Private Speech and Language Therapy in
North and North West London
The Speech Service is an independent speech and language therapy practice providing private speech and language therapy for adults and children across North and North West London and the surrounding areas.
Founded in 2018 by Emma Flax, the practice brings together a small team of experienced therapists who support children and adults with a wide range of speech, language and communication needs.
Whatever the concern, the aim is the same: to understand what is causing difficulty, explain it clearly, and agree a way forward that suits you and your family. Support may involve therapy, advice and strategies to use at home, or simply a clearer understanding of what is going on.
What We Do
Everybody who gets in touch has different needs, so support always begins by finding out what is causing concern and what matters most to you. The sections below explain how the process generally works, from first contact through to therapy and follow-up.
Getting started
The first step is a short telephone call or an email, whichever you prefer. You can tell us a little about your concerns, and we will pass you to the therapist best suited to your needs, who will be in touch to talk things through. There is nothing to prepare in advance; it is simply a conversation.
Initial Assessment
An initial assessment generally lasts 60-90 minutes, or 90-120 minutes where a more comprehensive assessment is needed. It includes a detailed case history, liaison with family members or other people involved in your care (with your consent), and a combination of informal observation and formal assessment using standardised materials. Findings and next steps are discussed with you at the end of the session, and there is no obligation to continue on to therapy afterwards.
Therapy Sessions
Where therapy is recommended, sessions are typically 50 minutes long and usually take place in weekly blocks of 6-8 sessions. At the end of each block, progress is reviewed together and a plan is agreed for the next steps. Longer, shorter or fortnightly packages are also available, and follow-up reviews are offered where therapy is not indicated at the time. Sessions are always shaped around individual goals rather than a fixed programme.
Working With Others
Speech and language therapy tends to work best when everybody involved is pulling in the same direction. The practice works closely with case managers, families, GPs, consultants and other healthcare professionals to keep care well coordinated.
Therapists can attend multidisciplinary meetings or liaise with other professionals by phone, whichever is most useful.
Written Reports
Written reports are available as an optional extra, and can be provided following an assessment or a block of therapy sessions. A report may be useful for schools, employers or other professionals involved in your care. If you would like one, this can simply be arranged when your sessions are booked.
Where We Work
Home visits are at the heart of what we do: most clients are seen in their own homes, and therapists also regularly visit children at their schools and nurseries. Clinic sessions are available in Hendon, Mill Hill and Friern Barnet for a small surcharge, and online sessions are also offered, which may suit review appointments, follow-up work or clients who prefer not to travel.
We support clients throughout North and North West London and the surrounding areas, with slightly different areas covered for adults and for children. For children, we cover Hendon, Barnet, Shenley, Bushey, Borehamwood, Radlett, Watford, Enfield, Stevenage, Colindale and the surrounding areas. For adults, we cover Hendon, Finchley, Golders Green, Woodside Park, Totteridge & Whetstone, Borehamwood, Mill Hill, Edgware, Highgate, Queen's Park, Kensal Rise, Notting Hill and the surrounding areas. If you are slightly outside these areas, it is still worth getting in touch, as we may be able to help or suggest alternatives.
Our Team
The Speech Service is a small team of adult and paediatric speech and language therapists, each with their own specialist interests. All of our therapists are registered with the HCPC and have the relevant qualifications and training. You can read more about each therapist, and the services they offer, on our Child Services and Adult Services pages.