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When Breathing Feels Hard—but Asthma Isn’t the Answer
Understanding Paradoxical Vocal Dysfunction (EILO) and How Speech Therapy Can Help If you or your child feel short of breath during exercise, sports, or even everyday activities—and asthma treatments haven’t helped—you’re not alone. Many people are told they have asthma, use inhalers faithfully, and still struggle to breathe. For a large number of these individuals, the real issue isn’t the lungs at all—it’s the voice box. At True Self Speech Therapy , we specialize in treati
Anne Shaknis Quirk
3 days ago3 min read


Relearning to Connect: Using Texting as Functional Therapy for Aphasia
Recently, I worked with a client who has fluent aphasia —a language disorder that affects how people understand and express words, often following a stroke or brain injury. My client was motivated to return to work, where texting was a key part of his communication. Rather than focusing solely on traditional paper-and-pencil writing tasks, we incorporated his cell phone directly into therapy. This kind of therapy may sound modern, but it’s also deeply functional —and it’s su
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Oct 142 min read


Top 5 Misconceptions About Accent Modification Therapy
When people hear the phrase accent modification , they often have mixed feelings or even misunderstand what it actually means. At True...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Sep 82 min read


When Words Get Stuck: Treating Perseveration in Aphasia
Recently, I worked with a client who was experiencing language difficulties after a neurological injury. One of the biggest challenges...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Sep 32 min read


When Your Connective Tissue Affects Your Voice: Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome and Speech Therapy
At True Self Speech Therapy, we specialize in helping adults with complex neurological and voice concerns. Over the past two years, we’ve...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Aug 132 min read


How Digital Technology Is Connecting People With Parkinson’s Disease to the Community They Deserve
During the pandemic and beyond, many of us discovered just how essential technology could be—not only for accessing services, but for...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Apr 302 min read


ALS Diagnosis Brings Attention to a Critical Need: Speech Therapy & Communication Support
Actor Eric Dane recently shared his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Apr 182 min read


World Voice Day 2025: Exploring Laryngeal Motor Control in Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders
April 16th marks World Voice Day , a time to honor the power, nuance, and necessity of the human voice. As a speech-language pathologist...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Apr 153 min read


Enhancing Business Communication Through Accent Modification
At True Self Speech Therapy, we believe that every voice deserves to be heard and respected. Accents are a natural part of language and...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Feb 102 min read


Finding Relief: Manual Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors with Dysphagia
I am passionate about helping survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC). These clients often face long-term challenges following radiation...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Feb 102 min read


Don’t Overlook This Quiet Symptom of Concussion
At True Self Speech Therapy , we specialize in helping individuals recover from neurological injuries, including concussions and brain...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Jan 292 min read


Integrating Mind–Body Practices into Speech Therapy: Yoga, Meditation, and More
At True Self Speech Therapy, we believe in a holistic approach to communication and cognitive health. A growing body of research (see...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Dec 7, 20242 min read


New Insights into Managing Dysarthria in Neurodegenerative Diseases
At True Self Speech Therapy , we are committed to delivering the latest, evidence-based interventions to support individuals with...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Dec 5, 20243 min read


The Impact of EMST on Chronic Cough: A Study of Promising Results
Chronic refractory cough (CRC) is a challenging condition for patients and healthcare providers alike. When traditional medical...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Sep 19, 20243 min read


Understanding the Role of Care Partners in Voice Therapy
Voice therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for individuals with voice disorders. While the focus is often on the patient, recent...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Jul 15, 20242 min read


Embracing a New Way of Manual Therapy: A Patient-Centered Approach at True Self Speech Therapy
I am continuously looking at newly published research in an effort to provide the best possible care for my patients. Recent advances in...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Jun 5, 20243 min read


Unaddressed Hearing Impairment: A Link to Cognitive Strain and Brain Changes Revealed by New Study
At True Self Speech Therapy , we understand the intricate connection between hearing health and cognitive well-being. Recent research...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Jan 4, 20242 min read


Harnessing the Power of Manual Therapy for Voice
Are you seeking a holistic approach to improve your voice and speech? At True Self Speech Therapy , we integrate a unique and effective...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Dec 4, 20232 min read


Identifying What Often Goes Unnoticed: Executive Function Therapy After Stroke
At True Self Speech Therapy , we understand the profound impact executive function has on our clients' lives. From planning and...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Nov 29, 20232 min read


Maximizing Speech Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: Integrating Cognitive Tasks
At True Self Speech Therapy , our commitment to comprehensive care for Parkinson's Disease (PD) extends beyond addressing speech...
Anne Shaknis Quirk
Nov 27, 20232 min read
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