Sarah Geiger Speech Pathology

About

ABOUT THE CLINIC

Sarah Lobegeiger is a fully qualified Speech Pathologist (MA Speech Pathology - La Trobe University) who specialises in vocal therapy and rehabilitation as well as accent modification and reduction.

An experienced operatic soprano, she is equipped to address the demands of a performing career on vocal output and can successfully rehabilitate and maximise vocal technique.

She offers accent reduction for a broad spectrum of non-native English speakers with considerable experience for speakers of Korean and Chinese, Slavic based languages (Russian, Croatian etc) as well as Spanish, Italian, Greek etc.

Speech Pathology Services: Accent Reduction/ Modification, Voice Therapy for Performers, Voice Therapy & Rehabilitation, Therapy for Stuttering, Language & Literacy

HOW DO SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS WORK WITH MULTI-CULTURALLY DIVERSE CLIENTS TO REDUCE/MODIFY ACCENT?

According to Speech Pathology Australia, the official registration organisation for Speech Pathologists in Australia, Speech Pathologists are often engaged by non-native speakers to assist in the areas of speech intelligibility. Intelligibility enhancement is identified as an appropriate therapy goal if the client’s Australian English productions are difficult to understand. It is common for clients to report difficulties in “day-to-day communication” as a consequence of their native accent. Additionally clients may hold concerns about the impact of their speech production on their ability to access gainful employment.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN ACCENT REDUCTION THERAPY?

The clinician will take a case history/ medical history for the client to determine any information relevant to the therapy process. This information will be stored in confidential files. The clinician respect patient confidentiality at all times according to the Code of Ethics for Professional practice issued by Speech Pathology Australia.

Assessment of the client’s language usage, in particular their command of the Speech Sounds for the English language will be undertaken. Assessment will occur at the syllable, word, sentence and spontaneous speech level. Assessment will examine individual sound production of the consonants and vowels required for Australian speech as well as consideration of prosody/ intonation (the “music” of speech), naturalness and intelligibility.

Upon identification of therapy targets, the clinician will place the client on a home practice regimen and with consultation schedule that suits both parties. It is critical that home practice is undertaken to achieve improvement.

The clinician will meet with the client and measure progress using probes to determine accuracy ratings. Scores will be measured and plotted to determine acquisition of the therapy targets.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MODIFYING OR REDUCING YOUR ACCENT, PLEASE CONTACT SARAH GEIGER SPEECH PATHOLOGY.

THE TEACHING VOICE.

Are you a teacher who loses their voice? By the end of term are you struggling to speak above the classroom din, have you difficulty singing clearly, do you sound hoarse often with a voice like a cabaret star? Teachers comprise one of the largest groups of professional voice users. So much of your work is contingent upon voice projection: teaching a lesson in large classrooms, coordinating action on the sports field, projecting your voice over the playground. Most of you speak up to 7 hours a day alone at school, let alone the demands of preserving your voice for social pursuits. If you are struggling to rely on your voice to do your job, contact Sarah Geiger Speech Pathology for a comprehensive voice assessment. She will give you strategies for minimising vocal trauma and increase the acoustic efficiency of your voice with strategies tailored to your needs as a teacher.