Where does therapy happen?
At Communication Pathways, we believe therapy can happen anywhere that is important and meaningful to a person’s life.
Communication and swallowing don’t only matter in a clinic room – they matter at the local café, the supermarket checkout, the pub quiz, the workplace, the GP surgery and the family dinner table.
Our community-based, goal-orientated approach starts with what matters most to you. We work together to set goals that reflect your everyday life, then practise those skills in the real places where you need them.
Working this way builds confidence, makes progress last, and keeps therapy focused on getting back to doing the things you enjoy, with the people you care about.
Is FND ‘all in the head’ or psychological?
No. While psychological factors may contribute to FND, the symptoms are neurological and genuinely disabling.
FND is recognised as a neurological condition by major health organisations. However, psychological support and anxiety management are often valuable components of comprehensive management.
Can speech and language therapy help with FND?
Yes. Evidence supports the effectiveness of speech and language therapy for FND-related communication and swallowing difficulties.
Speech and Language Therapy can be transformative when combined with appropriate medical care and multidisciplinary support.
How long does therapy take?
This varies depending on the individual, severity of difficulties, and response to intervention.
Some individuals show rapid improvement, while others may require longer-term support. Your therapist will discuss realistic timescales during the initial assessment.
Will my speech/swallowing ever return to normal?
Many individuals with FND achieve significant functional improvement or complete resolution of communication and swallowing difficulties with appropriate treatment.
However, individual outcomes vary, and realistic discussion with your therapist about goals and prognosis is important.
Why is my condition so variable?
Variability is a recognised feature of FND. Symptoms often improve in certain contexts (such as when distracted, relaxed, or engaged in automatic activities) and worsen in others.
This is not a sign of deception or lack of commitment to therapy – it’s how FND typically presents and is an important feature in recognising the condition.
Do I need a medical diagnosis before seeing a SLT?
While a neurological diagnosis is helpful, many people benefit from Speech and Language Therapy assessment and support even during the diagnostic process.
If you’re experiencing communication or swallowing difficulties, contact us to discuss whether we can help.
If you would like to discuss a referral, request a quote, or explore how specialist ABI speech and language therapy can support you or your client, please get in touch.