Speech Therapy for a Lisp: Can It Help, and What Does It Involve?
If you're wondering whether speech therapy can help with a lisp, the short answer is: Yes!
It’s absolutely possible to make changes to how you speak - even as an adult - and at TalkCoach, we can help.
Speech therapy can provide practical tools, targeted exercises, and the support you need to speak with greater clarity and confidence.
What Exactly Is a Lisp?
A lisp is a way of pronouncing certain speech sounds, most commonly the ‘s’ or ‘z’ sounds, that can sound less crisp, slightly ‘slushy’, or different from the typical pronunciation.
It usually starts in childhood as speech develops and often happens when the tongue isn’t quite in the ideal position to make those sounds clearly.
Do I Need Speech Therapy for a Lisp?
…Not necessarily!
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with speaking with a lisp.
Everyone communicates differently, and at TalkCoach we don’t believe there is a ‘perfect’ way to communicate.
A lisp doesn’t automatically need to be fixed, especially if it isn’t bothering you.
That said, for many people, a lisp can affect confidence - particularly in social, work, or public speaking situations. If it feels like a barrier to expressing yourself fully, or if you'd simply like to explore change, we’re here to support you.
Can Speech Therapy Actually Help a Lisp?
Yes. With the right support and consistent practice, it’s often possible to make clear, lasting changes to speech - even if your lisp has been present for years.
Many adults and young people we work with are surprised by how quickly progress can happen once they understand what to do.
Therapy is tailored to your speech pattern, your goals, and your lifestyle. It’s not about changing who you are - it’s about helping you communicate in the way you want to.
What Does Speech Therapy for a Lisp Involve?
We start with an assessment to get a clear picture of how your speech sounds now and what you’d like to achieve. From there, sessions may include:
Increasing awareness of how your current sound is being produced
Learning new movements and placements for clearer ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds
Building the new pattern gradually - from single sounds to words and conversation
Practising in everyday, natural contexts
Strategies for embedding new habits in real-life situations
The process is focused on creating change that lasts.
Why Practice Between Sessions Is So Important
Speech Therapy itself isn’t a magic wand. Real, lasting change takes more than just attending sessions; it comes from what you do in between.
This is where neuroplasticity comes in - your brain’s amazing ability to form new pathways and reshape old habits through repetition and focused attention. The more consistently you practise, the faster your brain adapts to the new way of speaking.
We’ll guide you in sessions, troubleshoot any difficulties, and give you clear, manageable exercises to work on between appointments. This not only helps you make quicker progress - it often means you’ll need fewer sessions overall.
Your commitment to practice is the most powerful tool in the process. We’ll show you what to do and support you every step of the way—but the change happens because you make it happen.
How Many Speech Therapy Sessions Will I Need for a Lisp?
This varies from person to person. Some people need just a couple of sessions to get started and feel confident continuing on their own. Others prefer more ongoing support, especially if confidence or anxiety around speaking is part of the picture.
We’ll work flexibly with you to build a plan that suits your needs and budget. Some people prefer weekly sessions; others come fortnightly or monthly. The key is consistency and finding a rhythm that works for you.
Is Online Speech Therapy for a Lisp Effective?
Yes - and it’s often the most convenient option. You can attend from home or work, without needing to travel or take time out of your day.
We’ve written more about why online speech therapy works so well in this blog post, but in short: it’s just as effective, more flexible, and easy to access wherever you are.
All you need is a quiet space and a device with a camera—we’ll guide the rest.
Final Thoughts
It’s About Confidence, Not Perfection
A lisp is not a flaw - it’s just one of many ways people speak. But if it’s something you’d like support with, you absolutely can make a change, and we would love to help.
Speech therapy can offer clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of control over how you express yourself - and that can make a real difference.
Ready to Work With Us?
Download our Services and Pricing Guide for more information, including prices and how to book a session.
Once you have reviewed our prices and T+Cs, complete our referral form to get started.
