Does Speech and Language Therapy really work? Lisa Hope tells us more

For adults living with the aftermath of a stroke, brain injury, or a life-changing diagnosis such as Parkinson’s disease or MND, changes to speech can be profoundly devastating. Communication is central to identity, relationships, and independence — so when it’s affected, the impact reaches far beyond words. Many people turn to speech and language therapists for guidance and support, but an important question remains: does therapy really make a difference?

Speech and language therapy can be described as working with a trained professional to understand and improve communication skills, such as speech sounds, language, social communication, or swallowing. With the wide range of approaches available, it’s natural to wonder whether it truly works. I believe speech and language therapy is much like learning a new skill—it takes time, commitment, effort, and support.

For example, if you want to learn to play the piano, you need regular practice and guidance from someone with experience. The more consistently you practice, the more confident and skilled you become. Speech and language therapy works in a similar way. Individuals first identify specific goals, such as improving speech clarity, building vocabulary, or developing confidence in conversations. They then work closely with a speech and language therapist to create a personalised plan tailored to their needs.

Progress in speech and language therapy happens gradually and looks different for everyone. Success often depends on regular practice, both during sessions and in everyday situations, as well as support from significant others. With patience, encouragement, and consistent effort, speech and language therapy can lead to meaningful improvements in communication and greater confidence in daily life.