Holistic Approaches to Speech Therapy | Speech Therapist in NYC

Holistic Approaches to Speech Therapy: Integrating Mind, Body and Communication

I know you probably don’t hear the words “speech therapy” and “meditation” spoken too often together, but holistic practices like meditation and mindfulness practices can effectively connect to communication in surprising ways. By integrating the mind, body and ability to communicate, meditation can empower children to use their voices with improved confidence and overall well-being.

How can meditation and mindfulness help with communication?

Using mediation and mindfulness in speech therapy is a novel concept. Let me explain how incorporating holistic treatments like meditation and mindfulness can also help improve your child’s communication abilities in surprising and exciting ways!

We begin with mindfulness of the breath.

As a crucial foundation to speaking, making sounds requires good breath support. It also requires coordinated, smooth movements of your lips, jaw, cheeks and tongue.

In fact, the act of speaking actually involves many, small acrobatic movements in your mouth. Perhaps think of your child – as a highly trained, skilled acrobatic – when they’re communicating with you. Bravo! They deserve a round of applause when asking for that cup of water!

When teaching children mindfulness I begin with attention to the breath. Encouraging awareness of the inhale and exhale, as they build awareness of the present moment.

Maybe I invite them to notice the breath at the level of the nostrils. Bringing attention to the cool air coming in and the warm air traveling out. Perhaps bringing awareness to the rise and fall of the belly. Or noticing the subtle space between the inhale and the exhale.

Bringing awareness to the breath improves a child’s ability to use their diaphragm for effective vocal hygiene and also teaches them the healthy foundations needed for successful speech productions. Strong breath support involves adequate inhalation and exhalation as you speak, along with breathing from the diaphragm Similarly, in meditation and mindfulness the foundation of any practice involves connecting with the breath.

In meditation practices we first connect to the breath; learning how to build curiosity around all the textures and sensations of just breathing.

We are practicing remaining present within one singular moment; improving focus, attention and resilience; building a sense of comfort and ease with “the now moment.”

We continue into mindfulness of thoughts and emotions.

Meditation teaches a child how to calm their mind and be in the present moment.

The breath is a gateway into the present moment. Meditation naturally teaches a child how to calm their mind. I often use pictures, images, and visualizations to demonstrate how feelings, thoughts, and emotions are always being created and ever-changing. Like a passing storm, one’s thoughts and emotions will pass and change as well.

I often invite children to notice their thoughts and emotions with non-judgment. Noticing them and allowing them to pass like clouds in the sky, ever so gently. This awareness of the changing nature of thoughts and emotions can lead to greater emotional regulation and clarity.

The Importance of Empathy and Compassion

One of the most important aspects of mindfulness is the teachings of compassion and empathy.

In mindfulness teachings an emphasis on self-compassion and empathy for others is fostered.

Metta meditations are mindfulness practices that foster love, joy, and peace in oneself and others.

I will often close each sit with a metta meditation practice and an invitation to explore one’s feelings of love, peace, and well-being. I invite each child to place a hand on their heart while breathing in peace and love to themselves; breathing out peace and love to the world.

As we learn to have greater compassion and love for ourselves; our capacity to demonstrate empathy for others grows too – like a tiny seed that has been planted in your garden. Your seeds of self-love and compassion for others will grow.

We must tend to our seeds of self-love and compassion to grow our beautiful gardens.

Perhaps, with the right conditions and care; your capacity for self-love and empathy can blossom into a glorious beautiful garden – full of magnificent growing flowers!

The Powerful Ripple Effects of Gratitude

Lastly, gratitude is a super power. Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools in our toolboxes. Gratitude is a very powerful emotion that can have instant positive benefits to your life and your child’s life.

Expressing and feeling gratitude can lead to increased feelings of happiness and well-being.

I often encourage a child to keep a gratitude journal and to write down 5 things daily that they are grateful for. I invite them to think about the people, places, or things (big and small) that bring them happiness, joy, and peace.

Closing Thoughts from a Speech Therapist & Mindfulness Teacher in NYC

In building our muscles of empathy, compassion, and gratitude – we can build an understanding of ourselves and each other; creating inner and outer peace; becoming a shining beacon of light in this world.

At Chatty Child, we’re here to help you and your child grow with confidence and care. Our team of highly trained professionals brings compassion, expertise, and creativity to every session.

To book a meditation session with Heather Lynn Boerner MA CCC/SLP please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451

Heather Lynn Boerner MA CCC/SLP is now a 150-hour trained meditation and mindfulness teacher, completed by The Path‘s Meditation Teacher Training (MTT.) You can learn more about their teaching training program and their founder, Dina Kaplan at: www.thepath.com

Sincerely,

Heather Lynn Boerner MA CCC/SLP

Discover Speech Therapy in NYC

Every child’s voice matters. Through a holistic approach to speech therapy, we nurture more than communication. At Chatty Child Speech & Occupational Therapy, we nurture confidence, connection, and compassion. By integrating empathy, mindfulness, and personalized support, your child can grow in both expression and self-understanding.

If you’re seeking a heart-centered path to support your child’s communication, here’s how to begin:

Book a free 15-minute phone call to discuss your child’s needs, ask questions, and determine if we’re a good fit.
Schedule an initial consultation and assessment session to better understand your child’s strengths and set therapy goals.
Begin ongoing treatment sessions tailored to support communication and whole-child development.
Watch your child build not only speech skills, but also inner confidence and joy.

Other Therapy Services Available at Chatty Child in NYC

In addition to holistic speech therapy, we offer a range of supportive services for children and families:

InterAct – A theater-based therapy program blending performance and communication skills.
Occupational Therapy – Helps build motor skills, sensory processing, and daily function.
Teletherapy – Remote speech and occupational therapy for NY residents.
Tutoring – Academic support in reading, writing, and creative arts.
Functional Nutrition – Nutritional guidance to support whole-child wellness.
Consulting – Expert guidance for families, educators, and therapy teams.
Programs – Group classes and learning labs to support development in fun, engaging ways.

About the Author: Heather Lynn Boerner MA CCC/SLP

Heather Lynn Boerner MA CCC/SLP is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience providing quality speech therapy to children within New York City. Heather is also a certified mindfulness & meditation teacher, trauma-informed therapist, and neuro-diverse learner. She has lived with a lifelong disability herself, which guided her to create Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC over a decade ago. Her mission is to help other children and families gain support and understanding, and share in a positive community.

Heather and her team of speech and occupational therapists at Chatty Child are here to help your child grow, learn, and create possibilities through creative, compassionate, empowering care; in-person at our clinic in Tribeca, Manhattan, New York & online throughout New York State.

Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC

Creating Possibilities .. one child at a time ..

Chatty Child Provides Pediatric Speech & Occupational Therapy & Classes in Tribeca, Manhattan, NYC – In Person at 325 Broadway Suite 403 New York, NY 10007 & serving the entire state of New York including: NYC, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Long Island via online therapy in New York State.