CommuniCare Therapy
Registered Speech Language Pathologists
Available Services
Aphasia
Aphasia is a language impairment that can impact spoken language, understanding, reading and writing skills. Aphasia impacts more than just the person with aphasia, so I also work with family members, friends, and employers to help them communicate successfully with the person with aphasia.
Speech
Dysarthria (muscle weakness that causes slurred speech and other problems) and apraxia of speech (difficulty coordinating muscles for speech) can make it hard to speak clearly and be understood. I help people with speech difficulties maximize their communication through a combination of direct treatment, training strategies, and making changes to the environment.
Cognitive Communication
Cognitive problems in adults can result from traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, stroke, cancer, and illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s. People living with long-haul Covid-19 may also experience difficulties with cognition. Cognitive communication therapy can address problems with memory, attention, problem-solving, and organization, as well as issues with social interactions and self-awareness. I help clients get back to safely participating in important activities, whether it’s taking care of basic needs or returning to work or school.
Voice
Therapy
A voice disorder is often the result of a chronic pattern of behavior that deteriorates voice quality and vigor. I can help reduce this behaviour and rehabilitate the vocal mechanism, and voice usage. Frequent problems requiring treatment are: voice hoarseness, vocal nodules, vocal cord swelling, hypernasality, and weak voice.
I also work with occupational voice users (anyone whose voice is essential to their work) such as teachers, lawyers, salespeople who are at greater risk for developing voice disorders, those who want to develop a more professional sounding voice, or decrease vocal fatigue.
Return to Work
If you have been in an accident and have an accepted claim with ICBC or WorkSafe BC, I can support your recovery in speech, language, cognitive-communication, and/or voice. I work with your concerns around your roles/responsibilities at work to help with the successful transition back to employment.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing can occur following a stroke, radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, head injury, or due to old age. It is also common in people with Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, COPD, and Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms can include difficulty chewing, taking a long time swallowing, coughing during or after swallowing, choking on food or liquid, sensation of food getting stuck in your throat, or shortness of breath while eating. I am able to help with swallow management and provide consultation around dysphagia.
Professional Communication Training
Gain the skills and confidence you need in day-to-day conversing, meetings, interviews and presentations. In the professional world, mastering communication is the key to success. I can help you achieve your individualized goals in professional communication skills.