will talk to you about how the voice works and how to look after your voice.
They will also talk with you about factors that might have contributed to your voice problems and how you might change them. You will be offered practical advice and a course of therapy specifically suited to your needs.
Outside of sessions
Therapy is most successful when people are actively involved and practise at home.
You will decide together with your therapist what you practise in between sessions.
Neurodiversity
If you are neurodiverse, please let us know if there are any adjustments that we can make which might make you feel more comfortable in your session. This might include lower light settings, coming at a quieter time in the day or even having a tour of the department before your first appointment. If you are having an online appointment, we can arrange a short practise session to make sure you know how to log on, with support from our team.
What happens if you are unable to attend?
Please call us on 01752 432202 if you think you will not be able to attend your appointment. You can speak to the secretary or leave a message on the answer phone. We will try to give you an appointment at a more suitable time.
