Anna Pasternak, B.A., M.Sc. (S-LP), Reg. CASLPO

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. Four people sit around a table in Toronto, smiling and interacting with small photos spread out in front of them. One woman laughs while another reaches toward the center. Notebooks and a coffee mug are also on the table.

Tips to help with word finding

We all have been in the middle of a conversation where we have forgotten a word. Often in this situation you can picture what you are talking about, you know exactly what you want to say, but for some reason, the word just will not come out. You might start saying, “You know, the thing…” , or “I can’t think of the word”. Sometimes the word comes back a few seconds later, and other times it suddenly pops into your head after the conversation has already ended or even later in the day. 

Tips to help with word finding Read Post »

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. Two people in business attire sit at an outdoor table with a laptop and smartphones, having a conversation in sunlight. The woman, facing the camera, discusses ASD support for adults in Ontario while the man remains mostly out of focus.

How an Adult Can Benefit from Speech Therapy (You May Not Know You Need It)

Many people assume that because they don’t have a communication disorder, a Speech-Language Pathologist can’t help them. This is where one of the biggest misconceptions lies. Yes, speech therapists work with individuals who have communication delays and disorders, but we also work with adults who simply want to improve or enhance specific aspects of their communication for work, leadership roles, public speaking, or personal confidence.

How an Adult Can Benefit from Speech Therapy (You May Not Know You Need It) Read Post »

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. A person with ADHD writes in a notebook on a wooden desk in Toronto, with a laptop, tablet, coffee cup, glasses, books, and a few instant photos scattered nearby.

Progress in Speech Therapy

Many people believe that they have a speech issue and that within a few sessions it will disappear, allowing them to speak perfectly. In reality, this is not the case. Progress in speech therapy is usually very gradual. The changes are often subtle at first, but even small changes that may not be noticeable to everyone can begin having a positive impact on a client’s overall quality of life and communication confidence.

Progress in Speech Therapy Read Post »

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. A smiling couple holding hands walks along a leaf-covered trail in an autumn Toronto landscape, surrounded by trees and dried grass in warm orange and brown tones.

Accent Modification: Why Sounding Native Shouldn’t Be the Main Target

I have a lot of clients coming to me to work on accent modification in order to be understood more clearly overall. Some even have the goal of wanting to sound like they are from Canada and have their accent sound more like a native speaker. Most often, after discussions with the client during the initial consultation, they usually mean that they want to sound more clear, confident, and be easier understood by others.

Accent Modification: Why Sounding Native Shouldn’t Be the Main Target Read Post »

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. A person with ADHD writes in a notebook on a wooden desk in Toronto, with a laptop, tablet, coffee cup, glasses, books, and a few instant photos scattered nearby.

Why You Sound Clearer When You Write Than When You Speak

I have many professionals, and especially English as a second language speakers, say that they find it easy to form their thoughts in writing, but have a difficult time transferring this to spoken language, especially when they are put on the spot without any structure. Though this is something many people experience, the good news is that there are clear reasons for it, and it can definitely be worked on, practiced, and improved over time.

Why You Sound Clearer When You Write Than When You Speak Read Post »

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. A person in a suit sits on a bench using a laptop, with a tan leather briefcase beside them. The indoor setting, decorated with a small plant, could be an Ontario workspace designed for adults with ADHD seeking focus and productivity.

Using AI vs Working with a Speech-Language Pathologist

Artificial intelligence (AI) in more recent years has become a very common part of people’s daily lives in various ways, but this also includes communication and learning. They are so many different communication tools out there, such as generating exercises, practicing pronunciation, and even simulating conversations. AI can appear to be a very confident cost-effective option for practice for many people working on goals such as speech clarity or professional communication.

Using AI vs Working with a Speech-Language Pathologist Read Post »

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. A busy Toronto restaurant with people sitting at wooden tables, talking and enjoying drinks. Warm lighting hangs above, creating a cozy atmosphere where friends connect, smiles are shared, and even thoughtful moments shine in the heart of Ontario.

Silent Reflux and Voice issues

In speech therapy when we do voice work, we spend a lot of time talking about technique. Breath support, resonance, enunciation, and intonation. But sometimes, even though it feels you are doing everything right, the voice still feels unreliable. It may crack more easily, get tired faster, and just doesn’t sound the way it used too. When this happens, many people assume they need to practice more or push through it. Though, the issue may have  little to do with vocal technique, and more to do with what’s happening in the digestive system.

Silent Reflux and Voice issues Read Post »

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. A smiling couple walks hand in hand down a grassy path through a field with autumn foliage, dressed in cozy fall clothing.

Can’t Remember Your Words?

Are you sometimes talking and all of a sudden you blank because the word you are trying to use just isn’t coming to mind? Well, this is something we call word finding or word retrieval. Having difficulties finding words is something that happens to everyone at some point or another.

Can’t Remember Your Words? Read Post »

WELL SAID: TORONTO SPEECH THERAPY. A person in business attire sits on a black bench, typing on a laptop, with a tan leather briefcase resting on their lap. The background shows a light-colored room with a potted plant.

SLP vs OT vs PT: What’s The Difference?

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), Occupational therapy (OT), and Physical therapy (PT) are all types of rehabilitation therapy. Rehabilitation therapy provides assessment and treatment for people to help regain their function whether it be there speech/language, physical, or everyday life skills. Here we will discuss each individual therapy and the similarities and differences between all three professions.

SLP vs OT vs PT: What’s The Difference? Read Post »

Scroll to Top