Our Approach
At Everyone Can Communicate, we believe everyone has the ability to communicate. The key is finding the right way for each person to express themselves.
We are here to help individuals and their support networks ensure that their way of communicating is understood and respected.
We support all forms of communication and help people find the methods that work best for them. These methods may include using:
spoken words
written or typed text
pictures or symbols
communication apps
speech generating devices
sign language
gestures
facial expressions
and more
We believe that no matter how someone communicates, it is valid, important, and meaningful. We encourage everyone to find and embrace their unique way of expressing their needs, thoughts, and stories.
How Do We Do That?
To accomplish this we use a variety of approaches alongside our speech pathology expertise and knowledge including a:
Strength Based Approach
What it is: This approach focuses on the things you’re already good at, like your hobbies or talents, and uses those to help improve your communication skills.
How it works in speech therapy: Your therapist will work to identify the things you enjoy or excel at—such as drawing, singing, or telling stories—and incorporate these into your speech therapy. For example, if you love telling stories, your therapist might use storytelling to help with sentence structure or vocabulary. The goal is to make therapy fun and help you feel confident by building on what you already do well.
Neurodiversity Affirming Approach
What it is: This approach understands that everyone thinks, learns, and communicates in their own way, and celebrates those differences.
How it works in speech therapy: Your therapist will adjust their methods to match how you process information and communicate. For example, if you need to move around or fidget to help you concentrate, this will be supported and encouraged. Additionally, if you find it easier to understand and learn new concepts when information is written down, the therapist will use visuals to aid in your comprehension and learning.
Trauma Informed Approach
What it is: This approach recognises that past difficult experiences can affect how you communicate and works to make therapy a safe and supportive space.
How it works in speech therapy: Your therapist will create a calm and caring space where you feel safe and comfortable. If you have experienced trauma and feel uneasy speaking with new people, the therapist will move at your pace, giving you time to build trust with your new therapist.
Human Affirming Approach
What it is: This approach emphasises treating you with respect, kindness, and understanding, regardless of your background or challenges.
How it works in speech therapy: Your therapist will listen to your unique needs and aim to work with you in a way that makes you feel valued and understood. The goal is to empower you, making sure you feel comfortable and confident as you express yourself.
Wellbeing First Approach
What it is: This approach focuses on making sure you are emotionally ready and calm before starting therapy activities. You’re more likely to learn effectively when you feel balanced and relaxed, so therapy will begin when you are in the right state to engage.
How it works in speech therapy: Your therapist will work with you to feel calm and centered before beginning speech therapy activities. If you are feeling dysregulated, your therapist may use calming techniques, support you to use regulation strategies or encourage you to engage in stimming or activities you enjoy, to help you regulate your emotions and feel more comfortable. Once you’re in a calm and focused state, therapy activities will proceed, setting you up for the best possible learning experience.
Relationship-Based Approach
What it is: This approach focuses on building a strong, trusting relationship between you and your therapist. It believes that a good connection can help you feel safe and supported, making therapy more effective.
How it works in speech therapy: Your therapist will get to know you as a person and create a comfortable space where you feel heard and understood. They will use this connection to guide you through therapy, helping you build confidence as you improve your communication skills. The goal is to help you feel supported every step of the way.
