Frequently Asked Questions

How does accent reduction work?
Think of yourself someone learning to play the piano and think of me as their teacher.  Each student will be different: not just in terms of innate talent, but in terms of determination and motivation. The teacher’s task is to assess the student in terms of skill, knowledge level and other factors
 
The teacher needs to transmit not just how to play the instrument, but the theory behind the music. The beginning student thinks music is simply notes, just my students often start by thinking they just have to learn a few new sounds. As the piano student advances, she learns from her teacher the interplay of volume, pace and rhythm, same with my students Both students will start with drill and ear training, for both piano playing and speech involve not just physical movements of  fingers or tongue, but ear and brain as well. Drill and practice are crucial though. The teacher advances the student through simple scales, to short pieces of music or more complex tasks, just as I do.

Do you treat stuttering?
While all Speech Language Pathologists are trained to assess and treat a wide variety of speech and language related disorders including stuttering, in our professional practice we may choose to focus on one or two areas to the exclusion of others. I have chosen to work in the areas of accent, voice, presentation. I have also worked extensively with adults who have neurogenic speech and language disorders. If you are seeking a Speech Language Pathologist to assist with a stuttering or dysfluency problem please go to the OSLA or CASLPA websites. There are links there to help you find a private practitioner who works in the area you need.

Do you treat children?
Children learn differently than adults and deserve to work with an SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) who has made a choice to specialize in this area. If you are seeking a Speech Language Pathologist to assist with a problem your child has with speech or language please go to the OSLA or CASLPA websites. There are links there to help you find a private practitioner who works in the area you need.

How do I make an appointment?
Ideally I like to speak with my clients prior to booking a first appointment. That allows them to ask me questions that are not answered in the website and it gives me an opportunity to listen to their speech and get a sense of their needs and expectations.
.You need to remember to leave your name and number as well as a good time to reach you. Calls are returned after regular business hours, so a home or cell number works best.

Where are you located?
The Clear Speech Studio is in east Toronto, a five minute walk from the Coxwell Subway stop. It is easily accessible by car with free parking on the street. Link to map

Do you have sessions outside of regular business hours?
I schedule sessions outside of regular business hours from 4:30 to 7:00. I sometimes have sessions available as well on weekend mornings. Please keep in mind that I am usually fully booked up to three months in advance