Adult Services
Adult Services:
-
Accent modification coaching- Standard American English
-
Aural rehabilitation therapy
(deaf and hard-of-hearing clients with cochlear implants)​
-
Fluency/Stuttering
-
Parent/teacher in-services & consultations
Accent Modification
Coaching
Accents are a meaningful part of personal identity, reflecting cultural heritage and life experiences. However, when patterns from a native language carry over into English, they can make it harder for listeners to quickly or accurately understand a message. This can lead to challenges in professional or academic settings, affect relationships with colleagues, clients, or teachers, and occasionally impact self-confidence. Our accent modification coaching is designed to help clients communicate more clearly and effectively - empowering them to succeed in school, at work, and in everyday interactions.
Each program begins with a comprehensive evaluation, followed by weekly sessions offered in-person or via telehealth. While every plan is tailored to individual goals, most programs run for approximately 12 weeks. During sessions, clients gain awareness of differences between their native language patterns and American English, and practice new speech patterns, rhythms, and sounds through guided instruction and feedback. Areas of focus can include:
​
-
Listening and Ear Training - Developing the ability to hear and produce the subtle sound differences between languages​
​​
-
Speech Sound Production - Learning accurate tongue and lip placements for clearer pronunciation​
​​
-
Stress, Intonation, and Rhythm - Modifying patterns to match natural English speech flow
​​
-
Professional Communication Skills - Public speaking, interviews, presentations, and workplace interactions
​​
-
Personalized Goals - Career advancement, academic success, or increased ease in social conversations
With the right strategies and feedback, you'll feel more comfortable, confident, and ready to share your ideas with the world. Our approach is not about eliminating an accent, but about expanding communication skills. Clients leave with improved intelligibility, stronger self-esteem, and tools they can apply in any professional or personal setting. Clear speech opens doors - we will help you walk through them!
​
Aural Rehabilitation
Listening With Cochlear Implants
Word Works offers specialized services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults. Few speech-language pathologists in the Bay Area have the depth of training and experience that Tamara brings to clients with hearing aids and cochlear implants. With over 25 years of collaboration with the Deaf community and those affected by hearing loss, Tamara has developed a deep understanding of how to help individuals learn to listen and communicate more effectively - whether they are new to hearing through a cochlear implant or continuing to refine their skills.
Therapy sessions are engaging, personalized, and designed to meet each client's unique listening needs. Tamara uses a combination of visual cues, phonics, pictures, written supports, and Amerivan Sign Language to make learning both effective and enjoyable. Her approach includes:
​
-
Building Listening Skills - Learning to recognize environmental sounds, speech patterns, and conversational cues
​
-
Auditory Discrimination - Strengthening the ability to tell similar sounds apart
​
-
Language Growth - Expanding vocabulary and sentence structure through listening and speaking activities
​
-
Speech Sound Development -Improving articulation and clarity when needed
​
-
Family & Friend Involvement - Strategies to make everyday communication more successful
-
Daily Practice Plans - Practical exercises to reinforce new skills between sessions
​​
Sessions are offered via teletherapy and occasionally in-person in the East Bay. Every client's journey is different, so therapy takes into account the history of hearing loss, years of deafness, auditory processing abilities, and personal goals. Tamara works closely with her client's audiologists, surgeons, and family members. She is known for her supportive, encouraging style - celebrating every step forward and making therapy a positive, confidence-building, and enjoyable experience.
I am here to answer questions and guide you on your communication journey!
Schedule a FREE 20 minute telephone consultation today!
