Ben Green

Based in London (Archway)

Speech and Language Therapist

I realised how important speech and language therapy is during a research placement, as part of my MSci Psychology and Language Sciences studies, at UCL. I was investigating therapists’ experiences of a novel approach to mental healthcare for adults with a learning disability. Here I learnt about the innovative tools and strategies employed so that individuals with communication difficulties could access psychotherapy - something I went on to learn was called ‘augumentative and alternative communication’. I was fascinated in how something as simple as a communication board or Makaton signing could improve an individual’s quality of life and give them a voice, per se, which ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in speech and language therapy.

I appreciate how speech and language therapy has evolved from a field of correcting speech, language etc. to empowering people to enjoy communicating. Access to and participation in society are equally as important as strengthening a particular communication skill. I believe in adopting a holistic approach whereby the psychosocial wellbeing of my clients is central to all aspects of my clinical practice.

My favourite word is scintillant meaning ‘to sparkle’. Many people regard light as a source of hope and a tool to guide us through life. Therefore, scintillant, which resembles a magnificent burst of light, invokes thoughts of aspiration, desire and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

AAC
Advocacy
Learning disability
Autism
Motor Speech Disorders
Palin Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Early Childhood Stammering
Makaton Level One
Makaton Level Two
Makaton for Babies and Families
Using Makaton with Singing