SING  SPEAK  SWALLOW

Offering speech therapy services for children and adults in Puyallup, WA

We can help!

  • Voice

    Dysphonia is any voice disorder that impacts vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort. Voice disorders have many causes, including functional causes (yelling, excessive throat clearing, inefficient voice use), structural abnormalities (vocal nodules, cysts, polyps, inflammation, laryngeal trauma), neurologic diagnoses (Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, spasmodic dysphonia, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis), or other causes (chronic stress, conversion disorders). An individual with dysphonia might experience::

    hoarse/rough/breathy/strained/strangled voice quality

    abnormal pitch (too high, too low, pitch breaks, decreased range)

    abnormal loudness (too high, too low, decreased range)

    abnormal resonance (hypernasal, hyponasal, cul-de-sac resonance)

    weak voice

    vocal tremors

    running out of breath

    limited vocal endurance (voice tires quickly)

    pain or tightness with voice use

  • Singing & Professional Voice

    Singers and other professional voice users (actors, teachers, clergy, attorneys, receptionists, etc.) may experience a variety of voice difficulties due to the high demands placed on the voice. Skilled voice therapy can help to reduce:

    vocal fatigue

    decreased vocal loudness

    decreased pitch range

    pain with voice use

    strain or change in vocal tone

  • Upper Airway

    The primary function of the larynx is to act as a valve to protect the airway. Sometimes, this valve function becomes disordered. Therapy may target any of the following diagnoses:

    chronic cough

    throat clearing

    paradoxical vocal fold movement

    exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction

  • Swallowing

    Dysphagia is any swallowing disorder that impacts the oral cavity (mouth), pharynx (throat), or esophagus. Difficulty swallowing can affect hydration and nutritional status, lung health, and enjoyment of eating. Though more common in adults, swallow disorders also affect children. An individual with dysphagia might experience:

    coughing/throat clearing during or after eating/drinking

    wet or gurgly voice after eating/drinking

    food or liquid leaking out of the mouth while eating/drinking

    globus sensation (feels like food gets stuck)

    pain with swallowing

  • Speech

    A speech disorder refers to a problem with how an individual says sounds or words. Speech disorders can be developmental or acquired, affecting adults and children.

    Examples of speech disorders include:

    apraxia of speech

    dysarthria

    dysfluency (stuttering or cluttering)

    speech sound disorders (articulation and phonological disorders)

  • Language

    A language disorder refers to a problem with the rule-based word system represented in the brain. Language disorders can be developmental or acquired, affecting adults and children.

    Examples of language disorders include:

    aphasia

    agraphia (acquired difficulty with spelling/writing)

    alexia (acquired difficulty with reading)

    childhood language disorders (developmental language disorder or specific language impairment)

    learning disabilities (difficulty with reading, spelling, writing)

MISSION

Help children and adults find their voices by providing high-quality, person-centered therapy services targeting disorders of voice, upper airway, speech, language, and swallowing.

VISION

A world in which all people can think creatively, express their authentic selves freely, sing confidently, and swallow without fear.

We provide high-quality care by combining the best available scientific evidence with the lived experiences and perspectives of each client. We are committed to lifelong learning and cultural humility.

We provide person-centered therapy by listening to and collaborating with clients to create individualized care plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. We are committed to making a personal connection with each client.

VALUES

  • We are committed to lifelong learning and self-reflection in order to respect individuals of diverse backgrounds and to build honest and trustworthy relationships.

  • We partner with clients, family members, caregivers, and other professionals on the care team in order to provide the highest level of care.

  • We seek to understand the client perspective and take actions to help in a kind and caring way.

  • We believe that solving problems and designing individualized care plans require imaginative and original ideas.

Contact

Thank you for your interest in Sing Speak Swallow! For questions about therapy services, scheduling an initial consult, or something else, please reach out!