What is speech and language therapy?
Speech and language therapy supports children and young people with their speech, language and communication needs.
At Willow Tree Therapy Services, we believe every child has the right to communicate in the way that works best for them. Communication may include spoken language, gestures, facial expressions, body language, signing, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), vocalisations, or a combination of different methods. Every form of communication is recognised, respected and valued.
We support children with a wide range of speech, language and communication differences, including autistic children, children with ADHD, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), speech sound differences, language differences, learning disabilities, selective mutism, children who use AAC and children with social communication differences.
Every child begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand their strengths, communication profile, interests, sensory preferences and the environments in which they communicate. Following assessment, we work collaboratively with families, education staff and other professionals to develop an individualised therapy plan with meaningful, functional goals.
Our intervention combines the best available research, clinical expertise and the lived experience of neurodivergent people to support children to communicate confidently, participate in everyday life and build positive, meaningful relationships.
How does therapy look at Willow Tree?
No two children are the same, so no two therapy sessions are the same.
Therapy is child-led, play-based and tailored around each child’s interests, motivations and communication style. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, understood and genuinely engaged, so we adapt our support to each child’s strengths, sensory profile and communication needs rather than expecting them to fit a particular way of learning or communicating.
Our therapy is guided by the following principles:
- Following the child’s lead and interests.
- Building connection before placing communication demands.
- Supporting regulation, engagement and emotional safety.
- Recognising that all communication is meaningful and responding with curiosity, respect and acceptance.
- Valuing play as an essential part of learning, regulation and communication.
- Creating motivating, real-life opportunities for communication.
- Working in partnership with families, education staff and other professionals so strategies can be embedded into everyday life.
Sessions may include imaginative play, movement, sensory experiences, outdoor exploration, games, books, problem-solving activities, AAC, speech work, language activities or simply sharing enjoyable moments together. Therapy is always guided by what is most meaningful and motivating for your child.
Understanding language development
Children do not all develop language in the same way. Some children build language word by word, while others appear to develop language through larger chunks or scripts before analysing them into smaller parts.
We recognise that children may follow different pathways to language development and tailor our support accordingly. By understanding how each child naturally develops communication, we can build on their strengths in ways that feel meaningful, motivating and respectful.
How we support communication
Rather than following one therapy programme, we draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, frameworks and communication supports, selecting those that best meet each child’s individual strengths and needs.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC provides children with additional ways to communicate alongside or instead of speech. This may include communication boards, symbols, signs or high-tech communication devices.
Research shows that AAC supports communication and language development and does not prevent children from developing speech. We support children to use AAC confidently across home, education and the wider community, recognising it as a valid communication method for many people.
We have experience supporting children using a range of AAC systems, including LAMP Words for Life and Grid for iPad, and work closely with families and education settings to help AAC become part of everyday life.
SCERTS®
The SCERTS® Model is a research-based framework that supports Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support. It helps families, education staff and professionals work together to develop communication through meaningful everyday interactions while recognising the importance of emotional regulation, supportive environments and strong relationships.
Intensive Interaction
Intensive Interaction is a relationship-based approach that supports the early foundations of communication through shared attention, enjoyment, turn-taking and connection. It is particularly valuable for children with complex communication needs and those at earlier stages of communication development.
Speech sound intervention
We provide evidence-based intervention for children with speech sound differences and speech motor planning difficulties. Therapy is tailored to each child and aims to support clearer, more effective speech while maintaining confidence and enjoyment in communication.
Language intervention
We support children with differences understanding language, expressing themselves and developing functional communication skills. Therapy is embedded within meaningful activities and everyday interactions, helping children develop communication that is relevant to their daily lives.
Parent and education coaching
Children make the greatest progress when the adults around them feel confident and supported. We work closely with parents, carers and education staff, providing practical coaching and collaborative problem-solving so that communication strategies can be naturally embedded into everyday routines.
Learning through nature
One of the unique aspects of Willow Tree Therapy Services is our beautiful clinic setting within five acres of outdoor space.
Many children communicate best when they are free to move, explore and play. Outdoor sessions provide natural opportunities for communication, shared attention, problem-solving and relationship building in a relaxed, motivating environment.
Where appropriate, children may also have opportunities to interact with our goats, donkeys, alpacas, rabbits and ducks. These experiences can create meaningful opportunities for communication while supporting confidence, motivation and emotional wellbeing.
Where will therapy take place?
Therapy usually takes place in our purpose-built clinic, both indoors and outdoors where appropriate.
Depending on your child’s needs, intervention may also be delivered in school, nursery, at home or online. We always consider where your child is most likely to communicate confidently and where therapy will have the greatest impact.
Online therapy
Online speech and language therapy provides flexible access to high-quality intervention wherever you live in the UK. It can be an excellent option for families who live further away, have busy schedules or prefer support within the home environment.
Research has shown that teletherapy can be just as effective as face-to-face intervention for many children. Sessions are interactive, engaging and personalised, with parents or carers supporting where appropriate.
When will therapy be delivered?
If therapy is recommended following assessment, appointments will be offered as soon as possible. During your initial consultation, we will discuss any current waiting times and recommend a therapy programme that best meets your child’s needs.
Many children benefit from regular 45- or 60-minute therapy sessions, although recommendations are always tailored to the individual child. We will work with you to find appointment times that suit your family.
Our clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am until 8:00pm, with appointments available between 8:30am and 7:00pm.
