We are passionate about supporting people to communicate to the best of their ability,
in order to maximise their participation in life.


We are a small team of Speech and Language Therapists based in Kent.

Appointments are available online, at a clinic in Maidstone, or via a visit to your home.

We are experienced, compassionate and our practice is underpinned by the current evidence base.

We work with a wide range of symptoms and conditions including disorders of language, cognition, speech, voice and swallowing.

We also take into account ay emotional or psychological factors that may be causing or exacerbating your symptoms.

Scroll down to find out more information about working together.

To download our full list of services, prices and to request an appointment, please click the link below:

We can help you with…

Language/Cognition

Disorders of language and cognition usually relate to changes in the way the brain functions. Causes include stroke, acquired brain injury, brain tumour, dementia and functional neurological disorder.

Language and cognitive disorders we work with include:

⭐Aphasia (acquired language disorder) - typically caused by a stroke

⭐Primary progressive aphasia - typically caused by frontotemporal dementia

⭐Cognitive communication disorder - caused by underlying cognitive deficits as a result of brain damage

Speech

Causes of speech disorders may be neurological, for example: stroke, brain injury, functional neurological disorder and progressive neurological conditions:

⭐Dysarthria (slurred speech)

⭐Dyspraxia (difficulty coordinating the muscles used for speaking)

We also work with people who want to improve the clarity, accuracy or fluency of their speech but do not have a neurological condition, for example:

⭐Stammering/stuttering and cluttering

⭐Articulation difficulties and lisps

Voice

We work with people with symptoms caused by changes in the functioning of the vocal tract:

⭐Voice disorders/dysphonia

⭐Globus sensation (feeling of a lump in the throat)

⭐Chronic cough/throat clearing

These throat symptoms may be caused by physical/structural changes in the vocal tract - for example: vocal nodules, changes following head and neck surgery (such as ACDF) or treatment for head and neck cancer.

These symptoms can also have a ‘functional’ cause - for example, caused by muscle tension or acid reflux.

Swallowing

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. Eating and drinking are important social activities. Food and drink provide a lot of pleasure and the ability to eat and drink is often taken for granted.

Swallowing difficulties result from a wide range of conditions including neurological conditions, cancer, respiratory disorders, head and neck surgery, acid reflux and psychogenic/functional causes.

If dysphagia is not treated appropriately, it can result in choking, chest infections/pneumonia, malnutrition/dehydration, weight loss and reduced quality of life.

Not sure if your communication difficulty falls into these areas?

You may feel held back by your communication, yet you’re unsure if you have any specific speech or language difficulties. Maybe in social contexts you panic when it’s your turn to speak, your mind goes blank or you stumble over your words.

You may benefit from Communication Coaching or a bespoke package involving a mix of both services.

Get in touch to find out more.

Goal setting

We will start with a conversation to identify achievable goals that will make a difference to your life.

We then tailor our assessment and intervention to provide to maximise your progress towards your goals.

Goal setting conversations will continue throughout your intervention because we understand that your priorities can change. It is important to us that you have full say in what we work towards in your sessions.

What can I expect through working together?

Assessment

An assessment of your communication and/or swallowing means we can provide a diagnosis and establish your potential to benefit from therapy.

The outcome of your assessment will be clearly explained alongside advice, ideas and solutions. 

A range of options for further intervention will be provided.

Therapy

Options for therapy will take into account what you would like to achieve, the nature of your symptoms and the budget you have available. This may involve offering thorough advice and self-management strategies following one assessment session. On the other end of the scale, we can provide intensive blocks of therapy.

Intervention is tailored to your individual needs, preferences and symptoms. In order to maximise the outcomes of intervention, you will be expected to practise exercises or follow advice between sessions. We will support you to find the most effective ways to do this.

Intervention may involve:

⭐Exercises to improve your speech and language skills. If you enjoy using technology this can include iPad apps and computer software

⭐Teaching and practising strategies to support your functioning in day-to-day life

⭐Education around your condition, including supporting the people around you to communicate effectively with you

⭐Introducing alternative means of communication such as communication aids

Future planning

You can work with us for as long as you wish, but our ultimate goal is for you to stop needing our support. This may be because your symptoms have resolved or because you have learnt to self-manage your symptoms.

You will finish intervention feeling confident in how to manage your condition. We will ensure you are fully informed about your condition including how to continue improving any ongoing symptoms or prevent symptoms coming back or getting worse.

This may involve training the people around you to support you effectively. For example, conversation partner training helps you to communicate more effectively with those closest to you.

To download our full list of services, prices and to request an appointment, please click the link below:

Meet the team

Kezia is the TalkCoach founder. Kezia offers Speech and Language Therapy for adults with communication and swallowing difficulties. Kezia is also a Communication Coach and brings coaching skills into Speech and Language Therapy sessions. Read more…

Kezia Lawson

Louise recently joined the team as a part-time Associate SLT. Louise works with adults and children with communication impairments, offering evening and weekend appointments.
Louise is currently not taking new clients (until early 2025) due to maternity leave. Read more…

Louise Callaway

Frequently asked questions

  • There are various overlaps between Speech and Language Therapy and Communication Coaching.

    👉 All sessions are completely focused on you. Both services start with a conversation to identify the goals that are most important to achieve, considering the wider influence on your day-to-day life. Personalised action plans will be agreed based on your goals.

    👉 Both services draw on evidence from scientific and psychological fields, including learnings from neuroplasticity, motor learning and habit formation to result in maximum impact.  

    👉 We address any psychological as well as physical symptoms in both Speech and Language Therapy and Communication Coaching.

    So what’s the difference?

    Speech and Language Therapy

    The main focus of sessions tends to be to improve your communication skills in order to have more effective and enjoyable conversations with others. Your communication may be impaired due to a diagnosed condition.

    Communication Coaching

    The main focus of sessions tends to be to improve your confidence and create a positive mindset about your communication.

    I think I need both – how do I know which is more suitable for me?

    A bespoke package involving a combination of Speech and Language Therapy and Communication Coaching may be best suited for you. You may have symptoms you want to improve alongside working on improving your confidence and mindset around your communication.

    For further information about each service - have a browse on the website, download a Speech and Language Therapy information pack or get in touch.

  • Appointments can take place in via online consultation (Zoom), in a Maidstone clinic or at your home.

    Areas covered include (but are not limited to): Maidstone, Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Rainham, Strood, West Malling, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Staplehurst, Cranbrook, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Gravesend, Swanley, Sittingbourne and Sheppey (travel charges apply).

  • Sessions are offered on weekdays with early evening appointments available on Mondays and Wednesdays.

  • Prices are dependent on which service you require, the intensity of input you need and the location.

    You can download an information pack to find out further information including costs.

  • This is very dependent on various factors, for example: your condition, the severity of your symptoms, your motivation and ability to practice between sessions, your level of support.

    For some, one session of advice is sufficient, whereas I have been seeing other clients for over a year.

    We will agree a plan that suits your budget and needs.

  • I can provide intervention whilst you wait to see an NHS Speech and Language Therapist. I request that when you receive an appointment with your NHS therapist that you let me know so that I can liaise with the NHS therapist to provide an appropriate handover.

    I understand that NHS services are often under pressure and unable to provide the intensity of therapy that you require. If you want to see me alongside your NHS Speech and Language Therapist, I am happy to offer additional input to supplement the care you are receiving. However I request that you inform me and your NHS therapist so that we can liaise and agree on the best approach to help you manage your condition.

  • I have a degree in Speech Science (2011) and a Masters in Clinical Research (2016) from the University of Sheffield.

    I trained as a Transformative Life Coach with Animas Centre for Coaching in 2021.

    I love learning and very regularly attend training courses, supervision sessions and complete a lot of extra reading in relevant fields.

  • Yes, I work as a treating Speech and Language Therapist for medicolegal cases. Case Managers are welcome to contact me for further information.

  • I am registered with Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva and Cigna. When you book an appointment, please let me know if you are hoping to use private healthcare cover. I will need your authorisation number prior to offering a session.

    Please note, this applies to adult clients only. I do not offer any services for children.

  • Sorry, I do not offer Speech and Language Therapy for children.

    I’m very aware of the difficulties accessing SLT for children and I really empathise, being a parent myself.

    I advise you take a look here for private paediatric SLTs who may be able to help, or seek an NHS referral via your GP.